Sep 27, 2021 By: lberlinger
What began 13 years ago as a local effort to help 樱花动漫 students meet their life mates has today grown into a major relationship-building program that serves the global Jewish community.
In the process, the popular dating resource has helped almost 10,000 Jewish Orthodox singles and just announced its 500th engagement.
It鈥檚 a feat the founders of the nonprofit organization could only dream of when they first launched the concept in 2008. 鈥淚t鈥檚 incredible to see the program grow exponentially every day, with close to 280 couples now dating on any given week, which ultimately leads to many engagements and marriages,鈥 said Dr. Efrat Sobolofsky, the program鈥檚 director, who worked closely with the University鈥檚 leadership and (CJF) from day one to get YUConnects off the ground.
While helping singles find their better half is what drives YUConnects, Dr. Sobolofsky emphasized that the program is as much about the journey as it is the outcome, an approach she said has accounted for its popularity.
鈥淲e have an online dating platform, but we鈥檙e not just a matchmaking service,鈥 she said, referring to the YUConnects extensive state-of-the-art search engine powered by SawYouatSinai, one of the Jewish community鈥檚 largest online dating sites. 鈥淥ur true success is in creating opportunities for people to network and meet, and providing resources to foster meaningful relationships and help members through their personal dating journey.鈥
This includes offering a wide range of support services to the program鈥檚 more than 3,600 current members鈥攂ased largely in the United States, Canada, Israel, France, England and Australia鈥攆rom social and networking events to educational forums, lectures and informational resources. Think coaching, genetic testing, date etiquette, relationship advice, assessing dating readiness, date night ideas and everything in between.
鈥淵UConnects serves as a platform for Jewish people from a common range of values to meet and develop healthy relationships that serve as the foundation for future families of our community,鈥 said Rabbi Yaakov Glasser, David Mitzner Dean of CJF. 鈥淲e have created a communal network that brings a thoughtful approach to contemporary dating.鈥
For Dani and Michael Gottesman of Bergenfield, New Jersey, who were introduced through the dating site by staff member Mindy Eisenman and just celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary, YUConnects鈥 added value is in combining the personal touch of a matchmaker with access to a large database of singles.
鈥淢indy served as an intermediary for our first few dates and was always in touch with us, giving guidance and pointers,鈥 said Dani, explaining that she initially felt hesitant about joining an online dating platform but quickly recognized the high quality of the other members. 鈥淔our kids later, Michael and I are deeply indebted to YUConnects for giving us the greatest gift.鈥