Volunteer Spotlight: Frank Goldsmith

Meet Frank, a NECHAMA volunteer whose heart for justice and community runs as deep as the roots he’s put down in Western North Carolina.

Frank spent decades practicing law, handling everything from civil rights cases to criminal defense, and he even argued a case before the U.S. Supreme Court! Though retired since 2017, he continues to work part-time in mediation and arbitration, driven by a lifelong commitment to helping others in times of crisis. After Hurricane Helene damaged lives and homes across the region, including his own property, Frank felt compelled to act. Already trained in emergency response through the Carolina Mountain Club’s search and rescue team, he connected with NECHAMA through local Jewish networks and knew it was the right fit. A longtime member of Congregation Beth Israel and Carolina Jews for Justice, he was drawn to the opportunity to show up visibly Jewish and serve anyone in need. Frank feels a strong connection to the social justice component of Judaism, and feels that volunteering with NECHAMA is a way to live out what he’s been taught: Tikkun Olam and loving the stranger.

Frank has now volunteered four times with NECHAMA, working on homes in Henderson County, Asheville, and Marion – and has even recruited friends to join him! What keeps him coming back is not just the need, but the way NECHAMA operates: highly skilled team leads who are well organized and empower volunteers to make a real impact.

To anyone considering volunteering with NECHAMA, Frank says: If you’re interested in doing something very immediate and concrete to help people direly in need, there is no better organization to do it with: the tools they have and the people they have, it’s a wonderful opportunity to help people affected by a horrible natural disaster in our region.