Help Nechama Rebuild After Fire

Please Help Rebuild My Home

My name is Nechama Silver, and I’m 77 years old. I was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the U.S.A., and moved to Israel in 1974. I was one of the founding members of Moshav Mevo Modi’im in 1976 – a community founded by followers of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, z”l. My home was destroyed in a devastating forest fire on May 23, 2019. I am humbly reaching out now to ask for help in rebuilding my home on my land, so I can continue to live with dignity and keep the spirit of hospitality and Shabbat alive for my children, grandchildren, and all who visit.

࣎࣍࣌࣋࣊A Life of Love, Faith, and Shabbat

I was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I came to live in Israel in 1974, at age 26, drawn by the dream of living a life filled with meaning, rooted in faith and community. In 1976, I moved to Moshav Mevo Modi’im with friends and fellow followers of Reb Shlomo. We were young idealists – we believed in Shabbat, in music, in joy, and in welcoming every soul who walked through the gate of our community. In 1984, I married my beloved husband, Shmuel, and we raised two beautiful children together. Though we had very little, we made it a priority to always open our home to guests – for every Shabbat, for every holiday, and for everyone in need. Hosting was not just something we did – it was who we were.

We supported ourselves through a small natural foods factory we developed with our own hands – making whole wheat pasta and natural peanut butter - before these products had become popular yet in Israel. We were ahead of our time, and after 10 years we were forced to close the business. Since my husband had suffered a heart attack, I became the sole provider in 1997 and worked for 23 years doing computer work in the logistics department of a large Israeli children’s products company, until my retirement in 2020. Sadly, my dear Shmuel passed away in 2010.

The Fire That Took My Home

On Lag B'Omer, May 23, 2019, in a heat wave and extreme winds, our entire village, surrounded by forests, was engulfed in flames. My home – the place where I had lived, loved, raised my children, and welcomed guests for over 40 years – burned beyond repair.

For the past six years, I have lived in temporary housing provided by the government, wading through endless bureaucracy and delays as the entire infrastructure of Mevo Modi’im needed to be rebuilt. The wait to rebuild my house on my land has been very painful and uncertain, as the cost of living has increased radically over this time.

I never imagined I’d need to ask for help. I thought I could manage this on my own. But now, with building costs soaring and my pension limited, I realize I cannot do this alone.

Why I’m Asking for Help

My goal is to raise $500,000 for the additional funds needed to build my home on my land, a home where my children and grandchildren can join me for Shabbat, and once again we can open our doors to old friends and new ones, to sing songs of peace and celebrate Shabbat just as Reb Shlomo taught us.

This is not just about bricks and cement. It’s about rebuilding a sacred space filled with love, community, and memories. It’s about honoring a legacy that has touched thousands of people throughout the years who visited Mevo Modi’im seeking light, healing, and belonging.

How You Can Help

Any amount you can give is deeply appreciated. Whether it’s $10 or $10,000, your donation is a building block for our loving home. Whether you can give or not, sharing this campaign with family and community is also a great mitzvah.

From the bottom of my heart – I thank you. Thank you for helping me to rebuild, not just a home, but a place of welcome and light in a world that so desperately needs it. This is what keeps me going!

With love and gratitude,

Nechama Silver

Mevo Modi’im, Israel