I just got back from the TED Countdown Summit last week in Nairobi, Kenya, where I was one of seven faith leaders from across the globe invited to join this visionary group of global innovators, business executives, scientists, policymakers, next-generation leaders, artists, and activists — all united in our commitment to building a brighter future. 
 
Why Nairobi?  According to the TED organizers: “There is no path to achieving the Paris goals that does not run through Africa. Kenya boasts one of the greenest grids in the world, with 90% of its electricity from renewables and 50% of this from geothermal. With 70% of its population under 30, Kenya is also home to a new generation of leaders committed to leapfrogging old patterns and pioneering a resilient path to economic development.” 

Over the course of three days, over 500 participants (half local, half global) heard over 40 climate-focused TED Talks from incredible leaders doing amazing things. There was also a variety of interactive workshops and discussions, including a dynamic session exploring faith-based initiatives, during which I spoke and facilitated deep and meaningful conversation alongside wonderful partners and participants. It was amazing to learn from so many world-class leaders and innovators driving systemic change across a variety of sectors, and a wonderful opportunity to deepen relationships with faith leaders, and cultivate new partnerships as well. 

My TED Countdown experiences over the years have been remarkable for a variety of reasons, including the profound global diversity in the room, and relatively very few Jews, at least compared to most other rooms I find myself in these days. That said, I connected with several local Jewish green business leaders, and one of my biggest highlights was getting to know Tzeporah Berman, the powerhouse Canadian climate activist leading the global Fossil Fuel Nonproliferation Treaty. Melanie Katzman led our outing to KENVO—Kijabe Environment Volunteers—a local Nairobi-outskirts community reforestation project working in partnership with the World Resource Institute to create a youth-led initiative in biodiversity protection and climate resilience. And Lindsay Levin serves as co-host, emcee, and one of the lead organizers of each TED Countdown Summit. So rest assured, amidst this fascinating and uplifting global climate leadership gathering, there were also moments of Jewish Pride and Jewish Peoplehood. 

As the TED Talks are released over the next 3-6 months, look out for more reflections from this gathering. There is so much to unpack and integrate into our work, and so many wonderful leaders and partners from which and with whom we can learn and grow together. 

Our world is in the midst of a hard reset. Institutions are faltering, and achievements, like the Paris Agreement, appear increasingly precarious. Critical challenges that mark everyday life remain unresolved, deepening fears about our shared future. Yet amid these headwinds, there are clear signs of progress toward a better world. Booming clean energy industries in China, the end of coal in the U.K., and a new generation of leaders in Kenya committed to leapfrogging old patterns of development, all point the way forward. Positive tipping points – many already in motion – can take us further, faster.

— The TED’s Countdown Summit leadership

Here’s to the global coalitions that continue to build a better future amidst these dark times. Now is the time for serious action, and we each can do our part.  If your Jewish organization is planning a sustainability project, Adamah’s Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition is here to help with planning and with financing. Connect with us today and learn how to get started.

L’chayim,
Jakir

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Forced to close for six weeks due to Hurricane Helene, Congregation Beth HaTephila (CBHT) in Asheville, North Carolina chooses to prioritize climate resilience planning.

As members of Adamah’s Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition (Coalition) – a network of Jewish organizations committed to taking climate action – CBHT has emerged as a leader in religious institutional sustainability, implementing comprehensive environmental initiatives to serve their 1,200-member community. Facing real-world challenges has led their Sustainability Committee to discuss preparing for future climate-related disruptions, focusing on the role of communal support from other North Carolina Jewish organizations, which proved crucial during their recovery. 

In a major step towards clean energy adoption, CBHT completed the installation of a significant 73-kilowatt solar array. Additionally, the synagogue has made impressive strides in energy efficiency with a full conversion to LED lighting, installation of motion detectors, and implementation of a white roof to reduce cooling costs. Their 32,402-square-foot facility continues to evolve with sustainability in mind, as they research updating their HVAC system to remove gas components as part of their broader electrification goals. 

