About Us
Who we Are
Chevra Farms is a regenerative food forest, living Jewish eco-farm and education center that aims to provide unique educational, healing and tourism experiences through connection with the land of Israel and its nature.
Inspired by Jewish ideas and traditions, we aim to build on thousands of years of agricultural tradition to create community, provide natural healing, teach environmentalism through deep connection with the Land of Israel. .
Vision & Mission
We aim to provide a safe space for people of all ages to connect with their Jewish identity and be healed through the nature and the land of Israel.
Our Story
The meaning of Chevra in Hebrew is a close group of friends.
Avi, Shira and Ariela met in Jerusalem city center, and were part of the Nachlaot Chevra, a tight knit group of ex- pats who came to Israel as teenagers chasing a Zionist dream and seeking a deeper Jewish identity than their home towns could offer. Together and independently, they conjured ways to connect more deeply with the land of Israel, protect her nature and live their own core Jewish values: loving-kindness, tikun olam, and the infinite value of human life.
They eventually moved to the suburbs and got busy with supporting their growing families, but a small seed of hope lie dormant in their hearts. They dreamed of someday creating a community center where they could foster Jewish Identity, self sustainability, environmental custodianship and connection with Mother Earth, all through the lens of Judaism and the land of Israel.
When October 7th happened, Israel was met with crisis, death and destruction. The three realized more than ever how precious our time on this earth is, and how important it is to continue to chase dreams. Finally, from the ashes of war, the dormant seed of Chevra Eco Farm burst to life.
Our Team
Ariela Solomon, CEO
Shira Kaplan, VP Programs
Ariela Solomon, CEO
Ariela Solomon has her MA in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, Hebrew University.
After a 15 year career in investor relations for some of the Jewish World’s most prestigious organizations, such as the Hebrew University, the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, and the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Ariela transitioned to the private secto
Ariela Solomon has her MA in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, Hebrew University.
After a 15 year career in investor relations for some of the Jewish World’s most prestigious organizations, such as the Hebrew University, the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, and the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Ariela transitioned to the private sector. She joined one of Israel’s top software companies and immediately became the global top performing business development representative. A mother of 7, Ariela enjoyed working hard and providing for her family, but the mission driven work of Jewish communal service tugged at her heart strings. After the October 7th crisis, Ariela found herself in a personal and professional crisis- she could no longer dedicate her energy and talent to software. An old dream shared by a group of friends reemerged and hence, Chevra Eco-Farms came to life.
Avi Friedman, COO
Shira Kaplan, VP Programs
Ariela Solomon, CEO
Avi Friedman is a regenerative agriculture designer, builder, survivalist and Jewish educator. His hobbies include wild-crafting, specialized fermentation, winemaking and olive harvesting and processing. A passionate advocate for the Jewish connection to the land of Israel, all of his work is underscored by his backbone of Jewish value. A
Avi Friedman is a regenerative agriculture designer, builder, survivalist and Jewish educator. His hobbies include wild-crafting, specialized fermentation, winemaking and olive harvesting and processing. A passionate advocate for the Jewish connection to the land of Israel, all of his work is underscored by his backbone of Jewish value. Avi is a dedicated spouse to Shira and a loving Abba to twin 4-year-olds, Ella and Eden.
Shira Kaplan, VP Programs
Shira Kaplan, VP Programs
Shira Kaplan, VP Programs
At the age of 23, Shira was owner of one of Jerusalem's first and most beloved vintage clothing stores, Trumpeldor Vintage Clothing. A South African x-pat, Shira promoted ecological values through her popular store, which served as a community hub in central Jerusalem . After 8 years, she closed shop in order to embrace a slower rural fa
At the age of 23, Shira was owner of one of Jerusalem's first and most beloved vintage clothing stores, Trumpeldor Vintage Clothing. A South African x-pat, Shira promoted ecological values through her popular store, which served as a community hub in central Jerusalem . After 8 years, she closed shop in order to embrace a slower rural family life on a moshav, growing food, raising animals, hosting friends and dreaming of a place where her family could continue to grow. Together with her husband, Avi, she's instilled a passion for the environment and ethical living in her four year old twins. She runs a vintage e-commerce store, is a bee keeper, musician and artist. Chevra Eco Farms is the realisation of her dreams, a center for environmental education and a respite for all.