NEWS
Algorithm promises to match Jewish singles By Aharon Loschak
It’s one of the toughest nuts to crack: how do you find a suitable life partner? Young Jews everywhere grapple with this question, and with today’s increasingly disposable society of endless dating and infinite opportunities at the swipe of a finger, it hasn’t gotten any easier. In fact, it’s only gotten harder. As the number of online dating sites and matchmaking services grows, navigating through them to the ‘right one’ is becoming increasingly difficult. However, the popularity of online dating apps and sites has created data. Data provided statistics. A newly-created matchmaking algorithm, based on Jewish, family and personal values, was developed by a team at Yale University in cooperation with Chabad Young Professional International and Chabad on Campus International. Met@Chabad, currently in beta version, aims to foster a new culture of dating that is intentional and purposeful–for marriage only. The program organizes virtual speed dating events with the option of being in touch with professional matchmakers. “With the widespread use of quick-fix dating apps, the world’s view of dating has rapidly changed,” said Rabbi Beryl Frankel, one of its developers. “We have
been educated to ‘swipe away’ life’s most important choices. Baseless robotic decisions have become the norm.” With our app, participants sign up and receive a detailed questionnaire that is designed to find out more than just where they like to go hiking and if they’re vegan. This sophisticated form hones in on the most important element for successful dating (and marriage, too!): values. A custom-made algorithm takes that data and matches each person with a potential suitor, and then sends out an invite to both parties with a dedicated link for a virtual date. Participants are matched with up to seven people, and are given only eight minutes to date each one. If both parties respond after the event that they’re interested in continuing, the system connects them so they can continue dating offline and in-person. Multiple successful events were held in recent months in the States, with another dedicated one in Canada, and another for the Spanish-speaking communities from Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Paraguay, Venezuela, Colombia, Spain, USA and Mexico. “Met@Chabad has revolutionized the way singles in our community have been
Photo by Christin Hume / Unsplash
dating for marriage!” said Nechama Dina Carlebach of Chabad of Downtown San Diego. “We are so glad that they are now able to connect and meet others just
like them!” For more information, visit: www.metatchabad.com
New class to explore Jewish meditation Meditation from Sinai, a fascinating new six-session course by the acclaimed Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI), will explore the nature of Jewish meditation and the profound benefits it can bring to one’s daily life. Beginning February 2022, participants in the adult education course will discover what Jewish meditation is, the pivotal role it plays in Jewish tradition, and the fundamental ideas it is based on. It is a revolutionary, empowering offering that focuses on mindful awareness as the bedrock for a meaningful life.
This course synthesizes extensive research from both the spiritual community and psychological research, forging a practical path to fully realizing life’s potentials. The course will teach practical life tools that help us respond effectively to negative thoughts and emotions, recognize the value of each new moment, and find purpose and spirituality even in life’s most mundane tasks. The course is accredited for Continuing Education credit for mental health professionals, including social workers, LMFTs, and LPCs. It is de-
signed to appeal to people at all levels of knowledge, including those without any prior experience or background in Jewish learning. The course will be offered both in-person as well as over Zoom. In Tucson, it will be presented by Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin: In-person over 6 Tuesdays 4:00-5:30 PM, starting February 1 Virtual over 6 Wednesdays 7:00-8:30 PM, starting February 2
Register at: www.ChabadTucson.com/JLI In Oro Valley, it will be presented by Rabbi Boruch Zimmerman: In-person over 6 Mondays 4:30-6:00 PM, starting February 7 Virtual over 6 Tuesdays 5:00-6:30 PM, starting February 8 Register at: www.JewishOroValley.com
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