A standout feature of CBHT’s environmental strategy is their innovative approach to green infrastructure. During a temple expansion project, they implemented sophisticated water management solutions, including a bioretention area in the parking lot with specially mixed soils that clean runoff. The congregation also installed grass swales and strategically placed downspouts to direct water flow into planted areas, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable landscaping practices. 

In order to reduce food-related emissions the congregation provides vegetarian and vegan options at events in addition to implementing robust food waste reduction practices, such as composting and food upcycling programs. During their congregational retreats, all communal meals are required to be vegetarian. These efforts will be turned into official food-policy for the entire synagogue.

CBHT is a leader in community education and advocacy, as featured in this piece in the local paper, having recently hosted a notable event featuring climate scientist Zeke Hausfather and local climate experts. They presented their environmental accomplishments at the Creation Care Alliance Symposium and they partner with organizations like GreenWorks for litter cleanup initiatives as well as regular community service. 

Their success with solar implementation and support from Adamah’s Coalition has had a ripple effect within the organization. As they noted in their climate action plan:

“Being part of the Coalition was instrumental in convincing our board to go forward with our solar project.”

CBHT’s climate initiatives are creating lasting institutional change. 

Looking ahead, CBHT continues to explore new sustainability opportunities, including potential expansion of their environmental, social and governance, commonly known as “ESG” investments and further development of their climate justice practices. As they plan for their transition away from fossil fuels, they are also actively seeking funding sources for HVAC conversion grants – like the Adamah Climate Action Fund – with guidance from Adamah’s Coalition.

Congregation Beth HaTephila demonstrates how religious institutions can effectively integrate environmental stewardship into their operations while maintaining their mission and values.

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Temple Emanu-El is a leading example of environmental stewardship in Adamah’s newest community impact hub: Atlanta, Georgia.

Since 2018, Temple Emanu-El has led projects to reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and build a more sustainable future. Partnering with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL), the synagogue conducted an energy audit to identify ways to shrink its carbon footprint. This led to meaningful projects, including replacing 672 fluorescent light fixtures (2,220 tubes) with energy-efficient LEDs, greatly reducing energy use while improving lighting.

After joining Adamah’s Jewish Leadership Climate Coalition (Coalition) in September 2023, they’ve been able to do even more! Further improvements included installing 28 programmable thermostats for better HVAC efficiency. The synagogue also upgraded insulation in key areas. The sanctuary’s insulation doubled from R-10 to R-20, while the religious school’s roof improved from R-17.4 to R-25.6. These upgrades help regulate indoor temperatures, reducing energy demand for heating and cooling. All of this was made possible with support from matching grant funds from GIPL and Adamah’s Climate Action Fund.

Beyond energy efficiency, Temple Emanu-El has reduced waste by eliminating disposable dinnerware. The synagogue invested in 200 sets of reusable plates, flatware, and glassware, along with 60 unbreakable wheat straw plates and cups for children’s events. A new industrial dishwasher enabled this transition, effectively eliminating single-use plastics from synagogue events.

Education and engagement are also central to Temple Emanu-El’s sustainability efforts. The synagogue invited a climate scientist from The Weather Channel to speak with the congregation about the impacts of climate change. Committed to sustainability, the clergy actively participates in environmental efforts, including dedicating at least one annual sermon to climate action. The assistant rabbi, an active member of the synagogue’s Green Team and local Adamah advisory board, shows the clergy’s strong commitment to sustainability.

The Green Team’s efforts extend beyond the building into community initiatives like Garden Isaiah, which transforms unused land into a thriving garden. Producing an average of 1,380 pounds of fresh vegetables annually for a local food bank, the garden strengthens the synagogue’s community ties while promoting sustainable food practices.

Additional sustainability measures include installing six Level II electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and evaluating solar energy proposals. While the building’s rooflines and topology made solar installation unfeasible, Temple Emanu-El remains committed to exploring alternative renewable energy options. The synagogue has also developed a food waste policy, integrated sustainability into its B’nai Mitzvah handbook, and updated event rental policies to encourage reusable dinnerware.

