Submitted by NECHAMA – Jewish Response to Disaster
When disaster strikes, we often ask: “How can I help?” For many in Charlotte’s Jewish community, that question has led to hands-on service and deeply meaningful partnerships. This spring, NECHAMA – Jewish Response to Disaster partnered with Temple Israel’s Men’s Club Shabbat to spotlight a growing alliance between Charlotte synagogues and disaster-stricken communities in Western North Carolina.
On March 21, NECHAMA’s project director, Tzlil McDonald, was welcomed by Temple Israel during Shabbat services. The visit, hosted by Men’s Club president Erik Wind and David Warshaw, included a Friday night oneg and a Saturday morning d’var Torah focused on tikkun olam. McDonald shared how, just like the Israelites brought their own skills to build the Mishkan, NECHAMA volunteers contribute their time, effort, and compassion to support disaster-affected families.
But this partnership extended beyond the bimah. Back in November, a group from Temple Israel traveled to Hendersonville and Asheville to work with NECHAMA and assist families recovering from Hurricane Helene. They cleared debris, provided comfort, and sent a clear message: You are not forgotten.
As Rabbi Michael Wolk said, “So many of us wanted to do something hands-on for our neighbors. Thank you to NECHAMA for giving us the opportunity to help in a real way.”
Teen involvement also played a key role. Caleb , teen program coordinator at the Levine JCC, led a group of Jewish teens from BBYO and local synagogues in volunteer efforts – many experiencing disaster relief work for the first time. They didn’t hesitate: jumping into cleanup efforts, prepping homes, and embodying the spirit of service.
Individual volunteers from Temple Israel and across Charlotte have also stepped up, contributing their time and dedication to NECHAMA’s efforts throughout the region.
That momentum continued into Yom Gemilut Chasadim, a citywide day of service on March 23. NECHAMA was one of 20 organizations participating, and McDonald was moved by the enthusiastic turnout from families, children, and community members who gathered to serve, learn, and connect.
More Than Relief: Rebuilding With Meaning
NECHAMA’s mission goes far beyond rebuilding homes. Rooted in tikkun olam, the organization provides disaster relief with a visible and compassionate Jewish presence, particularly in rural areas where Jewish life is rarely seen. That presence is powerful. It challenges antisemitic stereotypes, promotes interfaith understanding, and reminds communities that Judaism is a force for healing and connection.
Since October 2024, NECHAMA has mobilized 500 volunteers across 38 projects, logging over 7,000 hours of service. This includes replanting Appalachian forests damaged by Hurricane Helene for Tu B’Shvat, assembling 120 relief kits on Good Deeds Day, and co-hosting a Yom HaShoah commemoration with the North Carolina Council of Churches.
“Combating antisemitism is not just about making statements,” McDonald explains, “It’s about showing up especially in places where Jewish life is rarely seen. Our volunteers offer help without bias, and in doing so, we reshape how people experience and understand Jewish service – one act at a time.”
In April, NECHAMA participated in the National Days of Jewish Service, further demonstrating the power of service by deepening its commitment to serving those in need, challenging harmful stereotypes and building bridges through meaningful action and education.
NECHAMA’s work is made possible through partnerships with synagogues like Temple Israel and with volunteers who believe in living Jewish values through service. As NECHAMA CEO Stephan Kline says, “We do this work not because our clients are Jewish—but because we are.”
To learn more or get involved:
🌐 nechama.org
📧 Contact: Tzlil McDonald at [email protected]
📞 (334) 318-7828
Photo caption: Temple Israel volunteers with NECHAMA