It is with heavy hearts that we must mourn the passing of Leonidas Donskis, who died unexpectedly this morning at the age of 54. Mr. Donskis dedicated his life to enriching the world and demonstrating the nobility of the human spirit. He was a writer, philosopher, teacher, politician, preserver; more than anything though, he was an example of what all of mankind should strive to be, a kind and loving soul. There is an important idea within Judaism and Jewish philosophy called, “tikkun olam,” which literally means, “repair of the world.” It is the idea that all Jews bear the responsibility of making the world a better place than what it was when they entered into it, both materially and spiritually. Though Mr. Donskis might not have always identified with his Jewish roots, he nevertheless exemplified this noble ideal. He was a tikkun, a healer not just for the Lithuanian people, but for all. Mr. Donskis, you will be dearly missed.