NECHAMA – Jewish Response to Disaster’s commitment to healing and rebuilding communities is deeply rooted in Judaism’s timeless wisdom and ethical imperatives. For Jews, the Tanak (the Hebrew bible) and the Talmud (a compilation of law and tradition, completed around 500 – 600 C.E.) are the primary sources that teach us how to live a good and just life. 

Here are seven key values that particularly inspire NECHAMA’s work, defining our unique approach to disaster response and community engagement:

Tikkun Olam – Repairing The World – תיקון עולם
We don’t have to look beyond the daily headlines to see the brokenness in our world. The Jewish answer has always been to take action, and NECHAMA aims to do this, one rebuilt home at a time.

Rachamim – Compassion – רחמים
At NECHAMA, our interactions with clients, coworkers, volunteers, and community members are guided by genuine compassion and a caring concern for others.

Lo Ta’Amod – Don’t Stand Idly By – לא תעמוד
We are commanded to “not stand idly by the blood of our neighbor.” The rabbis in the Talmud interpret this verse as an obligation to come to the aid of others, even at a risk to our own lives. NECHAMA responds rapidly and with passion to assist our neighbors in need.

Mipnei Darchei Shalom – Building Relationships – מפני דרכי שלום
The Talmud teaches that the Jewish community is obligated not only to help and care for Jews, but for all. NECHAMA provides support to vulnerable communities in the United States recovering from disasters, regardless of religion.

Ahavat Ha-Ger – Love The Stranger – אהבת הגר
The Torah’s most repeated commandment is to love and care for the poor, the widow, the stranger — those who are most vulnerable. Maimonides, a 12th-century rabbi & scholar, declares that we are commanded to love the stranger just like we are commanded to love God. When we work rebuild a home, we aim to treat that family, those strangers, as representatives of the Divine.

Gemilut Chasadim – Acts of Lovingkindness – גמילות חסדים
Ethics of the Fathers, a collection of proverbs from the Talmud, teaches that “the world is sustained by three things: Torah, prayer, and gemilut chasadim.” By responding to disasters and serving others, NECHAMA strives to bring God’s presence into the world.

Tzedekah – Charity/Justice – צדקה
The Hebrew word for charity, “tzedakah” is derived from the word “tzedek,” justice. The Jewish tradition requires that we each share what we have with those who have less, to ensure that everyone has food, clothing, and shelter. We are asked to give generously not only of our money, but also of our time and talent to make the world better. When NECHAMA assists a family, we fulfill the biblical commandment: “Justice, justice you shall pursue!”