Tikkun Olam means to “heal the world.” While the phrase is Hebrew in origin, all cultures share a vision — expressed in myth, legend, and story — of what it means to set the world right. Each culture has its own traditions of art and healing, as well as an intuitive understanding that creativity, community, health and spirit are inextricably bound together. Embodied in every rendition of this universal idea are the values of social justice, compassion, freedom, equality and peace.

Conceived and assembled by artist Christy Honigman, and created by 54 participants from 27 countries, the project endeavors, both tangibly and metaphorically, to represent the universal nature of Tikkun Olam, and the inherent connection between art, healing and transformation. The participants, many of whom are survivors of torture and exile, share their personal expressions to in the project, and in the process of its creation have experienced the power of art to heal and transform. The work is meant to illustrate a fundamental truth of our time; that all human beings, regardless of race, ethnicity, and experience are interconnected and mutually dependent.

Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World is sponsored by the Mizel Museum as the third component of its flagship multicultural educational program, Bridges of Understanding. The first two Bridges of Understanding exhibits, Rites of Passage and Ceremonies and Festivals, feature artifacts, objects and lessons that highlight the similarities and differences commonly found in diverse American cultures. All three components underscore the Mizel Museum’s mission, to present the continuum of the Jewish people in a multi-cultural context through the arts.

Each participant’s interpretation of Tikkun Olam is conveyed through sight and sound, offering the viewer a multi-dimensional and compelling experience with the artwork. The Tikkun Olam exhibit provides insight to build bridges of understanding between individuals with different backgrounds, personal histories and cultural practices.

The exhibition also provides a unique arena for personal discovery. By provoking conversation, Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World ultimately promotes personal and deep exploration to encourage action that will shape lives and create a better world.