Courting Goes Kosher: Bars are Out -- Synagogues are In
Heavenly Matches
January 26, 1997
The newest way to meet Mr./Ms. Right is not at a local bar or disco; it's at your local Orthodox synagogue. Indeed, more and more twenty and thirtysomething singles are flocking to synagogues throughout New York for mixers ranging from lectures on "Humor in the Bible" to workshops on overcoming commitment-phobia.
"Synagogues throughout the city are increasingly reaching out to the single community," said Frank Buchweitz, Director of Special Projects at the Orthodox Union (OU).
New York rabbis, who have hosted OU programs geared for singles, concur. "We're noticing that many singles want an appropriate environment in which to meet. They don't want to meet people in a singles bar. A synagogue is an appropriate place where they can meet people who have backgrounds and values similar to their own," said Rabbi Fred Hyman, Assistant Rabbi at Park East Synagogue in Manhattan.
"Singles need to meet in a dignified, non-threatening setting. The OU programs we have hosted in our shul present such an opportunity," said Rabbi Mark Wildes of Congregation Kehillat Jeshrun in Manhattan. "The OU programs have inherent value. Whether it's a lecture by a renowned personality or a sports activity, the singles enjoy themselves even if they don't necessarily meet someone appropriate," he added.
Under the auspices of the OU's Synagogue Services, the New Young Leadership Division, which aims at fostering marriages within the Jewish community, hosts diverse and exciting synagogue-based singles' programs including weekend retreats, lectures, workshops and learn-ins.
Since its inception in October of 1996, the New Young Leadership Division has held events throughout New York City, a virtual mecca for Jewish singles. Some of the synagogues include Lincoln Square Synagogue, Congregation Kehillat Jeshrun, Park East Synagogue, Young Israel of Kew Garden Hills.
Recently, the OU hosted a weekend retreat in New Rochelle, NY that drew nearly 60 singles from throughout the tri-State area. In addition, the OU also helps synagogues out of state develop their own programs for young leadership and singles. For example, the OU is also planning a National Singles Celebration in conjunction with the Baron Hirsch Congregation in Memphis, Tennessee, to be held President's Day Weekend.
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