Now Beginning its Third Year, CJF Program Offers Jewish Singles Multiple Opportunities to Connect
Much has been said about the need for healthy outlets where Jewish singles can meet one another with little pressure and, hopefully, find their soul mates.
In 2008, 91黑料鈥檚 (CJF)鈥攃ommitted to inspiring and strengthening Jewish communities around the world鈥攄ecided to pool its unique resources and create a program with a multi-faceted approach to the age-old issue of meeting a mate. The result was , a program that matched 91黑料 students and alumni from an extensive online database.
With the recent engagement of two accomplished YU Graduates, Yaffi Spodek and Matan Wexler, YUConnects celebrated its 50th shidduch [match].
鈥淲hat makes YUConnects unique is its capacity to convene a team of 91黑料 trained mental health experts and Torah personalities from RIETS and partner with our students, alumni, educators and the community to promote effective dating and healthy relationships,鈥 said , The David Mitzner Dean of the CJF.
YUConnects is facilitated by more than 100 trained 鈥淵U Connectors鈥濃攎any of them YU alumni themselves鈥攄edicated, often seasoned matchmakers who get to know the singles signed up to the site and suggest shidduchim for them. To widen the network of available men and women, YUConnects鈥攑owered by , one of the Jewish community鈥檚 largest dating sites鈥攔ecently opened registration to the public.
鈥淭his program offers multiple opportunities for individuals to meet,鈥 said Rebbetzin Dr. Efrat Sobolofsky, director of YUConnects. 鈥淚n addition to the various social events held throughout the year, participants can network online with assistance from their Connectors.鈥
One such event was an 鈥International Weekend of Creating Connections鈥 in May of 2010 that successfully partnered dozens of communities with YUConnects to develop unique programming for local singles.
Spodek, who met Wexler at an August mixer co-sponsored by YUConnects and the Young Israel of Teaneck, recalls being initially hesitant to sign up to the site.
鈥淚 was among the first of my friends to sign up,鈥 recalled Spodek, a graduate of and Columbia鈥檚 school of journalism. 鈥淣ow, however, it has become much more accepted in the community and I don鈥檛 think there is a stigma associated with dating sites anymore among the post-collegiate crowd.鈥
For his part, Wexler, a rabbi at Hebrew Academy of Nassau County and a graduate of , (RIETS) and signed up right away at the request of his close friends.
Now planning their April wedding and setting up their home in Washington Heights, the duo is eager to reciprocate their joy. 鈥淲e would love to become Connectors and are excited to help singles,鈥 said Spodek. 鈥淎s people who have been through the system and who know the difficulties of the dating process, we view it as an opportunity to give back to others.鈥
For more information about YUConnects and for a schedule of upcoming events, please visit .