Through these comprehensive efforts, Temple Emanu-El continues to lead by example, keeping sustainability at the heart of the community for years to come.

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As Jewish organizations across the country navigate growing antisemitism on college campuses, UCLA Hillel has had to endure more: the LA wildfires. Through this emergency situation, UCLA Hillel’s commitment to sustainability never wavered.  

“I am looking forward to new climate initiatives at UCLA Hillel! Perhaps we will commit to a zero emissions policy, then take action to implement it by installing solar panels and switching to electric appliances.” – Aviram Bhalla-Levine, PhD student at UCLA

UCLA Hillel is one of 400+ members of Adamah’s Jewish Leadership Climate Coalition (Coalition). This Coalition provides financial, logistical, and communal support to a network of Jewish community organizations who recognize the urgency of climate change and commit to take action. Adamah’s Coalition helps organizations implement their organizational Climate Action Plans as well as provides Adamah staff liaisons to lead the climate action work.

Thanks to an Adamah Climate Action Fund zero-interest loan, UCLA Hillel will be installing a photovoltaic solar array, drastically reducing their carbon footprint.  With limited green space, they have found creative ways to encourage sustainable transportation, offering students bike storage inside the building and utilizing nearby EV charging stations. These small adaptations show how even urban organizations can make a positive environmental impact within their constraints.

“I feel really excited to be here at UCLA’s Hillel while we have this opportunity to invest in climate action – it’s a great chance to get more involved and have more of an impact on this community.” – Bella Goldwasser, undergraduate student at UCLA

UCLA Hillel’s commitment to the environment goes beyond just infrastructure. They are considering the creation of a Green Committee within its Board of Directors.  They have made food sustainability a key priority. All meals at Hillel feature vegetarian and vegan options, while efforts to reduce food waste are continuously refined.

On February 10, 2025, Adamah on Campus hosted a “Cookies & Climate” event at UCLA Hillel, celebrating Tu B’Shvat and the intersection of Judaism and environmentalism. Students decorated cookies while engaging in discussions about the climate crisis and Jewish environmental texts. They highlighted the words of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who said that “earth, humans, and rain” are equally important for the survival of the world. Rabbi Levi ben Hiyyata’s teaching—that without the earth, there is no rain, and without rain, the earth cannot endure—resonated deeply with students. This event, along with others like it, demonstrates how Adamah on Campus is encouraging students to explore how their Jewish values intersect with climate action.

As Samm Levy, a student at UCLA Hillel, shared, “As someone whose primary interests are environmentalism, conservation, and the energy transition, I was so excited to find an opportunity to intersect my passion for the environment and my Jewish identity.”

“I look forward to Hillel at UCLA’s transition to more sustainable practices that protect our planet and hope this encourages others to do the same.” – Brandon Damavandi, undergraduate student at UCLA

Through these initiatives and the support from Adamah, UCLA Hillel has shown that Jewish organizations can play a vital role in addressing climate change exemplifying the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

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Ein ye’ush ba’olam klal. There is no despair in the world.

– Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav

Friends,

Can you feel this edge in time we are living through? I sure do, like we’re crossing a threshold in human, ecological, and Jewish history. Friends tell me astrologists have strong feelings these days too.

We are overwhelmed this week by the destruction of the LA fires, hard to comprehend. Just ask Roz Larsen, member of the JYCM Leadership Board, in Santa Monica. Not long ago, we shared testimony from the catastrophic flooding in North Carolina. And in the past 18 months New Yorkers have experienced unprecedented flooding, wildfire-smoke orange skies, and dangerous air quality for weeks. 

Have we entered a new phase of planetary feedback? Natural cycles and rhythms are changing before our very eyes, imposing dramatic harm and danger for societies and cultures everywhere.

This week we also bid farewell to the presidential administration that prioritized and achieved the largest investment in climate action ever. And this week we anticipate the imminent arrival, just a few days from now, of a very different governing coalition with other priorities.

