Helped lead passage and implementation of the First Step Act
Justice, dignity, and hope
A voice for the voiceless.
Tzedek Association works with Congress, the White House, the Department of Justice, and communities across America to reform criminal justice, protect religious liberty, and deliver humanitarian aid worldwide.
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Justice transcends politics.
Image source: Tzedek Association
Our impact
Change measured in laws, lives, and second chances.
Tzedek pairs national policy advocacy with practical action for individuals, families, and communities.
Incarcerated individuals and families assisted
Clemency and second chances secured
Ambulances donated to Ukraine
People evacuated from Afghanistan
Partnerships across government
Data source: Tzedek Association client guidance and official website.
How Tzedek makes a difference
Three missions. One commitment to human dignity.
Criminal Justice Reform
Working to create a fairer justice system through sentencing reform, prison reform, reentry, and compassion.
Explore our workReligious Liberty
Protecting the right of every American to freely practice their faith.
Explore our workHumanitarian Relief
Responding to crises around the world with lifesaving assistance.
Explore our workFeatured victories
Persistence can change what once seemed impossible.
From legislation and prison reform to rescue operations, Tzedek builds the coalitions needed to move people toward safety and freedom.
Modernization
BOP inmate tablets launched
Criminal Justice
First Step Act implementation improvements
Humanitarian Relief
Afghanistan evacuation
Humanitarian Relief
Afghan women moved toward safety
Second Chances
White House clemency efforts
Images source: Tzedek Association
Founder & PresidentImage source: Tzedek Association
Meet our founder
Rabbi Moshe Margaretten
Well before there was Tzedek, a young Moshe Margaretten spent his free time visiting jails and prisons, breathing life into the abandoned and the helpless. Seeing close-up how incarceration devastates individuals and families, he declared it his life’s mission to reform the justice system and shift its focus toward rehabilitation and redemption.
What began with one person showing up for people others had forgotten has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit working across government and around the world.
Meet Our LeadershipOur mission
We believe every person is worthy of fairness, compassion, and hope.
We are committed to championing the civil rights of those mistreated by the criminal justice system, empowering individuals to be productive citizens of society, and aiding the less fortunate. We aim to build a world that values reform, compassion, and equality.
Bipartisan by conviction
Justice transcends politics.
Trusted across government, Tzedek works with elected officials from both sides of the aisle—anyone committed to justice—to advocate for those who deserve a fair chance.
Tzedek played a leading role in helping to introduce, pass, and sign into law the First Step Act. We also worked with the White House to obtain clemency for nonviolent individuals who had paid their dues, and we continue pursuing a road to a better life for people and families affected by incarceration.
“These days it seems almost impossible to achieve anything in Congress with bipartisan support. One exception is criminal justice reform... The input and advocacy of faith-based organizations like Tzedek Association is crucial.”
Image source: Tzedek Association
Become an Advocate
Your voice can help turn compassion into action.
Join a growing community ready to stand up for fairer justice, religious liberty, and people facing humanitarian crises.
- Receive timely advocacy updates
- Learn when decision-makers need to hear from you
- Share meaningful actions with your community
Image source: Tzedek Association
Latest updates
Follow the work as it moves forward.
Policy Submissions
August 20, 2024Tzedek Letter to BOP re Disciplinary ProposalAugust 20, 2024Tzedek Letter to AG re BOP QuarentineAugust 20, 2024Tzedek Association's Public Comment to the USSCAll policy resourcesPress Releases
2026Tzedek and Unify.US urge Congress to fully fund the Federal Bureau of PrisonsAll press releasesIn the News
matzav.comSatmar Rebbe Pays Rare Visit to New York Maximum-Security Prison to Strengthen Jewish InmatesForbesFederal Bureau of Prisons Rolling Out E-TabletsForbesBureau of Prisons Makes Changes to First Step Act CalculationsAll media coverageData source: Official Tzedek website, client revision documents, and linked publications.
Common questions
How can Tzedek help—and how can I help Tzedek?
What does Tzedek Association do?
We advance criminal justice reform, defend religious liberty, provide humanitarian relief, and advocate for individuals and families who need a voice.
How are donations used?
Donations support the advocacy, relationship-building, direct assistance, and rapid-response work needed across Tzedek’s three mission areas.
Can I request help for myself or someone else?
Yes. Use our confidential request form to explain the situation. The team reviews requests and follows up when the matter fits Tzedek’s mission and capacity.
How can I become an advocate?
Join the newsletter, volunteer your skills, share Tzedek’s work, and respond to action alerts when decision-makers need to hear from the public.
Join Tzedek
Justice doesn’t happen on its own.
Whether you’re seeking assistance, supporting our mission, or looking to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.