The Jewish Approach to Repairing the World: A Brief Introduction for Christians

Dorff, a professor of philosophy at the American Jewish University, and Willson, a student of divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary, claim that Jews and Christians will better understand each other if they learn that both religions share the concern for tikkun olam, repairing the world. This debatable assertion enables them to cite Christian and Jewish sources in their effort to explain tikkun olam. They limit the term to social interactions and practices such as helping poor people, avoiding foul language and gossip, telling the truth (with exceptions), visiting the sick (and sitting down with them), comforting mourners and rejoicing with bridal couples. Within the family, harmonious relationships with spouses, parents and children are deemed to be part of tikkun olam. Concern for the environment is not discussed in order to keep a strict focus on the human and social realm. This book usefully prescribes proper interpersonal relationships according to Judaism and Christianity. The tenuous relationship between this subject and the obligation to repair the world is, however, thinly presented. Dorff and Willson have given us a useful but limited book on human relationships. The yet-to-be written comprehensive book on tikkun olam awaits new authors and a fresh approach. (Dec.)