How Does Jewish Matching Work?

ShidduchMatch is built around one idea: introduce Jewish singles who are likely to build a home together, and let each person stay in control. Here is exactly how the site works, from the first screen to your first conversation.

1. Sign up in 8 steps

Sign-up is free and open to anyone aged 18 or over. It is divided into 8 short steps so you can move forward at your own pace:

1. Account: enter your email and a password of at least 8 characters.
2. Email verification: type in the code we send to your email address.
3. Basic information: first name, last name, date of birth, gender, city and country.
4. Photos: up to 9 photos, with one chosen as your main photo.
5. Religious practice: observance level (secular, traditional, conservative, reform, modern orthodox, orthodox or haredi), Shabbat observance, kashrut, origin (Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Mizrahi, mixed or other) and synagogue affiliation.
6. Situation and criteria: your marital status, children and any disability, the age range you want, and whether you accept a partner with children or with a disability.
7. About you: education, profession, an "about me" text and what you are looking for: marriage, a serious relationship or friendship.
8. Personality test: a short questionnaire based on the Big Five model (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, emotional stability).

Each step gives the matching system something it needs. Your basic information, situation and criteria set the frame, the religion step makes sure observance is taken seriously, and the personality test adds a layer that a list of facts cannot capture.

2. How compatibility is calculated

For every pair of members, ShidduchMatch computes a compatibility score. It combines several factors:

• Personality, from the Big Five test
• Religious observance
• Kashrut and Shabbat
• Lifestyle
• Geography
• Children
• Education
• Smoking

The score is calculated in both directions. It measures how well the other person fits your criteria, and also how well you fit theirs. A profile that suits you on paper but is looking for something very different will not score highly, which saves both of you time.

3. Likes, matches and messaging

When a profile interests you, you like it. If that person likes you too, it is a mutual like: a match. Only then does messaging open between you. Nobody can send you a message out of the blue, and you only talk with people who have shown interest.

Once you have a match, take the time to get to know each other in writing. When you both feel ready, you can suggest a call or a first meeting. There is no rush: the aim is a relationship that lasts, not a quick exchange.

On the Free plan you get up to 5 matches per month. Premium gives you unlimited matching, advanced search with filters (age, distance, country, observance, language, family situation, children), the list of members who liked you, and unlimited messaging with your matches.

4. The role of the matchmaker

The shidduch tradition has always relied on a person who knows both sides. The Premium + Matchmaker plan (179 ₪/month) brings that back. Your dedicated matchmaker:

• starts with a phone or WhatsApp interview to understand what you are really looking for;
• searches and selects profiles manually, beyond the score;
• sends you up to 4 personalized introductions per month;
• gives advice before a meeting and follows up with you afterwards;
• gives you priority on new profiles.

Profiles on the Free plan are also visible to matchmakers, so a matchmaker working with another member may consider you too.

5. Tips for good matches

• Complete every step, including the personality test: the score relies on it.
• Write an "about me" text that sounds like you: your values, your daily life, the home you want to build.
• Choose a recent, clear main photo where your face is visible.
• Be honest about your observance, Shabbat and kashrut. It avoids disappointment on both sides.
• Keep your criteria realistic. A range that is too narrow limits your matches.
• When you match, send a personal first message that refers to something in the other person's profile.

Before meeting someone, read our safety tips. Whether you live in Israel, New York or elsewhere, the process is the same.

Quick questions