The Sephardic Tikkun Olam
Rabbi Avraham David Shalem z"l, 1928-2014, was born in Jerusalem and studied among the great rabbis of Israel. He received his “semicha" (rabbinical ordination) from the Sephardic Chief Rabbi, R' Benzion Meir Hai Uziel. Rabbi Shalem was, and always remained, a devoted student of Rabbi Uziel. Both exemplified the classic model of Sephardic philosophy. Rabbi Shalem was especially passionate about the wider community and Tikkun Olam, which refers to various forms of action intended to repair and improve the world.
“They shall observe the way of God, performing charity and justice.” The ‘way of God’, and the belief in God, is rooted in the doctrine of “performing charity and justice.” It is not sufficient to treat the Torah as a “dry constitution.” If humanity will not blend “charity and justice” into their intellectual achievements, and not work towards assuring truth, equality and the right of existence for all beings created in God’s image without discrimination based on creed, color or religion, then humanity will impose upon itself and the world a devastating and destructive holocaust. Tikkun Olam under the Kingship of God will only be possible when human beings love one another, and preserve one another’s rights – all of which can be achieved by performing charity and justice, ‘For it is these values that I desire,’ says God.”
In 2017, the family of Rabbi Abraham Shalem z”l dedicated his extensive library of books in a special memorial ceremony at the SEC Emquies Family Library at our Jerusalem Campus. Rabbi Shalem served as a rabbi in Seattle, Lima & Mexico City, and spent his final years as a special scholar-in-residence at our Sha’arei Uziel Rabbinical Program. Fittingly, he was the last surviving student of Chief Rabbi R' Meir Uziel, whose name graces the rabbinical program at the Sephardic Education Center.
