NECHAMA is Replanting Hope for Tu Bi’Shvat

Freshly planted trees at Hominy Creek Greenway in December 2024. Courtesy of Asheville GreenWorks

Jewish tradition teaches us that humans are like trees: “Ki ha’adam etz hasadeh” (for the human is like the tree of the field). As trees need strong roots, care, and nourishment to thrive, so do we.

This connection to the natural world is at the heart of Tikkun Olam, our shared responsibility to repair the world. We have a responsibility to heal and restore our world for the next generation. Planting trees is an act of hope, an investment in a future worth building.

Israel’s transformation into a green landscape, having planted over 250 million trees, is a testament to its resilience and sustainability. Inspired by my homeland, I’m proud to support similar efforts in Western North Carolina.

Tu Bi’Shvat, the New Year of the Trees, reminds us of our duty to care for the environment. This year, NECHAMA took meaningful actions in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. We collaborated with Asheville GreenWorks, a local nonprofit committed to reforestation in Western North Carolina, to help restore the beautiful forests and tree canopy in the Appalachian region. The storm left a devastating mark, destroying homes, claiming lives, and uprooting tens of thousands of trees; nearly 40% of the tree canopy in Buncombe County alone. 

NECHAMA volunteers in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.

Since October 2024, NECHAMA has been actively engaged in disaster relief in Western North Carolina, working alongside volunteers to clear debris, remove mold, and rebuild homes. Over 320 volunteers have contributed more than 3,800 hours across 33 recovery projects. While rebuilding homes is essential, true recovery also includes restoring the natural environment, which plays a vital role in the healing process.  

Environmental restoration plays a crucial role in recovery. Replanting trees helps balance ecosystems, prevent erosion, improve air quality, and mitigate climate change. Through our collaboration with Asheville GreenWorks, we are revitalizing the landscape of Western North Carolina, ensuring its beauty and strength endure for generations.

This commitment echoes an age-old Jewish value: planting for the future. The Talmud tells the story of Honi the Circle Maker, who saw a man planting a carob tree. When Honi asked why he was planting a tree that wouldn’t bear fruit for 70 years, the man replied, “Just as my ancestors planted for me, I am planting for my descendants.”

At NECHAMA, we take a holistic approach to disaster relief, addressing the physical, emotional, and environmental needs of the communities we serve. Rooted in Jewish tradition, we embrace our responsibility to repair the world today as an investment in a more resilient future. As we move forward from Tu Bi’Shvat, our commitment to the work of renewal and restoration remains strong.

How You Can Help

We invite you to be a part of this important initiative. Here are a few ways you can get involved:

• Volunteer with NECHAMA: Join us on the ground in Western North Carolina, as we continue providing direct disaster relief services. 
• Donate to Support Reforestation: Your contributions directly fund tree planting and ongoing disaster recovery efforts. 
• Spread the Word: Share this story with your community to raise awareness about the importance of environmental restoration in disaster recovery.

Every tree we plant today is an investment in the future, a step toward healing our communities, and a testament to NECHAMA’s commitment to holistic disaster recovery.