About

NECHAMA, rooted in the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, provides comfort and hope to communities by engaging volunteers in disaster recovery work.

Our Values

NECHAMA is the Jewish disaster relief organization in the United States. Our work throughout the country is based on seven core Jewish values:

Mipnei Darchei Shalom – Building Relationships – מפני דרכי שלום
Gemilut Chasadim – Acts of Lovingkindness – גמילות חסדים
Tzedekah – Charity/Justice – צדקה
Ahavat Orchim – Love The Stranger – אהבת אורחים
Lo Ta’Amod – Don’t Stand Idly By – לא תעמוד
Rachamim – Compassion – רחמים
Tikkun Olam – Repairing The World – תיקון עולם

Our History

NECHAMA – Jewish Response to Disaster, is the only Jewish organization to offer sustained direct services in the US following the onset of a hurricane, tornado, flood, or other natural disaster. Steve Lear of Minneapolis founded the organization following the Great Flood of 1993 when both the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers flooded over a period of 7 months, leading to 32 deaths, and over $15 billion in damage. Lear donated funds to the recovery but wished to do more, so he recruited three friends, a truck, some tools, and headed south to Iowa.

That first trip was the beginning of an organization now known as NECHAMA (nechama means “to comfort” in Hebrew). NECHAMA’s programs are direct and effective ways for communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Our programs aim to provide direct disaster assistance, training, and other support so that affected individuals, families, and small businesses can respond more effectively, saving precious time and money. NECHAMA is inclusive, welcoming volunteers of all faiths and providing assistance to disaster survivors regardless of religious affiliation. Our work provides disaster survivors with critical comfort and hope.