And this week we watch, pray, and hope to soon give thanks for a ceasefire and return, at long last, of our hostages. After so much devastation, loss, and suffering—please G!d can this turn towards something different? Please G!d can there now be time and space to breathe, to grieve, to heal, to build bridges, to invest in peacebuilding…maybe even to hope for something better?

All things in life come to an end: people and plants and animals, relationships and communities, jobs and presidencies and governments and empires and civilizations. Rocks and mountains and streams. Even the sun has a shelf life. Nothing lasts forever. 

Trust the Grief. Grieve for our planet, for our people, for all the hostages not returning home, for all the families under threat of mass deportation, for all suffering and pain. We are strong enough to face the truth of this time and wise enough to learn from it, to change our behavior, to grow through crisis. 

Pray. For rain in Southern California. For all the hostages to be returned safely to their families, and for Israelis and Palestinians to begin recovery and healing. For hearts and minds to change.

Have Faith. Give Thanks. The outpouring of love, support, and mutual care in LA has been beautiful. And we learn from nature, from G!d’s Creation, that death and loss are inextricably interwoven with rebirth. Always there will be rebirth, always something new will come. That’s what Chanukah showed us a few weeks ago: kindling lights in the darkest darkness. And that’s what Tu B’Shvat is about too, coming soon: the nascent spring, first blossoms, sap rising amidst the dark and cold. Like the precious return of loved ones to their families. Like the end of war and the prayer for peace.

Come Together. Host a Tu B’Shvat Seder or find an Adamah Tu B’Shvat gathering near you amidst this historic moment. Gather your loved ones to share, support, and learn from one another. Find meaning together as you grieve, give thanks, sing, and tell stories. Laugh, love, and celebrate the gift of life through the New Year of the Trees! Our goal this year is to activate over 100 seders impacting over 1,000 participants. Click here to download our Tu B’Shvat Haggadah.

Life moves inevitably forward. We have no choice, we are swept up into the flow, onward into something new, together.

We get to decide how we show up in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. We will not be victims of forces larger than ourselves; we will be warriors of the spirit, digging in for community and belonging, for joy, hope, and love. 

May G!d bless our path ahead. And may we help each other through.

Shabbat Shalom,

Jakir Manela
Chief Executive Officer

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Learn more about ReTreat Yourself!

Adamah “ReTreat Yourself!” initiative launches retreats for Jewish Communal Professionals 

Thanks to generous funding from Maimonides Fund, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, Crown Family Philanthropies, Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Foundation, and the Jim Joseph Foundation, Adamah is hosting a series of ten retreats for Jewish communal professionals across the country.

“ReTreat Yourself!” aims to support Jewish communal professionals who devote themselves to creating impactful experiences for others, sometimes at the expense of their own wellbeing. Retreat participants will receive the gift of spending three days in nature away from the demands of their full-time jobs, at no cost to them. The first two retreats were oversubscribed, with Adamah receiving over 250 applicants for 140 spots.

With each retreat capped at 70 professionals, Adamah is planning eight more, to be held at their two retreat centers, Pearlstone and Isabella Freedman, and at other Jewish retreat centers around the country. The next two retreats, scheduled for March 7-9 and August 11-13, 2025, each focus on a different theme: Jewish Mysticism & Meditation and Farm-to-Table for Jewish Educators.

“At Adamah, we believe immersive retreats are a powerful remedy to help heal mind, body and soul. There is nothing quite like it. Experiencing the magic of our retreat centers at no cost is something we are excited to provide to the hard-working leaders of the Jewish community.” 

Jakir Manela, Adamah CEO

ReTreat Yourself! is not modeled after “traditional” professional development where people come together to discuss technical skills directly related to job productivity. In addition to the rejuvenation aspect of the retreats facilitated with guest chefs, massage therapists, fitness coaches, and yoga instructors, these professionals are also given the opportunity to engage in Jewish learning with dynamic scholars-in-residence. The goal is for participants to emerge with a broader network of friends and allies in the field, new Jewish wisdom sources for inspiration, and renewed motivation, passion, and commitment to their work.

