2009 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Progressive Jewish Alliance

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Civil Rights, Intergroup & Race Relations, Race

Mission: The mission of Progressive Jewish Alliance (PJA) is to educate, advocate and organize on issues of peace, equality, diversity and justice, as a progressive voice in the Jewish community and a Jewish voice in the progressive community.  Under the rubric “tikkun ha ir, tikkun olam” (repair of the city, repair of the world), PJA works to build multi-cultural and multi-faith bridges within our community, and we participate in broad coalitions working to build a better California and a better nation for all of its inhabitants.  We fight for economic justice by educating Jews about our obligation to stand with the working poor, and then we organize the Jewish community to join in campaigns to improve working conditions and secure a living wage for low-wage workers.  We work to ensure Jewish continuity through our Jeremiah Fellowship, an innovative project that trains young professionals to be the next generation of Jewish social justice leaders.  And we build a vibrant, creative and engaged community through education programs and quarterly holiday events that explore the intersection of art, culture and politics.  PJA was founded in Los Angeles in 1999; since our founding, PJA has reinvigorated the progressive Jewish landscape and created a new model of Jewish community engagement.  In February 2005, expanding our geographic reach, PJA opened a San Francisco Bay Area office.  In Fall 2009, we will expand again by offering our Jeremiah Fellowship program in Washington, DC, in collaboration with Jews United for Justice.

Community Stories

13 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

9

KE Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 4

10/29/2009

PJA is an amazing organization that has helped to galvanize the Jewish community around critical social justice issues, particularly the issue of marriage equality. I am continually inspired and energized by their work.

10

Barbara1 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/29/2009

PJA is a dynamic young social justice organization that is rapidly becoming a major player on the national stage. It mobilizes the Jewish community through thought leadership, leadership development and grass roots organizing opportunities. PJA serves marginalized and disenfranchised communities through effective collaboration with multicultural partners of many faiths. It is an inspiriational place to work and attracts passionate and dedicated staff, volunteers and members.

8

Laurie Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/29/2009

Progressive Jewish Alliance allows me to stand with many in the Social Justice movement - people like me who are guided by their Jewish principles for Tikkun Olam and so much more. The leadership and volunteers are "mensches in the trenches" - THANK YOU for doing so much to be there!

7

jmontell Donor

Rating: 5

10/29/2009

I really like the focus of this organization. I like the fact that a Jewish organization works on issues for social justice here in the United States. I like the fact that I get emails about current activities in my area frequently.

10

Juliegerchik Board Member

Rating: 5

10/29/2009

PJA is just wonderful. They put on a series of impressive programs through the year, and in particular, have shown a real focus on economic conditions of the working poor. Their Economic Justice Working Group is really outstanding and I applaud them for the work they do.

3

Sethweiner Client Served

Rating: 5

10/28/2009

PJA introduced me to a world of Jewish Activism that I did not before know existed. I have been blessed to meet many friends and learn about many important social justice causes around the Los Angeles and beyond. As a Jeremiah Fellow I met other young jewish activists around Los Angeles and the Bay Area- and as this network has grown and spread I find myself supported by Jewish friends around the country! I have even met some fantastic Muslim activist friends!

3

cweiner Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/28/2009

My experiences with Progressive Jewish Alliance are always outstanding. They provide their volunteers with comprehensive support for every initiative. They keep volunteers informed about the projects that they are working on. The work that the organization does exemplifies Jewish values expressed by the concept of Tikkun Olam, Repairing the World.

3

pb61 Volunteer

Rating: 4

10/28/2009

Progressive Jewish Alliance is a small organization with a large Jewish presence. It speaks for those of us who see our liberal values as an outgrowth or continuation of our Jewish Values. This organization represents modern day halacha as applied to issues of social justice,peace, Israel, etc. It reminds me of ethical issues, ways to make my concerns heard and things I want to be involved in. Though I don't get involved in many things, this Jewish organization gives me hope and a sense of community of ideas.

3

juliacaplan Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/28/2009

PJA communicates a moral vision of a more just society, and then takes action to make that vision a reality. PJA holds the Jewish community accountable for living up to our own standards of social justice, based on teachings from the Torah about equality, wealth and poverty, food, housing and worker rights. Because of PJA I feel confident that generations to come can feel proud to be Jews.

3

jschraub Former Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/28/2009

I was a Jeremiah fellow, which is a program through PJA which provides young Jewish people with leadership training. We participated in bi-weekly sessions to learn about various issues in our community, Judaism, and the world. It was a great opportunity that allowed me to meet other dynamic young Jews and learn how to improve myself and my community.

4

pkivel Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/28/2009

PJA does powerful work in solidarity with low-income workers like sweat-shop workers, car wash workers and hotel workers. Members are out on the picket lines as well as being active in other community struggles around gay rights, the death penalty, and immigrant rights. They are also producing a new generation of leadership through their young adult Jeremiah Program.

5

JewessMaven Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/28/2009

Progressive Jewish Alliance has done amazing work in LA and San Francisco, working along side laborers to make sure they have a fair wage. The No Schvitz guide is great. PJA also does a great job working with other community groups.

6

Sarah Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/28/2009

PJA is an amazing organization that works toward social justice, brings groups together, and builds Jewish communities. It's currently at a crossroads (with a new executive director, expanding to new cities), and I expect that it will take on new issues, use new techniques, and reach new constituencies. I'm so proud that PJA exists, and I'm honored to be a part of it.

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