Sermon : On How Social Activism Goes Hand in Hand With Spirituality
Among the greatest medieval Jewish scholars and mystics, few created a legacy like Rabbi Isaac ben Solomon Luria. Known to his disciples as “The Ari”--a Hebrew acrostic for “The Divine Rabbi”--Luria died in 1572 at the age of only 38. His teachings, however, have endured. Much of The Ari’s wisdom evolved during years of virtual solitude at Jazirat al Rawda, on the banks of the Nile near Cairo. Having renounced life as an Egyptian merchant, young Luria retreated to a simple hut by the river. There, without distractions, he sought a fuller understanding of the meaning of life. Through several years of contemplation and meditation, Luria developed a remarkable collection of philosophies and spiritual insights--including the concept of tikkun olam --”the repair of the world.”
Tikkun olam implies that our world is in a fragmented state. Each person must do everything possible to repair this damage, to bring a measure of wholeness (or shalom) to troubled people. Modern Jewish philosopher Rabbi Michael Chernick describes this process as social activism propelled by inner holiness and faith in God.
A look at the world reflects the timelessness of The Ari’s teaching. Fires, floods and earthquakes consume us. Riots and the residue from riots overwhelm us. People starve in Somalia, in Sarajevo, in downtown Los Angeles and around the globe. Decision-makers allocate millions for hockey arenas and pennies for HIV/AIDS research.
In the face of such despair, a truly spiritual person has no choice but to address these and other critical problems in a forthright manner. This vision of social activism, described by a mystical rabbi so long ago, has particular urgency for our own Southern California communities at a time when we seem so polarized and uncertain, so anxious and fearful.
Recent surveys show that many people are searching for greater meaning in their lives. They desire a closer relationship with God. Their quest for the spiritual has a most noble purpose but, for some, one aspect of the search clearly differs from tikkun olam .
Where Luria postulated a delicate balance between spirituality and social activism, some in this generation postulate spirituality with minimal social activism. Some seek God while simultaneously avoiding humanity.
Renewed interest in spirituality broadens the possibilities of growing closer to God, to one another and to our own best selves. Nevertheless, interest in spirituality must not preclude our responsibilities for social justice and ethical activism. When we lose the delicate balance between them, we lose opportunities to extend our blessings to those who lack them. When we maintain our delicate balance, we move ourselves closer to a better world, a better city, a better family, and a better quality of personal life.
Rabbi Isaac Luria brought wisdom and light to the 16th Century. That wisdom and light would serve us well as we plan for the 21st Century, seeking renewal and shalom.