In this work Elliot N. Dorff explores the historical meaning of the concept of 'tikkun olam'. He begins in Mishnaic times and traces it to our own contemporary world. He then considers a number of specific areas in which the concept of 'tikkun olam ' is specially relevant. He concludes with the following summary.
"Our ultimate goal in tikkun olam, then is a world at peace.That, as we have seen, does not just mean a cessation of hostilities.It also means a world in which we have the blessings of children, a Jewish state in the land of Israel to which Jewiish exiles can and do come to live, prosperity, health, procedural and substantive justice, recognition of Israel's God and of Torah values as authoritative, and peace."
Dorff writes that working for such values will give us a sense of having meaning in our lives . He stresses that such actions must be taken as cooperative covenantal action with God.
This work is commendable and inspiring.
I have only one difficulty with it. Given the conflict- ridden violent world we live in, the tremendous dangers facing the Free world as a whole, and most especially Israel it would seem to me that more stress should have been made on the whole concept of dealing with dangers and threats, the whole concept of self- defense and survival.
Nonetheless this is a fine and highly recommended work of Jewish thought.