Moishe House in Hackney offers virtual events amid pandemic

Moishe House’s recently opened space in Hackney is offering virtual events during the lockdown in a bid to bring together Jewish students and young adults.

The community centre is the second Moishe House recently established in London with support from the Genesis Philanthropy Group, with another set up in Clapham last year.

Other locations in London are Kilburn and Belsize Park.

The newest house, which held an online introductory event on 9 May, is to offer a cook-along over Zoom on 31 May inspired by the history of Jewish cooking.

Four residents, Lauren Keiles, 23, Joshua Powell, 23, Fran Kurlansky, 23 Rosa Slater, 22, moved into the Hackney venue before the UK went into a lockdown in March.

The four residents said: “We have always valued Jewish community. Now that we are moving into the next stage of our life we want to create a Moishe House which offers the same opportunities to engage with Judaism on a cultural, religious and social level that we have enjoyed.

“Whilst north west London is considered to be the centre of Jewish life in London, Hackney attracts Jewish students and young professionals when they first move out of their family home.

“Our Moishe House aims to bring these Jewish students together and become a surrogate home for them, by offering a diverse range of options and ensuring there is something on offer for everyone, whether that entails Friday night dinners, text study or social action.”

More than 100 Moishe houses have been established across 25 countries, each one assigned a group of residents to live together and host programmes for other young adults.

The nonprofit facilitates a partial rent subsidy, programming budget, educational resources and training.