Strengthening Jewish Climate Leadership Through Adamah’s Israel Journeys

For millennia, Jewish tradition has recognized the deep, sacred connection between people (Adam) and the earth (Adamah). As the climate crisis accelerates, this connection has never been more urgent. Jewish communities worldwide must step up—not only to safeguard the planet but also to strengthen the bonds between Jews in Israel and the Diaspora through a shared commitment to sustainability.

That’s why Adamah, a large Jewish environmental organization, is leading a transformative effort to bridge these worlds. Through immersive experiences, leadership development, and climate action, Adamah has built a movement that engages tens of thousands of people each year. Now, with two life-changing trips to Israel in 2025, Adamah is deepening its impact—bringing together Jewish environmental leaders to learn, collaborate, and take action. It combines missions of peoplehood with a sustainable planet.

Last Year: Farming and Solidarity

In 2024, Adamah led two 25-person volunteer trips to Israel, with a focus on farming and land restoration. These trips, funded by the Maimonides Fund, brought young Jewish farmers and environmentalists to work the land, providing hands-on support to Israeli agricultural communities. Participants engaged directly with regenerative farming techniques, strengthening their understanding of the deep ties between Jewish tradition, the land, and sustainability.

This Year: Two Groundbreaking Israel Journeys

In 2025, Adamah is expanding its vision with two distinct Israel trips, each designed to foster environmental leadership, cross-border collaboration, and Jewish climate resilience.

March 3-9, 2025: Adamah Israel Leadership Mission Funded by the Crown Family Philanthropies and the Jim Joseph Foundation
This weeklong mission will convene Adamah’s leadership, key stakeholders, and JOFEE (Jewish Outdoor, Food, Farming & Environmental Education) educators for a deep dive into Israel’s environmental challenges and solutions. Participants will:

• Meet with leading Israeli organizations, including the Jewish Agency, Birthright, the Arava Institute, and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel.

• Explore the role of youth activism and climate tech in building a sustainable future.

• Learn from environmental allies in Israel, forging new partnerships that will shape Adamah’s programs in the US.

This trip is about strategy and action—bringing together top Jewish environmental leaders to build a stronger, more united climate movement.

May 12-18, 2025: Roots and Resilience – Adamah NY Environmental Journey to Israel Funded by UJA-Federation of New York
This fully funded study tour is designed for Jewish professionals in the climate sector—scientists, investors, activists, nonprofit leaders, and entrepreneurs working in sustainability, ag-tech, and green finance. Participants will:

• Engage with Israeli, Arab, and Palestinian climate experts, learning from scientists, policymakers, and innovators at the forefront of sustainability.

• Explore Israel’s climate tech revolution, from water desalination and solar energy to sustainable food systems.

• Examine environmental peacebuilding, discovering how shared environmental challenges can foster cooperation.

The itinerary includes a powerful mix of experiences—from visiting the off-grid El Fura school in an unrecognized Bedouin village to exploring Gaza Envelope communities rebuilding with green energy. Participants will also engage with climate entrepreneurs, policymakers, and regional leaders, creating lasting professional and personal connections.

Adamah Israel 2024 group farm. Photo credit Sarah VanderWalde and courtesy of Adamah.

Why This Matters

Too often, Jewish professionals in the climate movement feel isolated—facing anti-Israel hostility in academic, nonprofit, and activist spaces. These trips offer more than just education; they provide a supportive network where Jewish environmental leaders can connect, collaborate, and find strength in shared purpose.
Moreover, Israel is a global leader in climate innovation. With expertise in water security, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture, Israel has solutions that the world—and particularly cities like New York—can learn from. These trips will not only help participants gain critical knowledge but also create professional linkages that could drive real-world impact.

Get Involved

If you are a Jewish professional in the climate sector, this is your chance to learn, connect, and lead. The May trip is currently recruiting participants, and applications are open.

Jewish tradition teaches us: “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” Adamah’s Israel journeys are about answering that call—to protect our planet, strengthen Jewish environmental leadership, and build a future rooted in both Peoplehood and Planethood. For more details or to apply, contact Dr. Shahar Sadeh at shahar.sadeh@adamah.org.

Adamah Israel 2024 kale farm Photo credit Sarah VanderWalde and courtesy of Adamah.