Tikkun, Repair (shades of reds) The original source for tikkun olam is the Aleinu prayer. This design opens with a quote from Psalms: “The world will be built through lovingkindness” (Psalms 89:3). Two circles (faces) flank a third larger circle (the world). The two on either side represent a pair of individuals engaged in building– through partnership and deed. Their arms are elevated toward the world as they stand firmly perched on a compass. The arrow orients downward to the “here and now” – the essence of tikkun olam. Connected cogs woven throughout the design reference our connectedness and the centrality of working in partnership to improve our world.

Kedushah, Holiness (gold and shades of yellows) The source for this command is found in Chapter 19 of Leviticus. There, God speaks to Moses saying, “Speak to the whole Israelite community and say to them: You will be holy, for I, Adonai your God, am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). Far from being an abstract concept, holiness is made tangible through a commitment to ethics and Jewish engagement. The compass in this pillar points upward, representing this striving. Four large individuals and five smaller individuals, ascend two ladders. A compass orients upward reflecting the journey מחיל אל חיל, from strength to strength.

Tzedek, Righteousness (shades of blue) Deuteronomy 16:20 bestows on us the emphatic command to pursue righteousness: “Righteousness, righteousness you will pursue, that you may live and inherit the land that Adonai your God is giving you.” Righteousness gives life. Righteousness makes us worthy of a relationship with the People of Israel and with the Land of Israel. The lower portion shows an individual holding the scales of righteousness. The upper band has a compass pointing forward. An image of the Land of Israel reflects two elements: the biblical promise and reward that is given for pursuing goodness and the promise of Israel.