Tikkun Olam: Inspiring Kids to Repair the World Through Song

Fix The World

Engaging kiddos in exploring the concept of Tikkun Olam—repairing the world—is an incredibly meaningful way we can nurture kindness, responsibility, and creativity. Music is an especially powerful tool for making this big idea tangible and joyful for young learners.

In this guide, I’ll share my original zipper song, Tikkun Olam, along with ideas for using it in classrooms, congregational settings, or family programs. Whether you’re looking for a musical activity, an artistic extension, or a strategy for documenting children’s learning, this guide provides everything you need to inspire kids and their grown-ups to become active world-changers.

What Is Tikkun Olam?

Tikkun Olam (תיקון עולם) translates to “repairing the world.” It’s a central Jewish value that calls on all of us to contribute to healing, justice, and kindness in the world.

For children, learning about Tikkun Olam is a gateway to understanding their own power to make a difference. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness or larger community efforts, teaching this value builds empathy, responsibility, and hope.

What Are Zipper Songs?

Zipper songs are interactive and participatory. They invite children to “zip in” their own words or ideas into the lyrics, personalizing the song and making learning more engaging.

By using a zipper song like Tikkun Olam, children not only learn a core Jewish value but also see their ideas and contributions take center stage. This approach fosters creativity, builds connection, and helps kids take ownership of their learning.

Download Tikkun Olam Sheet

Repairing the World through Music

Using Tikkun Olam as a Zipper Song

Lyrics

Chorus:
Tikkun Olam, Tikkun Olam
Tikkun Oh-la-la-la-lam (x2)

Verse:
Tikkun Olam means we’re gonna fix the world!
To fix the world, (child’s name) is gonna (action)
To fix the world, (child’s name) is gonna (action)
To fix the world, (child’s name) is gonna (action)
To fix the world, (child’s name) is gonna (action)

Chorus

Steps for Songleading Success

Introduce the Concept
- Begin by explaining Tikkun Olam in simple terms:
  “Tikkun Olam means fixing the world. What are ways we can make the world better? Let’s share ideas!”
- Provide examples to get them thinking, like picking up litter, helping a friend, or being kind to animals.
- Consider sharing relevant media: I Can Help (for 2 and 3 year olds) or Kindness Boomerang (for 4 and up) are two of my favorite.
Model the Song
- Sing the chorus and one example verse (e.g., “To fix the world, Emily is gonna plant a tree”).
- Show them how their names and actions will fit into the song.
Invite Participation
- Encourage each child to share their idea and one way they can help fix the world.
- Suggest that a grown-up in the room document the children’s ideas. These notes can be photographed or turned into a graphic to share with families, highlighting the children’s creativity.
Build Group Connection
- Sing the song as a group, incorporating each child’s contribution. Celebrate their ideas and emphasize that even small actions make a big difference.

Extension Activity: Create a Tikkun Olam Songbook

Bring the Song to Life Through Art

After you’ve shared the song with the children and they are able to engage appropriately (by providing relevant examples), this is a sweet and simple way to document their learning and make additional connections. Encourage children to reflect on their ideas by creating a Tikkun Olam songbook. This activity integrates music, art, and storytelling, to attract diverse learners..

How to Guide the Process

Introduce the Songbook Project
- Explain that each child will illustrate their idea for fixing the world, and their drawings will become part of a class songbook.
Prepare Materials
- Provide art supplies like crayons, markers, and colored pencils.
- Download and print the Tikkun Olam songbook template
Guide the Illustrations
- Ask each child to draw their contribution to the song.
- For example: If their lyric was, “To fix the world, Jonah is gonna share his toys,” they might draw themselves sharing toys.
Assemble the Songbook
- Collect all the illustrations and compile them into a physical or digital songbook.
- SHARE THE SONG!
- Print copies for families or share a digital version.
Celebrate the Songbook
- Display the finished book during a congregational service or classroom event.
- Use it as a keepsake for families to revisit the lesson and their children’s creativity.

Family Program Idea: Writing Verses Together

Take Tikkun Olam to the next level by involving entire families in the song!

Set the Stage
- During a family program, introduce the song and sing the chorus together to build excitement. Explain that each family will choose 4 actions that they want to commit to contributing.

For example:
Tikkun Olam, means we’re gonna’ fix the world, to fix the world the Aronoffs are gonna’ donate clothes

Tikkun Olam, mean’s we’re gonna fix the world, to fix the world the Aronoffs are gonna’ use gentle hands

Tikkun Olam, mean’s we’re gonna fix the world, to fix the world the Aronoffs are gonna’ pause when frustrated

Tikkun Olam, mean’s we’re gonna fix the world, to fix the world the Aronoffs are gonna’ give Tzedakah in Shabbat

Collaborate on Verses
- Invite family members to work together to create their own verses.
- Provide prompts: “What’s one thing your family does to help fix the world?” or “What can you do together to make the world a better place?”
Share and Celebrate
- Have each family share their verse and present it to the group
- Document the verses and share them with the larger community to extend the program’s impact.

Why Teach Tikkun Olam Through Music?

Music makes big ideas like Tikkun Olam accessible and joyful for children. By involving them in singing and creating, we deepen their connection to Jewish values while fostering empathy, responsibility, and creativity.

Zipper songs like Tikkun Olam not only teach important lessons but also give children a sense of ownership and agency. Whether through singing, drawing, or family collaboration, this activity encourages them to see themselves as change-makers—ready to repair the world, one small act at a time.

Conclusion

Let’s inspire the next generation to embrace Tikkun Olam with open hearts and creative minds. By using this zipper song, you’ll plant seeds of empathy and empowerment that will grow for years to come.

Do you nurture the next generation through song? Are you seeking support? My course Songleading For Kiddos: Foundations is available now!