The Sept. 1 grizzly attack north of Cochrane renewed my appreciation for our late coffee companion, Professor David Lertzman, whose 2021 death while out running is associated with that same grizzly (see Sept. 12, Cochrane Eagle, p.2). His Judaism-informed understanding of our roles as “Divine partners in creation” in healing our broken world led to a letter he once sent me.
I FIND MYSELF reflecting on the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, the healing of the World, as a model for personal development in service to the Earth’s greater good. Yet, how can this be done with the diffusion of such cruelty and suffering across our beloved Planet? Judaism teaches that sin is collective. We are all responsible for the World, including the problems we witness and experience, whether or not we feel we have created them. We must start with ourselves and look within.
Turning within is ultimately about returning to who we are at our Core, our true Self, the Divine Spark of Sacred Mystery within each of us. During the 16th Century in Safed, Israel, Rabbi Isaac Luria popularized the idea of Tikkun Olam. He taught that nothing in this World is without a Spark of the Divine, which is the Core and Essence of every being. Our purpose is to liberate these Divine Sparks in all we do, elevating our Soul and all those we touch.
Two centuries later, the Baal Shem Tov taught that good can be found and celebrated wherever and within whomever it is encountered. We are led, as it were, to seek these Divine Sparks who have been waiting for liberation, perhaps since the dawn of Creation. Thus, wherever we go and with whomever we meet, we bring and foster Tikkun in all we do through our thoughts, words and deeds.
When I diminish that Divine Spark within for whatever reason, the World becomes a dimmer place. The World needs you to shine, to be true to your authentic Self. In giving that gift to the World, you will be giving it to yourself. What greater sense of purpose and call to service could there be than as a Divine Partner in Creation?
David Lertzman
LET ME CLOSE with a line from his signature song: “I’ll carry you always in my heart. / All life is a circle. / We are all together. / I’ll carry you always in my heart.”
Yes, “All life is a circle.” Even grizzly headlines can evoke inspiring memories. Thanks, David.
© 2024 Warren Harbeck