The inaugural retreat in September 2024 focused on Elul at Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, an Adamah campus in Falls Village, Connecticut, and featured Rabbi Shai Held of Hadar as the lead educator.

“I had a chance to meet with others who shared the same values as me in both professional and personal religious paths. It made me feel like the path I’m on is the right path and gave me strength to move forward with new energy in my work and personal life.” – Lakota Lustig, Engagement Coordinator at Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York

Pearlstone, the headquarters of Adamah in Reisterstown, Maryland, hosted the second retreat in November 2024, with a focus on “The Torah of Nourishment,” featuring Rabbanit Dasi Fruchter of the South Philadelphia Shtiebel as the lead educator.

“I knew my Jewish work could use a renewing replenishing break. I mean, come on, it’s a no-brainer to want to attend. I’m tired of all the things I’ve tried: conferences, workshops, trainings; they’re not designed to be a break, and this is actually a designed break for us, where we can do activities in groups or by ourselves. I believe this has been very healthy for me in multiple ways and the healthier I am, the better I will be at my job.” – Alan Shusterman, Executive Director of Hill Havurah in Washington DC

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There is no alternative to persevering, and that does not require you to feel good. You can keep walking whether it’s sunny or raining. Take care of yourself and remember that taking care of something else is an important part of taking care of yourself, because you are interwoven with the ten trillion things in this single garment of destiny that has been stained and torn but is still being woven and mended and washed. – Rebecca Solnit

Friends,

Democracy must not be taken for granted. Too many people have advocated and fought and died for our sacred rights to participate in shaping our own future. And yet our campaigns and elections have become increasingly bitter, divisive, and toxic. 

As this electoral earthquake sends shocks across our nation and across the world, what can we do? 

• Take Time and find a quiet place, go for a walk outside, prepare and enjoy a nourishing meal with loved ones—do something to find stillness, reflect on what this means for you and your people, for all of us and our collective future. Ground yourself as we face the path ahead. 
• Join Us for a Post-Election Gathering for Song & Solidarity, organized by our partners at Dayenu, this Friday at Noon ET.
• Make Art. Use this resource from our friends at the Jewish Studio Project. 
• Take Collective Action. Organize a stream clean up, start a neighborhood compost campaign or a group to protect the green spaces in your town.  Work with your local Jewish organization to join Adamah’s Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition and help them create a Climate Action Plan.
• Invest in Change. Double down on organizations doing good work who align with your values.  Consider becoming a monthly donor; we all need you now more than ever. 

Adamah will continue to uphold our core values of Community & Belonging for all people. We will continue to approach each other, our constituents, and our work with empathy, compassion, understanding, and an open mind and heart in the days, weeks, and months ahead.  

We gain nothing by denigrating those with whom we disagree; it may feel good in the moment, but in the long run we must all work harder to listen to and empathize with people who have formed different views and opinions than our own. Too many Americans see our political opponents as enemies; Jewish tradition, in contrast, teaches us to see each other more as chevruta – partners in dialogue – in the great task of learning, growing, evolving, and building a more just and sustainable world for all. 

May G!d bless America with greater empathy and compassion, and both inner and outer peace as we navigate the years ahead. And may we work together to create the future we wish to see in the world, come what may. 

L’Shalom,

Jakir Manela
Chief Executive Officer

The post The Path Ahead appeared first on Adamah.

Last month, I was in Frascati, Italy for a gathering whose title said it all: “Going further, faster together: towards a global, multi-faith, women-led climate action network.” We were brought together by a Wilton Park, a British government agency, various Embassies to the Holy See (Vatican), and global nonprofits. This three-day gathering closed with a commitment for radical collaboration towards climate justice, a goal, which we all understood, must be founded in trust. We had work to do.

My deep love for people and planet, adam and adamah, has been nourished through a life of travel and work in multi-faith settings. Yet I have never before had the privilege to be in a room with such a diversity of women, cultures, backgrounds, and religious beliefs. Especially today, it feels that so much divides us. Yet there in Frascati, there was an underlying thread that connected us all: a deep commitment to a livable planet for ourselves and future generations.

