Practical guides on shidduch, Jewish dating and preparing for marriage
Welcome to the ShidduchMatch blog. Here we share practical, down-to-earth advice for Jewish singles who are dating with marriage in mind, whether you are just beginning your search or have been on this path for some time. Our articles are written for men and women of every background and level of observance: Ashkenazi, Sephardi and Mizrahi, Haredi, dati leumi, modern Orthodox, traditional or secular, in Israel, North America, Europe and beyond.
You will find guides to how shidduch works today, concrete tips for presenting yourself well on a dating profile, the important conversations to have before committing to marriage, and articles on the moments of the Jewish calendar connected to love and family, such as Tu B'Av. We try to combine respect for tradition with the realities of modern life, and we avoid empty promises: finding your zivug takes honesty, patience and a bit of courage.
Parents, friends and matchmakers who help someone in their search are welcome here too. New articles are added regularly.
Clarify your priorities, be honest about observance, combine community introductions with online dating, polish your profile and set a clear pace: seven practical tips for serious Jewish dating.
Purpose, role of observance, profile quality, verification, privacy, transparency: the criteria for choosing a serious Jewish dating site, and the red flags to watch for.
The role of the shadchan, references, choice, pace: what sets traditional shidduch apart from online Jewish dating, how to choose, and how to combine the two.
What shidduch means today, how the traditional and modern models compare, and the essential steps of a serious search. The guide also covers preparing before you start, the role of family and references, how many dates to expect before deciding, and how to say no with kindness.
Practical advice on choosing your photos, writing a concrete "about me" text and being honest about your observance, Shabbat and kashrut. You will also find the most common profile mistakes and how ShidduchMatch uses your profile and Big Five test in its compatibility score.
Observance and how it may evolve, children and schooling, aliyah, in-laws, finances, family traditions and genetic screening. Ten conversations to have gradually, without turning a date into an interrogation, and with a rabbi or mentor when you need guidance.
The fifteenth of Av, from the Mishnah's description of the daughters of Jerusalem dancing in the vineyards to today's weddings and singles events in Israel. Why this joyful day, just after Tisha B'Av, is a meaningful moment to start or renew your search.