Tikkun Olam in the Jewish garden

The concept of Tikkun Olam ("repairing the world") can be applied to Jewish gardening. It is the active, spiritual and physical engagement in healing the earth, viewing it as a partnership with God. In biblical terms, it is guardianship of the earth, addressing the biblical duty to work and protect nature. It transforms gardening into a mitzvah (commandment) that fosters environmental stewardship, sustainability, and the restoration of balance in nature, often celebrated during Tu B’Shevat. 

Here are some Tikkun Olam project ideas for Jewish home gardeners. They focus on caring for creation, reducing waste and supporting life through the garden. In https://jewishlivingdelaware.org, there is an article “Planting with a Purpose: How to Practice Tikkun Olam in Your Own Yard” by Elaine Schmerling where she writes about these practices:

•Plant native species which help to support the local food web

•Create a pollinator patch which becomes a mitzvah for sustaining life

•Leave some leaves and stalks to help insects and native bees to survive.

•Replace lawn with life adding shrubs or plantings that are eco-friendly.

•Collect rainwater for practical conservation that matches Jewish values of mindfulness and caring for precious resources.

Spiritually, you can Make a “peace corner” by adding a bench or birdbath or quiet area of prayer and reflection.

Rabbi Dov Lev sums this up well in the article “The Jewish Garden” in Aish.com with subtitles “Appreciating the Plant Kingdom As a Path To Love of God.” and “Appreciating God Through Nature.” Rabbi Dov Lev writes, “The Torah exhorts us to love God. But how does one love an immortal, infinite, non-physical being? Maimonides teaches that one way is to focus on the wonders of Creation. When we observe how a little seed can transform into something so beautiful and alive, we are overcome with awe and appreciation for the Almighty…God first appeared to Moses in a thorn bush, because God wanted to emphasize that even vegetative life is infused with the Divine Presence.” This article contains a you tube video where Rabbi Dov Lev talks about the spiritual garden.

Now that winter is over, and spring is just beginning, it is time for renewal, to return to the garden and plant new life with a renewed sense of purpose.

PATRICIA RASKIN, owner of Raskin Resources Productions, is an award-winning radio producer, business owner and leader. She has served on the board of directors of Temple Emanu-El, in Providence. Her “Positive Living with Patricia Raskin” podcast can be heard on voiceamerica.com.