Embracing Tikkun Olam at Emery/Weiner

‘Tikkun Olam’. A Hebrew phrase translating to ‘repairing the world’ and a guiding principle woven into the Emery/Weiner School’s culture. While Tikkun Olam is a central concept in Judaism, its themes of compassion, responsibility, and a shared commitment to improving the world resonate universally. Whether through club initiatives or volunteer trips, students at Emery actively embrace the pillars of Tikkun Olam to create lasting positive change in the world around them.

A key aspect of Tikkun Olam is giving back to the community, a value emphasized at Emery through student-led clubs such as TKO and Baking for Charity. TKO organizes community service projects throughout the year, encouraging students to support local volunteer organizations. “It’s important to give back to our community,” says TKO club president Dylan Abrams. “Especially for those less fortunate than us.” These projects make it easy for students to find volunteer opportunities to fulfill their 30-volunteer hour annual requirement, while also giving them the freedom to support causes they’re passionate about.

Emery/Weiner student Grey Warren reads to young students at Uru Academy in Tanzania. (Photo courtesy of The Emery/Weiner School on Instagram)

Similarly, Emery’s Baking for Charity club allows students to contribute to nonprofits they care about. Each month, Baking for Charity board members select a charity to support and choose a theme for the baked goods. These pastries are then sold to students during lunch, with all proceeds going directly to the chosen charity. “Being able to take something you enjoy doing and transform it into a way to help others and get involved in your community is so amazing,” Baking for Charity’s president Julia Miller states. “It’s truly inspiring to see how something as simple as a bake sale can create such a positive impact on causes that matter to us.”

TKO Club volunteers help pack and deliver bags for new pet owners at BARC. (Photo courtesy of Tikkun Olam EWS on Instagram)

However, Emery’s commitment to Tikkun Olam isn’t just limited to the campus, with students being encouraged to expand their impact globally. Through Emery’s summer volunteer programs, students have the opportunity to travel to Tanzania in East Africa. Partnering with Neema International—a nonprofit organization started by Emery/Weiner alum Mandy Stein—students volunteer in local schools, assist in teaching young children, and work to improve school facilities. Before the annual trip to Uru Academy in Tanzania, a large shipping container is filled with donations from Emery students and faculty alike to support community needs.

“It was truly life-changing,” reflects first-time Tanzania trip participant Marisa Yanosik. “Spending time with the kids in their classrooms and helping out around Uru was so genuinely impactful. I formed such deep connections with so many of the kids there and keep in touch with them to this day.”

These experiences allow Emery students to gain a deeper understanding of Tikkun Olam as a powerful commitment that changes lives, rather than just a principle. Whether local or abroad, these opportunities leave a lasting impact not only on the community but on the students themselves. Through embedding elements of Tikkun Olam into its culture, Emery aims to inspire students who will cultivate change and carry forward a genuine desire to make the world a better place.