Core Values and Initiatives
Through its activities, Tikkun has developed values, deepened its messages, and established partnerships with various organizations. Below are key principles that help define the movement:
Unity that Gives Space
Israeli society has historically oscillated between the concept of the "melting pot," which sought to homogenize the Jewish population, and multiculturalism, which emphasizes diversity. While inclusivity and pluralism are essential, there is also a need to take responsibility for the shared social fabric. The idea of "Unity that Gives Space" encapsulates this balance between togetherness and individuality.
Heritage-Based Enlightenment
Western societies often experience tensions between enlightenment values and religious traditions. We reject the dichotomy between the two. A society that upholds individual liberties and democratic principles does not need to erase its traditions. Likewise, a deep connection to Jewish heritage and its wisdom does not require alienation from democratic values such as justice and human rights. Rather, these traditions and values can engage in a mutually enriching dialogue, a discourse that has unfortunately been sidelined in the public sphere.
Traditionalism
The binary distinction between "religious" and "secular" is prevalent in Israel. However, a significant portion of Jews find this categorization limiting to their identity. Traditionalism appeals to both young and older generations as a meaningful and relevant approach to Jewish identity. Many educators see it as a gateway to a Jewish identity that resonates deeply with Israeli life. Tikun has played a key role in establishing and supporting various movements dedicated to traditionalism and is at the forefront of its renewal.
The Promise of Sephardi and Mizrahi Heritage
At the founding of the state, many looked to the openness and moderation embodied in the Sephardic and Mizrahi worlds of poetry and scholarship. Though figures like former President Yitzhak Navon championed this heritage, its full promise remains unfulfilled. Tikun is committed to revitalizing this Jewish legacy—not merely as nostalgia, but as a source of blessing for Israeli society. Love for Israel, commitment to the collective, and openness to cultural influences beyond Judaism are values deeply embedded in this tradition. Furthermore, the Jewish intellectual contributions to the Arab-Muslim world—including figures like Maimonides and Saadia Gaon—highlight the potential for cultural dialogue in our region.
Selected Values and Initiatives
Tikkun’s activities have given rise to values, deeper messages, and partnerships with various organizations. Below are some key concepts that help explain the movement.
Togetherness That Gives Space
At different points in Israel’s history, the idea of a "melting pot" emerged, aiming to unify Jews in Israel. Given the challenges in implementing this approach, multiculturalism later became the prevailing framework. While it is important to embrace diversity and plurality in Israeli life, it is equally crucial to take responsibility for shared spaces and collective identity. The concept of "togetherness that gives space" encapsulates this value as a guiding principle.
Heritage-Based Enlightenment
Western societies today experience tensions between enlightenment values and faith-based traditions.
We reject the notion that enlightenment and heritage are inherently opposed. Respecting the freedoms of a country’s citizens and their right to choose their way of life does not require the erasure of heritage. Likewise, fostering a deep connection to Jewish tradition and its accumulated wisdom does not necessitate alienation from democratic values such as individual freedoms and justice. In fact, these perspectives can complement one another, forming a productive and enriching dialogue—one that, unfortunately, has been sidelined in public discourse.
Traditionalism
The distinction between "religious" and "secular" is widely accepted in Israel. However, many Jews—constituting a significant percentage of the population—find this binary limiting when it comes to defining their identity.
Traditionalism is increasingly appealing to both younger and older generations alike. Educators see it as an avenue for engaging with Jewish identity in a meaningful way, one that resonates deeply with Israeli life. Tikkun has been instrumental in establishing and engaging with various movements connected to traditionalism, and together with its members and partners, it is leading a renewal in this field.
The Sephardi and Mizrahi Heritage: A Promise
When Israel was founded, many looked toward the moderation and openness found in Sephardi liturgical and cultural traditions. Important figures, such as former President Yitzhak Navon, played a role in strengthening this form of Judaism. However, this promise has largely remained unfulfilled.
Tikkun sees it as its mission to bring this Jewish heritage to the forefront—not merely as a nostalgic artifact, but as a source of blessing for the shared life of all Israeli citizens. Values such as Ahavat Yisrael (love of fellow Jews), commitment to Klal Yisrael (Jewish unity), and openness to external cultural influences are all deeply embedded in the writings and poetry of Sephardi and Mizrahi Judaism. Additionally, the Jewish heritage that flourished within the Arab-Muslim cultural sphere—including the works of towering figures like Maimonides and Saadia Gaon—remains highly relevant, as does the strong connection to the music of our region.
Tikun After October 7
The devastating events of October 7 created a profound trauma that continues to shape Israeli society. This tragedy has compelled us to refine our messages and our mission. Tikun, which has always emphasized unity and the building of meaningful lives in Israel, has found these values to be even more crucial since that day. We work alongside many organizations to foster hope, resilience, and healing in the face of this national trauma.
One of the most pressing questions in Israeli society today is: "What are we fighting for?" Soldiers who risked their lives, families who lost loved ones, the wounded, and the entire nation are searching for meaning. Tikun has organized resilience conferences across the country, yet we recognize that Israeli society must define a moral and cultural compass to navigate this storm. We are committed to strengthening Israel’s self-understanding and fostering steadfastness in academic and intellectual discourse.
Tikun’s Mission and Activities
Tikun operates to renew Israeli society and culture through a traditionalist Jewish lens that is responsive to contemporary challenges in Israel and the Jewish world. Our key efforts include:
- Promoting values of peace, justice, human dignity, mutual responsibility, and democracy, rooted in Jewish heritage.
- Influencing influencers, through a broad volunteer network that includes social change leaders, academics, journalists, artists, and musicians.
- Building a network of partners, fostering collaborations with civil society organizations to amplify our impact.
- Serving as an incubator for ideas and thought, engaging in in-depth study and discussion to develop moderate traditionalist Jewish perspectives, focusing on selected issues each year.
- Amplifying the traditionalist voice through digital media, conferences, mainstream media, and the social and professional networks of our members.
- Fostering a Jewish response to Israel’s social challenges through dialogue and action.
- Shaping public discourse on social justice issues in Israel.
- Building a shared society among Jews of different backgrounds and between Jews and Arabs, drawing inspiration from Jewish and Arabic heritage.
- Bridging gaps with global Jewry, particularly engaging with Mizrahi Jewish communities in the West.
Tikun remains committed to strengthening Israeli society by rooting its renewal in the wisdom and heritage of Jewish tradition, fostering unity, and addressing the pressing moral and cultural questions of our time.