Canisius’ Newest Club: Jewish Tikkun Olam Union

By Mikayla Boyd, Editor-in-Chief 

“Tikkun olam” is a Hebrew phrase that means ‘repairing the world,’ and the new Jewish Tikkun Olam Union (JTOU) strives to bring that hopeful message to the Canisius community. The organization’s constitution contains its mission statement: “The purpose of the JTOU Club at Canisius University shall be to hold events related to: Jewish culture, heritage, and identity, while promoting the value of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) through education, community service, and interfaith dialogue. The club seeks to provide a welcoming space for Jewish students and allies to celebrate traditions, engage in meaningful service, and foster understanding within the wider campus community. This shall be achieved through community outreach.”

Efim Gatkin, a third-year student and founder of the club, spoke about what prompted him to establish the JTOU: “As an international Jewish/Israeli student at Canisius, I dreamed of having a community of my fellow Jewish brothers and sisters from my first year onward. The community where we are safe, seen, and valued just like everyone else.” 

The campus community can expect to see “events connected to the Jewish identity, religion, and Tikkun Olam,” with Gatkin also adding that the organization is “ready to support any event carrying the values of Tikkun Olam, any event that causes us to grow as one community, and gives us space and support for a healthy, civil dialogue.”

Ultimately, JTOU looks forward to exposing the larger campus community to the Jewish faith and traditions, with Gatkin noting, “JTOU is a club for Jewish people where we can feel safe as our true selves. However, we are happy to see more people of different backgrounds join us and learn more about our culture, allowing us to learn about yours. We are here to collaborate, engage, and learn, so if your goals are the same as ours, please feel free to join us and help us heal the world.” The club has a page on GriffConnect, through which you can become a member.