Founder Morris Bear Squire | ||
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Similar American Jewish Joint Distr, Jewish Community Center, Hazon, American Jewish World Ser, Union for Reform Judaism | ||
Background
Moishe House was created in Oakland, CA in January 2006 by David Cygielman, Moishe House CEO, and American philanthropist Morris Bear Squire. Two weeks after opening its first house in Oakland, a second house opened in San Francisco. The idea for Moishe House came from Cygielman's observation that there was a lack of programming options for Jews who had graduated from college but had not yet settled down with a family. To fill this void, Moishe House has developed a creative, cost-effective and scalable model for building vibrant, peer-based Jewish communities and learning opportunities designed for Jewish young adults in their 20’s.
Contents
From its inception until 2008, Moishe House was solely funded by Squire. In 2008, when Squire could no longer support the organization on his own, Cygielman secured non-profit 501(c)3 charity tax status for Moishe House and the organization was then able to start receiving tax-deductible donations and grants.
The Concept
Three to five young adults turn their home into a Moishe House with the financial assistance and guidance of the organization. In exchange for a rent subsidy, the residents agree to host a specific number of programs per month (typically 5-7) such as holiday celebrations, community service and social events. Moishe House aims to promote new Jewish leadership by providing young adults the opportunity to create and develop their own communities. Moishe House focuses on creating community for Jewish young adults by allowing residents to design and lead programs and activities that they deem relevant and interesting, without regard to a specific branch of Judaism. These programs include Shabbat dinners, social action activities, social events and more.
Impact
The recently published results of a two-year comprehensive evaluation conducted by The TCC Group and sponsored by the Jim Joseph Foundation found that Moishe House’s model is having a profound impact on Jewish young adults internationally. The evaluation focused on both Moishe House residents’ and participants’ perceptions and opinions prior to becoming involved with Moishe House and since becoming involved. The percentage of participants who reported being aware of local opportunities for Jewish young adults to participate in fun and meaningful activities nearly doubled since becoming involved with Moishe House, while residents overwhelmingly noted that they have gained knowledge and skills related to Jewish traditions and customs. Moreover, residents’ affirmative responses more than tripled when asked if they consider themselves to be leaders in their Jewish community since becoming active in Moishe House. Both residents and participants feel more strongly about leading an active Jewish life since becoming involved with Moishe House.
Moishe House also has an alumni program to keep former residents engaged in the Moishe House community.
Growth
There are 83 Moishe Houses in 20 countries with over 200 residents. In the United States there are over 50 houses including three specifically designed for Russian-speaking Jews – one in New York City and one in San Francisco. Administratively, there are 30 staff members and three Moishe House offices:
American cities with at least one Moishe House include:
Internationally, there is a Moishe House in:
Supporters
Originally funded solely by Morris B. Squire, Moishe House now receives funding with nearly 300 foundations, Jewish Federations, and private funders from around the world. Moishe House also has a number of national partners, including Birthright Israel Next, Upstart Bay Area, and Repair the World. In recent years, local Federations have become increasingly involved in the funding of some Moishe Houses.
Moishe House also partners with different organizations to provide educational resources to its large network of residents, alumni, and participants. "Seeking to help Moishe House implement a new Strategic Growth Plan to broaden and deepen its impact on Jewish young adults in their 20’s, the Jim Joseph Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation (CLSFF), Leichtag Foundation, Genesis Philanthropy Group and Maimonides Fund today announced a total of $6 million of investment to the international organization."