NECHAMA Jewish Response to Disaster

08/20/2026

Big news: our own Rabbi Scott Klein just launched a regular column with The Times of Israel.

"Sparks in the Outposts" brings Torah to small, remote, and often-overlooked Jewish communities — the kind of places Rabbi Klein knows intimately as a military chaplain and NECHAMA's Education and Engagement Consultant.

His first piece looks at Parshat Ki Teitzei's command to build a parapet on a new roof, and what it means to take real, proactive responsibility for the people around you — especially when there's no big institution to fall back on. It's the same principle behind everything we do at NECHAMA: showing up before the crisis, not just after.

Read it on The Times of Israel: https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/sparks-in-the-outposts-building-parapets-and-bearing-weight/

We couldn't be prouder to have his voice reaching an even wider audience.

From the blog of Scott Klein at The Times of Israel

08/20/2026

Justice isn't passive — it's something you show up for.

In this week's video message, our Education and Engagement Consultant, Rabbi Scott Klein, reflects on the command "Justice, justice shall you pursue" and what it means to build a truly resilient community.

At NECHAMA, we live this out on the ground: when disaster strikes, justice means showing up for families who've lost everything, and making sure they get the hands-on support they need to rebuild with dignity. But doing good work also means doing it the right way — with integrity, accountability, and commitment that doesn't waver.

Watch Rabbi Klein's two-minute message, and stand with us as we put justice into action. Share this video, sign up for a deployment, or support our response efforts at nechama.org.

Shabbat Shalom!

08/18/2026

08/18/2026

Please help us welcome Andrew Feuerstein, NECHAMA's Director of Development. Press release: www.nechama.org/post/andrew-feuerstein-named-nechamas-director-of-development-20260818

08/17/2026

We are thrilled to announce that NECHAMA has named Amanda Reffsin as Director of Operations!

Press release: https://www.nechama.org/post/nechama-names-amanda-reffsin-director-of-operations-20260817

08/14/2026

Did you know people with disabilities are 2 to 4 times more likely to die in a disaster than the general population? Our latest article looks at why — from the barriers exposed by Hurricane Katrina to the progress made since, and what Jewish tradition teaches us about building a truly inclusive response. Read more at https://www.nechama.org/post/no-one-left-behind-disability-justice-in-disaster-preparedness-20260814

08/13/2026

Justice isn't passive — it's something you show up for.

In this week's video message, our Education and Engagement Consultant, Rabbi Scott Klein, reflects on the command "Justice, justice shall you pursue" and what it means to build a truly resilient community.

At NECHAMA, we live this out on the ground: when disaster strikes, justice means showing up for families who've lost everything, and making sure they get the hands-on support they need to rebuild with dignity. But doing good work also means doing it the right way — with integrity, accountability, and commitment that doesn't waver.

Watch Rabbi Klein's two-minute message, and stand with us as we put justice into action. Share this video, sign up for a deployment, or support our response efforts at nechama.org.

Shabbat Shalom!

08/11/2026

Hurricane season is here — is your family ready? We're in the peak of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, and preparedness saves lives. Whether you're in a coastal community or inland, now's the time to make a plan — not when a storm is already on the radar.

Build your 7-day emergency kit:
🚰 Water — 1 gallon per person, per day
🥫 Non-perishable food + manual can opener
💊 Medications & first aid kit
🔦 Flashlight, batteries, NOAA weather radio
📄 Important documents (stored waterproof + backed up digitally)
💵 Cash — ATMs may be down after a storm
🐾 Pet supplies, carrier, and a photo of you together
🧴 Toiletries, sanitation & cleaning supplies

Make a plan:
☑️ Know your evacuation zone and route
☑️ Make sure everyone in your household knows the plan
☑️ If you're told to evacuate — go. A home can be rebuilt; a life can't.

Trusted resources:
FEMA: ready.gov/hurricanes
National Hurricane Center: nhc.noaa.gov

At NECHAMA, we believe preparedness is a community responsibility — before disaster strikes is when we can do the most good. Share this with someone who needs the reminder.

08/07/2026

We do this restorative work, not because our clients are Jewish, but because we are." — Stephan Kline, NECHAMA CEO

For over 33 years, NECHAMA has responded to the country's most devastating disasters — from Hurricane Katrina to Hurricane Helene — bringing hands-on recovery to communities of every background. Our work is grounded in Jewish values, and our doors are open to all who want to serve.

Ready to be part of real recovery? Which side of this work speaks to you more — rolling up your sleeves, or helping fund it?

08/06/2026

Hands-on disaster recovery, powered by Jewish values.

NECHAMA is the only national Jewish disaster relief organization — mobilizing volunteers to help communities across the U.S. recover after hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters.

35 states and territories served. 3,000+ volunteers deployed in the last five years. $10M+ in volunteer labor provided. 33+ years of showing up.

"Such sweet, kind, and caring people who made the process a lot less stressful... it is truly a blessing, you are doing God's work." — Mary C., client

Rated 4 stars by Charity Navigator, Platinum Transparency by Candid, and BBB Accredited.

NECHAMA is the only national Jewish disaster relief organization. We mobilize volunteers to help communities in the United States recover from hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters.