Russian Moishe Houses

The philosophy behind Moishe House is to set up grassroots community centers that cater towards the twenty-something post-college Jewish population. By offering a rent subsidy and a monthly program budget to a group of young, responsible, and social Jews living in the same house, they in turn agree to host events that range from a simple Shabbat Dinner to a Purim mega-party. Moishe House has found that opening a house costs less than having full-time staff positions in Jewish organizations; the house is more likely to create a feeling of Jewish community, Jewish leaders, and a Jewish home.

Genesis Philanthropy Group is working with Moishe House to open 3 houses in 2009 that will cater to Russian-speaking Jewish young adults. Opening RSJ Moishe Houses has the potential to appeal to RSJ's preference for informal, peer networks and would ensure that the programs created in these houses fit the RSJ cultural context. This initiative can not only transform communities where the houses would operate, but would develop strong community leaders who will increase their level of Jewish knowledge, organize their peers, and provide transformative, identity-building experiences for RSJ young adults in their cities.