Cosmic Repair and Spiritual Rectification
In Kabbalistic thought, tikkun olam refers to the spiritual repair of the universe, restoring it to its original, divine state of perfection. Kabbalists believe that the world was created in a state of harmony, but 
spiritual brokenness occurred during the process of creation, in Mormonism we call this “The fall.”
And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed, he would not have fallen; but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever and had no end.”
-2 Nephi 1:111-112 [2:22]
This breaking caused the divine light to scatter, leading to a state of spiritual fragmentation and imperfection in the world. Tikkun olam is the process by which humanity, through its actions, helps restore divine light, bring unity to the brokenness, and repair the damage done in the spiritual realms. This process is seen as both an individual and collective effort, where each person’s actions contribute to the healing and restoration of the world.
The Role of Humanity in the Repair of the World
In Kabbalah, human beings are viewed as having a crucial role in the process of tikkun olam. Humanity’s spiritual mission is to engage in acts of goodness, justice, compassion, and holiness that help to bring the world back into alignment with the divine will. This includes ethical behavior, observance of mitzvoth (instructions), and the pursuit of spiritual growth.
And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God, to do his will and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days.”
-Mosiah 3:6a [5:5a]
In this context, tikkun olam is not only about improving the material world but also about rectifying the spiritual worlds and bringing them back into harmony with the higher divine realms. The actions of individuals can restore balance by elevating the sparks of divine light that are scattered in the material world and returning them to their source.
The Role of the Sefirot in Tikkun Olam
Tikkun olam in Kabbalah is closely connected to the Sefirot, the ten divine attributes through which God interacts with the world. The process of tikkun (rectification) involves repairing the spiritual disorder or damage that occurred in the Sefirot, particularly after the Shevirat ha-Kelim (the breaking of the vessels) during the process of creation. In the aftermath of the fall, the divine light that was initially contained in the Sefirot scattered throughout the world, and it is humanity’s task to help gather these sparks of light through acts of kindness, justice, and spirituality, ultimately leading to the restoration of divine harmony.
And thus we see the great call of the diligence of men to labor in the vineyards of the Lord; and thus we see the great reason of sorrow and also of rejoicing: sorrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ unto life.”
-Alma 15:51 [28:14]
The work of Tikkun Olam is seen as a way to reunite the sparks of divine light that were dispersed, allowing the world to become more aligned with God’s original intention for it.
Tikkun Olam as a Path to Redemption
In Kabbalah, Tikkun Olam is not only a process of repairing the physical world but also of spiritual redemption. The concept is deeply connected to the Messianic Age, a time when the world will be fully rectified and brought to a state of spiritual and material perfection.
I say unto thee, my son: That the plan of restoration is requisite with the justice of God; for it is requisite that all things should be restored to their proper order.”
-Alma 19:64 [41:2a]
According to Kabbalistic thought, as humanity engages in spiritual rectification, this contributes to the coming of the Messiah (the Moshiach) and the final redemption (the Geulah). The completion of tikkun olam will lead to the restoration of unity between the divine and the material world, where God’s presence will be revealed openly and the world will be in a state of peace, justice, and harmony.
Personal Tikkun and the Role of the Soul
On a personal level, tikkun olam can be understood as the rectification of the individual soul. Each person is believed to have their own spiritual mission and specific rectifications that they must perform in their lifetime to repair and elevate their soul.
And this is the manner after which they were ordained: Being called and prepared from the foundation of the world, according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good work; in the first place being left to choose good or evil.”
-Alma 9:65 [13:3a]
The soul’s journey through this process of rectification is viewed as a form of Tikkun, and the actions taken by an individual to heal their own spiritual imperfections are seen as part of the broader cosmic effort to repair the entire world. This personal tikkun is connected to meditative practices, ethical behavior, the study of sacred texts, and engagement in acts of charity and spiritual service.
Tikkun Olam and Divine Light
One of the most profound aspects of tikkun olam in Kabbalah is the notion of bringing divine light back into the world. Divine light is seen as the primary source of life and spiritual vitality, and the task of Tikkun 
is to reintegrate the scattered sparks of this light that were lost during the breaking of the vessels. Human actions, such as acts of kindness, prayer, and devotion, are thought to elevate these divine sparks, returning them to their original source in the Infinite Light (En Sof).
And now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life.”
-Mosiah 9:39-40 [18:8b-9]
This process of gathering and reintegrating the sparks contributes to the spiritual redemption of the world, culminating in a time when God’s light will fill all of creation, and there will be no separation between the divine and the material realms.
The Kabbalistic Significance of Tikkun Olam
In Kabbalistic terms, Tikkun Olam is often seen as the reconciliation of opposing forces—Chesed (mercy) and Gevurah (justice), for example—bringing balance to the divine attributes. The ultimate goal of tikkun olam is to bring all aspects of creation into perfect harmony, thereby revealing the oneness of God in all things.
For verily, verily, I say unto you: He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention; and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger one with another; behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.”
-3 Nephi 5:30-31 [11:29-30]
It is a mystical journey in which individuals help to reunite the fragmented world, restore spiritual balance, and bring about the final redemption. This is why the concept of Tikkun is often viewed as a spiritual practice, not just a moral imperative. The practical actions of kindness, charity, and justice are seen as metaphysical acts that contribute to the healing of the world on both the physical and spiritual levels.
Tikkun Olam and the Restoration
In Kabbalah, tikkun olam refers to the spiritual repair and restoration of the world, which involves rectifying the brokenness caused by the fall. This cosmic repair is the work of both human beings and the divine, and it is closely tied to the restoration of divine light in the world. Tikkun Olam is seen as a process of spiritual elevation, where acts of kindness, justice, and holiness help gather the scattered sparks of divine light and return them to their original source.
Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ, that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.”
-Moroni 7:18 [7:19]
Ultimately, Tikkun Olam contributes to the Messianic redemption (the arrival of the Moshiach) and the realization of a world where God’s presence is fully revealed and there is peace and harmony between the divine and the material realms. The work of Tikkun Olam is both a personal and a cosmic mission, requiring every individual to contribute to the spiritual healing of the world.