A shared commitment to our common home was a powerful start towards building trust. Being together in person was a critical reminder of the humanity that binds us. In a world where digital communication often dominates, the opportunity to meet face-to-face allowed us to bridge divides that might otherwise seem insurmountable. We were a small group, 50 or so women with a few male allies. We had meetings as a group, we gathered in intimate break outs, we shared meals, slowed down over tea. We spoke honestly and thoughtfully. The trust was building.

Throughout the event, I was struck by the stories shared by my fellow attendees. Women, from different corners of the globe, spoke of the tangible impacts of climate change on their communities; others spoke of innovative solutions being implemented; others shared both simultaneously – that as their communities are being devastated, they are learning to adapt, and even slow, climate change.

Youth ambassador for Faith for our Planet, Chiranthi Senanayake, takes a selfie in St Peter’s Square, Rome at the Papal Audience, with fellow participants including former President of Ireland Mary Robinson. Liore is pictured in the center, behind Chiranthi Senanayake. Photo from Wilton Park.

A highlight of our gathering was our visit with the Pope. Though few of us identified as Catholic, this shared experience was a poignant reminder of how personal this journey is. Meeting the Pope underscored the importance of bringing our whole selves to this place. It was a moment that transcended religious boundaries, reinforcing the idea that our journey is not just about individual efforts but about bringing so many others along with us. It reminded us that by embracing our full identities and experiences, we can inspire and mobilize a broader community to join us in this crucial work.

Building trust is the first step towards meaningful partnership. In Italy, we laid the groundwork for future collaborations by fostering an environment of openness and respect. Trust is not built overnight, but the seeds were sown during our time together. We left the gathering with a sense of solidarity and a commitment to continue working together, despite the challenges that lie ahead.

The relationships we built in Italy are the beginning of partnerships that have the potential to create the world we have imagined—a world where faith and action converge to protect our planet for future generations. Together, we can move faster and more effectively towards a sustainable future.

Liore Milgrom-Gartner
Deputy Climate Action Director

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Half my family lives in Asheville, North Carolina. I have friends in other communities impacted by Helene. The pictures of flattened communities, missing roads and downtowns that were simply washed away are incomprehensible. The stories in the press seem unbelievable. Isolated by closed roads, no power, no water, no cell service, the extent of damage remained unrealized even by residents for the first few days. Once limited travel and communications were possible, the horror of the storm became heartbreaking and the realities of day-to-day life in the aftermath a string of lessons in reality. It was my first conversation with my sister, once she again had cell service, that made this disaster real. 

My sister serves on the board of a very impactful non-profit that supports veterans in transitioning from homelessness to self-reliance. While the location that serves women and their children survived, the men lost everything. They are essentially again homeless. Her daughter is a pharmacist with a company that services rehab and long-term care facilities. For two days, no one could reach the pharmacy. Despite amazing help from amazing volunteers and long workdays, my niece reports they are still not caught up on filling all the prescriptions that have come in. Even in affected areas, the needs of “life before” continue and are complicated by new demands. 

The most heart-breaking news is that my 7-year-old great-nephew lost a dear friend named Micah, a best friend, to the flooding of the Swannanoa River. Micah and his mother, Meghan, had recently moved in with her parents so she could go back to nursing school. The family made it to the roof of the house as the flood waters rose. Meghan was able to text with her sister in Texas, who tried desperately to reach emergency services in Asheville. Suddenly the texts stopped. The roof had collapsed, and the family swept away. Miraculously, Meghan was caught up in debris. As she clung to that debris, a voice told her she could not stay there, she had to let go. Somehow, she found the strength to do just that, and a police officer down river was able to rescue her. Her 7-year- old son and her parents are all gone. Her pain and loss are unimaginable, her life altered immeasurably. 

When my niece and her husband sat down with their son and told him of Micah’s death, he had many hard, insightful questions, including “what could G!d want with a 7-year-old boy?” Last Sunday, he told his mom he thought it would help if they went to church, and they did. Once again, our children lead us, reminding us that hope comes through faith. 

