Criminal Justice Reform
Working to create a fairer justice system through sentencing reform, prison reform, reentry, and compassion.
Learn moreOur story
Tzedek Means Justice
The Hebrew word “Tzedek” means justice. It reflects the belief that every person is created with inherent dignity and deserves fairness, compassion, and hope.
Image source: Tzedek Association“Justice, justice shall you pursue.” Deuteronomy 16:20
Inspired by this biblical command, Tzedek Association works to reform the criminal justice system, defend religious liberty, and provide humanitarian relief around the world.
Our work
Showing up where systems and lives intersect.
For more than fifteen years, Tzedek Association has worked with lawmakers, government agencies, national organizations, ambassadors, and community leaders across the country to advance meaningful reform, defend religious liberty, and provide humanitarian relief around the world.
Key achievements
Helped lead the effort to pass and implement the landmark First Step Act, benefiting thousands of incarcerated individuals and their families.
Helped secure clemency, compassionate release, home confinement, and other second chances for deserving individuals.
Worked directly with Congress, the White House, the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and other agencies.
Submitted policy proposals and public comments to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, helping shape meaningful guideline reforms.
Advocated for the religious rights and dignity of incarcerated individuals nationwide.
Donated 33 ambulances to help save lives in Ukraine.
Helped evacuate more than 1,200 people during the Afghanistan humanitarian crisis.
Data source: Tzedek Association client guidance and official website.
Our focus
Justice requires both systems change and human compassion.
Religious Liberty
Protecting the right of every American to freely practice their faith.
Learn moreHumanitarian Relief
Responding to crises around the world with lifesaving assistance.
Learn moreThe people behind the work
One mission, carried forward through human connection.
Tzedek’s story is written in meetings, communities, and moments when people choose to act for one another.
Images source: Tzedek Association
Image source: Tzedek Association
A personal mission
One rabbi’s decision to keep showing up.
Rabbi Moshe Margaretten is the Founder and President of Tzedek Association. What began as one rabbi visiting forgotten inmates, supporting incarcerated individuals, and helping families affected by incarceration has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit.
Under his leadership, Tzedek has worked across government and party lines while remaining true to its mission of treating every person with dignity, compassion, and hope. Rabbi Margaretten continues to advocate for those who are often overlooked, believing that justice is measured not only by accountability, but also by mercy, fairness, and the opportunity for redemption.
Meet Tzedek’s LeadershipCriminal justice reform
A fairer system from sentencing through reentry.
Building a Fairer Justice System
Public safety must remain a central priority. At the same time, punishment should be fair, proportionate, and effective. Tzedek advances sentencing reform, appropriate judicial discretion, and practical bipartisan policies that hold people accountable while recognizing the human capacity for change.
Helping People Successfully Reenter Society
A sentence should not define a person’s entire future. Tzedek advocates for earned time credits, compassionate release, home confinement, expanded reentry opportunities, family reunification, and Bureau of Prisons policies that support successful reintegration.
Our journey
Persistence, partnership, and progress.
The Origins of Tzedek
Rabbi Moshe Margaretten begins developing the vision for federal criminal justice reform.
Bipartisan Prison Reform Bill Introduced
The CORRECTIONS Act is introduced in the Senate and House, focusing on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.
Helping Advance the First Step Act
Congress passes and President Trump signs the landmark bipartisan First Step Act.
Leading CARES Act Advocacy
Tzedek champions responsible home confinement for eligible individuals during the pandemic.
Afghanistan Humanitarian Mission
Tzedek helps evacuate more than 1,200 vulnerable Afghans.
Expanding Humanitarian Relief
Tzedek donates 33 ambulances to help move vulnerable civilians to safety in Ukraine.
Advancing BOP Modernization
Tzedek helps advance reforms supporting rehabilitation, family connections, technology, and prison operations.
Continuing the Mission
Tzedek continues advancing justice, protecting religious liberty, and responding when lives are at risk.
Data source: Tzedek Association client guidance and official website.
Our work is far from finished
Every day, families still need advocates.
Religious liberty still requires protection. Humanitarian crises still demand action. The work of criminal justice reform continues.