There are dinner dates, coffee dates, and Shabbat dinners, but the Orthodox Union’s Singles Connection, a program of its Community Services Department, goes a step further, choosing to hold unique, fun, and interactive meet-ups among Orthodox singles, fostering a fun and pressure-free casual atmosphere for singles to meet and get to know each other. There are three upcoming programs that will take place on Wednesday, April 14; Sunday, April 25; and Wednesday, May 11, all in Manhattan.
The first, on April 14, will be the Singles Connection’s “Annual Meet and Learn,” for singles of all ages. The event will take place at Lincoln Square Synagogue, 200 Amsterdam Avenue, and will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Participants will have the option to choose from five different workshops, which will all feature interesting and enlightening discussions with experts in their fields speaking on a variety of subjects. They include
• “Memory Training – Improve your Memory, Focus, and Concentration!” led by Alan Mazurek, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology, Mount Sinai Medical Center;
• “Handwriting Analysis: Discover the Hidden Secrets of your Personality,” led by Ari Korenblit, Ph.D., syndicated columnist and psychotherapist in private practice;
• “Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy: The Every Person’s Guide to Boosting Energy and Optimizing Performance,” led by Lisa Young, Ph.D., R.D., Adjunct Professor at New York University and a nutritionist who has been featured on national television shows such as ABC News, CBS News, and NBC’s The Today Show;
• “Is Superman Jewish?” led by Rabbi Simcha Weinstein, best-selling author from England and popular national radio guest who has appeared on CNN Showbiz Tonight, NPR, and many other programs; and
• “Learn How to Effectively Use Twitter and Facebook,” led by Avi Singer, Director of Organizational Development at Undertone Networks, and author of numerous books.
At that same event, in honor of Yom Ha’atzamut (Israeli Independence Day), Shai Melamed, special representative from Israel to the Jewish Agency, will present “How to Meet Your Dream Mate in Israel!” Singles will have the opportunity to network over refreshments after the workshops. Admission is $10 in advance, and $15 at the door.
On April 25, there will be a grand tournament, “Peel and Play,” of the popular game “Bananagrams,” for singles ages 22-28 at The Jewish Center, 131 West 86th Street, 7:30 p.m.
Winners of the tournament will choose from dinner for two at either PrimoKO, Prime Grill’s newest offshoot, or Mendy’s Delicatessen. The entrance fee for the tournament is $10. Advance registration is required.
On May 11, the program for singles ages 22-28 will be “How to Become a Wine Expert in 15 Minutes or Less,” at Congregation Edmund J. Safra, 11 East 63rd Street, 7:30 p.m.
The event will feature a wine and cheese tasting segment, and a presentation on “Wine Through the Ages: A Brief Biblical History,” given by the Royal Wine Corporation. Admission is $10, and advanced registration is strongly suggested.
To register for any or all of these events, or for more information, contact 212-613-8300 or community@ou.org.