Pronouns: she/her
Alisha Pedowitz has worked for over 20 years in the field of Jewish education, engagement, and community building. She is a passionate believer in the power of education to empower individuals and transform communities. She holds a joint MBA in Nonprofit Management and a MAEd with a concentration in Experiential Jewish Education from the AJU, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Stanford University, and has worked within a wide variety of Jewish educational settings. Alisha currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Board at JQ International, the heart of queer Jewish life, education, and support. She lives in Los Angeles with her partner, two teenage children, two pitbull pups, and pet rabbit.
Learn More About Alisha
Where did you grow up?
Simi Valley, CA.
What is your favorite dessert?
Gluten-free chocolate chip cookies.
What’s one thing you own that you should really throw out?
Stacks of old papers that I should go through!
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A librarian or a forensic psychologist.
What’s the most used app on your phone? (Be honest!)
Calm.
What’s your favorite movie?
Love, Actually.
Keva or kavanah?
Kavanah.
If you could only celebrate one Jewish holiday, which one would it be?
Passover. It is filled with so many sense memories and traditions for me. The smell of my grandma’s matzo ball soup cooking all day on my stove. Fun and irreverent moments around the seder table with friends and family. Making matzo brie.
What’s the best thing a student has ever said to you?
When I used to help lead a March of the Living delegation, I took on sharing the story of one of the survivors who used to accompany our delegation and his last memory of his sister, Peska. I would share that story and what carrying it with me meant to me. I’ve had many former participants tell me that they still remember Peska’s story even years later, including one who got a tattoo with Peska’s name to carry her with her always.
What’s your favorite part about being a Jewish educator?
Helping bring the depth and breadth of Jewish wisdom and ritual to others in a way that allows them to dig into and connect with its depth.
