David Cygielman,
Co-Founder & CEO, Moishe House“The idea for Moishe House came to me in 2006 when I realized that there was a serious lack of appropriate programming for Jewish young adults who had graduated from college but not yet settled down with partners,” said David, Moishe House founder. Shortly after, his friend hosted 70 guests in its first Shabbat dinner in Oakland. Today, their original model has expanded to 41 Houses worldwide that engages more than 40,000 attendees a year. From Shabbat dinners to book clubs to sporting events, residents find ways to connect their peers with the community wherever they are.
By connecting Jewish young adults in meaningful ways and providing low-barrier access to Jewish community, Moishe House reaches a wider audience than a typical institutional setting could, ultimately creating an environment where young Jewish leaders can grow and flourish. And it’s working. Through its unique peer-led programs, formerly disconnected and disinterested participants are becoming active in their communities.
When it came to setting up an office, they chose the Bay Area in large part due to the opportunity to partner with UpStart. With their built-in network of colleagues, access to an office and most important, the support of a terrific staff, UpStart connected Moishe House with their CFO, business mentors, marketing opportunities and even new funders. Currently, Moishe House is in the beginning stages of expanding its model to incorporate its alumni and those in their early 30s and young families through a similar style of informal programming.
David added, “We envision Moishe House as the global leader of pluralistic Jewish life for young adults. By facilitating a wide range of experiences, they’ll have the leadership, knowledge and community to enrich their Jewish journeys.”
Moishe House provides meaningful Jewish experiences for young adults in the Bay Area by supporting leaders in their 20s as they create vibrant home-based Jewish communities.
