TITLE Tikkun Olam (Repair the World): Thoughts on the Role of Jewish Education in Teaching for Social Justice within a

Judaism is, through its scholarly traditions, both inclusive and isolationist. In the Bavli Talmud the rabbis discuss whether or not the Torah, or any other sacred writing, can be translated into the languages of the "goyim " (Hebrew for nations, generally referring to nations other than Israel) and have that translation continue to retain the qualities that make the text sacred. In a statement of unlimited universality the Mishna gives only minimal assurance that translation does not interfere with sacredness. The position is one of assimilation, welcoming cross-cultural interface with the host nation. This paper considers Jewish relations with host nations, specifically suggesting that the "Halakah " (Law) leans decisively toward acculturation rather than assimilation deserves a serious revisiting by U.S. Jews. The paper provides a historical overview of Jewish immigrants ' reaction to the U.S., particularly post-World War II. Considering the price for Jewish assimilation, it contends that the issue Joseph faced in Egypt wa