Before coming to Adamah, I worked for Habitat for Humanity and was able to participate in disaster response. During those years, I learned that communities may rebuild, but they will not recover. The fabric of a community is indelibly altered by disaster. The magic and beauty of a diverse population is lost. Speculators move in, the cost of living increases. Those most impacted are often least able to afford to rebuild. Many of those displaced cannot afford to return. Often what made a community special is diminished by disaster. Asheville was an amazing amalgamation of artists, small town folks, transplants, liberals, conservatives – what Asheville will be in the future is unknown. 

The consequences of climate change and climate disasters are increasing exponentially. Disasters are more frequent, more devastating, more costly, more life-threatening. The work we do at Adamah to drive awareness of, and combat climate change could not be more critical. Climate change needs to be a consideration of every decision we make. What more can we do to limit our negative impact? How do we raise awareness and drive change? Every step forward could be a disaster minimized or, please G!d, averted.

This is our calling. This is our faith journey. This is what makes us Adamah.  

Tiffani Irwin
Director of Sustainable Facilities

As a Christian, and one influenced by Celtic and Native American spirituality, I recognize all of creation as sacred, interconnected and essential to the continuity of life.  Adamah’s commitment to stewardship and service to all creation supports my goals and resonates with my soul.

The post The Incalculable Cost of Helene  appeared first on Adamah.

What will change in the year ahead, and how must we change ourselves?  In case we needed any further evidence of the peril we face, Hurricanes Helene and Milton provide a visceral, stark reminder. We send our prayers to those impacted, but what else can we do? Are we capable of profound change? How do we make that happen, together?

We all need community right now. We need joy. We need hope. And that’s why our work at Adamah is more important than ever.

As the largest Jewish environmental organization in North America, Adamah is leading a burgeoning movement in Jewish life.

This year, Adamah will impact over 30,000 people. 

Hundreds of kids and families harvest their own food, pray outside, and revel in joyful celebration at Adamah Adventure Camp, Teva day school trips, and family camps throughout the year.  

Over 380 organizations have joined Adamah’s Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition, and our Climate Action Fund has deployed over $745,000 to 32 organizations, saving more than $560,000 in utility costs and reducing 1,000+ metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents annually. 

73 chapters of the Jewish Youth Climate Movement empower high school leaders nationwide. 

1,500 college students engaged with Adamah on Campus in its first year and now we have 19 established chapters and over 100 more interested!  

Adamah’s two fellowship programs, Teva and Adamah, integrate Jewish wisdom, ecology, and regenerative agriculture- now with 900+ alumni between the two programs. 

We’ve had tremendous impact this year, and we are just getting started. Let’s try to take a deep breath. Give gratitude for the trees and the earth that sustains us.

This year, you can support tree-planting and reforestation initiatives on our own campuses and with JTree, our partnership with the National Forest Foundation. Every $18 contribution to Adamah’s nature-based solutions helps create tangible change in our ecosystems, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations. 

Underlying all of this is Adamah’s commitment to Peoplehood & Planethood: building bridges for the Jewish people— from Israel and the Diaspora—to work towards a more sustainable future together.  

This year more than ever, may our holiday prayers break through! For our people, and for our planet.

Gmar Chatima Tovah – May we all be inscribed in the book of life for a year of health, happiness and peace,

Jakir Manela
CEO, Adamah

The post We need community. We need joy. We need you. appeared first on Adamah.

We’ve just finished two outstanding Rosh Hashanah retreats, both great successes. These heartfelt gatherings were even more important this year, because they lead up to today, October 7^th.  This is a day of profound grief and sorrow for many people.

