Who Is Morris B. Squire?
Nextbook tracks down the eccentric 84-year-old millionaire behind one of today’s most exciting Jewish engagement initiatives aimed at 20-somethings: a worldwide system of Moishe Houses, located in some 20 cities around the world.
Philanthropist Morris “Moishe” Squire subsidizes rent on the houses, and in exchange the residents turn them into community hubs where young Jews — whether they lean hippie or fratty — can hang out, engage with their heritage, and build community on their own terms (whether that means Shabbat dinners or poker nights). For a relatively modest sum, Squire has had a big impact, from Seattle to Minsk.
It’s an unconventional approach, but then again Squire, as Nextbook shows, is a pretty unconventional guy.
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