WHAT WE THINK

Repair, Justice, and Sacred Responsibility

We believe that a world guided by a New Bottom Line is the most rational and spiritually grounded way to reshape the social structures that govern our lives. At Beyt Tikkun, social justice is not merely a modern political movement, but a central religious tenet and obligation, rooted in the Torah and rabbinic teachings. At Beyt Tikkun, we don’t just believe — WE ACT.

A New Bottom Line calls us to evaluate our institutions — government, education, media, law enforcement, health care, and culture — not by the power they wield or the control they maintain, but by the degree to which they uphold human dignity, belonging, and the sacredness of all people. Social justice is woven into every aspect of our work, from prayer and study to community engagement and philanthropy.

We believe human beings are partners in perfecting the world, moving beyond contemplation to nonviolent action. Social justice requires repairing harm and rebuilding systems in ways that are equitable, inclusive, and restorative.

We commit to challenging and undoing ongoing institutional racism that permeates our society at all levels. If we want a loving and caring society that truly values the lives of Black and Brown peoples, we need to recognize and come to terms with how our country was founded and the impact of the past policies on the present. We also need to acknowledge and transform present day policies and practices that are discriminatory. Beyt Tikkun supports the Black Lives Matter platform.

Derived from “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof” (“Justice, justice shall you pursue,” Shoftim, Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9), tzedek calls for active engagement in overturning oppression and ensuring fair, equitable treatment for all. It demands that we confront injustice wherever it exists — from local communities to global systems.

More than charity, tzedakah is a responsibility to repair systemic injustice by ensuring that all peoples’ needs are met. It integrates action, giving, and advocacy, reminding us that generosity is sacred only when it addresses both immediate suffering and the root causes of inequality.

Tzedakah also embraces restorative justice, focusing on repairing harm, rebuilding relationships, and transforming institutions so that past injustices do not continue to shape the present. Restorative practices ensure that accountability, healing, and reconciliation are central to our collective work.

Beyt Tikkun is located on the indigenous Lisjan-Ohlone territory of Huchiun. To be in right-relationship and engage in restorative justice, Beyt Tikkun proudly contributes to the Summi Land Tax – an effort to support land back reparations.