One year ago on this date, Hamas massacred over 1,200 Israelis and took over 250 hostages, including dozens of Americans and people from around the world. It was the deadliest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust. One full year later, 97 hostages have still not come home, and many of them are now presumed dead. One full year later, the war sparked by that massacre still rages on, with almost 42,000 Palestinians dead and more than 97,000 injured in Gaza. This massacre and the ensuing war has dramatically diminished the potential for and progress towards peace across the region, and has sparked demonstrations at hundreds of college campuses, including both legitimate messages of empathy and protest against the loss of innocent life, as well as hateful antisemitic messages defending or even supporting or celebrating Hamas’s evil as legitimate “resistance by any means necessary.” This past year has brought about great trauma and turmoil in Israel, across the Jewish world, and for all those who care about peace, humanitarian values, and universal human rights. Too often, it is difficult for many to acknowledge the suffering and rights of both Israelis and Palestinians, and seemingly impossible to find a better path forward. Amidst such tragedy, today we can give ourselves space to grieve over this year of pain and sorrow.

For Adamah, this year has represented progress and momentum on many fronts, despite these broader challenges. And amidst this storm all around us, we have worked collaboratively to cultivate a culture of listening and empathy.

We have also worked over this past year to establish clarity around Adamah’s Relationship with Israel. One of our core values is Peoplehood & Planethood: building bridges between Israel & the Diaspora to create a more sustainable future together. We believe in peacebuilding through environmental cooperation, and we work to build relationships and partnerships with Israeli leaders and organizations aligned with our mission and impact through immersive experiences, Jewish environmental education, leadership development, and climate action. That work continues to move forward, now more important than ever.

Wherever you are today, however this date and this past year impacts you, I want to encourage us all to find time for quiet and stillness, to express your grief in whatever ways work for you: go for a walk outside, take some deep breaths, talk with family or friends, or find other ways to slow down, unplug, and connect to what’s most important in your life. This is a profoundly sad day for many people, and events continue to unfold with great uncertainty as to what lies ahead. So let’s all continue to hold empathy and compassion for one another—as a Rosh Hashanah guest said to me before leaving yesterday, “It’s so clear how much this team cares about and supports one another. That’s not a given, and it makes a huge difference.”

Sending love, and praying for peace

Jakir Manela
CEO, Adamah

The post October 7 – One Year Later appeared first on Adamah.

On the eve of this new year, the Middle East faces unprecedented tumult, danger, and sorrow. The latest climate disaster, Helene, wreaked death and destruction across the American southeast. An imminent election holds profound potential consequences for our nation, our people, and our planet. And yet our lives unfold not on the grand scale of history, but in the humility of home. We meet the needs of the day on our own or with our partners, we support our families and friends, and we make countless choices every single day—individually and collectively—that define our communities, our cultures, our ecosystems, our countries, and our trajectory through time.

And now we enter a new year. How will you and I fare in 5785? How will the Jewish people do? What will happen in Israel? Or America? Will the Earth and its inhabitants evolve towards greater harmony and balance, or further apart?

If ever there were a Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to pour out our hearts in prayer, this is it. The traditional liturgy works for some of us. Others gather and raise our voices in song. Some daven (pray) in quiet meditation, whispering and crying in the corner. Others seek discussion, learning from and with our Rabbis and educators. Embodied practice is essential for many of us: exercise, yoga, and tai chi help us connect. Meditation can help us feel the embodiment of prayer. And there’s always the old-fashioned walkabout, where we take time to go visit and say hello to our home, the earth. Put away the phone and listen to and learn from the trees and flowers, plants and animals, and what they evoke inside of us. Adam and Adamah. People and planet.

Whatever works for you, however you best find a way to open your heart and soul: now’s the time. We need the full soul power of the Jewish people right now, and if we come together maybe somehow, we can help see things to a better place. So, when you feel the weight of sorrow these next few days and weeks, or when you feel that moment of awe, remember you are not alone, but rather spiritually attuned with and strengthened by people from all walks of life, all across the globe, who every day seek tikkun-repair in the world. Know that you are not alone, and that together, somehow, we will get through this.

May peace prevail.

May democracy endure.

May all those suffering find safety and solace.

And may we turn the tide.

L’Shana Tova U’Metukah

A good and sweet year for us all

Jakir Manela
CEO, Adamah

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