The concept of Tikkun Olam is a broad one, meaning different things to different people. At Netzer, we equate it to Social Action, but are currently working on a definition that includes a spiritual aspect, so that what we do is deepened by a spiritual understanding.
One of the main Tikkun goals for this year is to promote awareness of privilege (and diversity), as well as to increase our involvement in creating change in our own and other communities. We feel strongly that we gain just as much from the people we work with/ the work we do, as they gain from us, and that a continued relationship, rather than a once-off visit, makes a sustainable, long-term difference in the lives of everyone involved.
In Cape Town, we have formed a connection with Siyakhula playschool in Masiphumelele, an informal settlement. This relationship will hopefully have a positive effect on members of Netzer, as they are creating change in a disadvantaged community and experiencing a way of living that many of them have not been exposed to before, as well as benefitting the children we work with.
In Johannesburg we have recently started taking the older age group to Princess Alice adoption home where we got a chance to help with feeding and washing the many babies that the orphanage protects.
We also started Nitzan – a group for grades seven to nine which focuses on the creation of a social action project or fundraiser. The idea is for the participants to create this project themselves and bring about real, positive change.
With our younger channichim, the two big Snifim have started Tikkun Days, which will be held once or twice a term. These link Social Action to a public/ Jewish holiday, so that younger channichim, too, can begin to have a positive impact on our country. The first of these was held on our mini- machaneh, where we made sleeping bags for refugees, linking homelessness to the story of Pesach.
Netzer has begun to be more actively involved in making a difference, and we would like to see this continuing to flourish. Through Tikkun Olam, we hope to develop Netzerniks who are involved in outreach because they want to be, who see the importance of this work, who understand the needs of others and who accept the responsibility that comes with being a privileged, educated young person in our country.
Tikkun Olam- Goals for 2010
To make Netzerniks aware of differences within our society( financial, educational, cultural..)and our privileged position with it.
To create awareness of current environmental issues and how we can make a difference, both in our own lives and in the wider community.
To have regular social action programme that includes both making a difference and maddie/ maddie-channie bonding.
To create a sustainable difference in the lives of those in the community who are not as privileged as we are.
To instil the values of social responsibility and the will to help others (in a sustainable way) within the members of our movement, so that Netzerniks take initiative and grow through Tikkun Olam.
