Seeking one’s soulmate has always been an endeavor fraught with challenges. For many young Jewish professionals, today’s fast-paced and non-committal society can accentuate the difficulties. These obstacles spurred the creation of Met@Chabad by CYP International at Merkos 302, and a movement of marriage-focused dating initiatives ensued, including tens of value-based speed dating events worldwide, relationship workshops, and empowering Shluchim with the tools to help their young professionals navigate the journey.
With growth always in mind, Met@Chabad is now launching a podcast to take that guidance and support to the next level. So many young professionals have expressed that they feel lost in the world of relationships and are looking for some clarity. While many options and platforms provide assistance, Met@Chabad wants to provide that help from a Torah perspective.
“There are so many topics that need to be discussed when it comes to dating and marriage,” says Rabbi Beryl Frankel, Director of CYP International at Merkos 302. “Relationships are one of the most important things in our lives, and having that guidance and somewhere to turn to and ask questions is essential.”
The Jewish Marriage podcast hopes to be more than just “standard” relationship advice; it aims to be the place to turn for the Jewish method in searching for a spouse. Questions like “How do I develop the proper mindset to go out?” or “Is love the most important thing for a marriage?” are just some topics the podcast will address.
Since its launch, Met@Chabad has evolved into a key resource for young Jewish adults looking for relationship advice and matchmaking. Starting with an AI-driven matchmaking service that matched 40% of participants in its first event, it quickly saw success. From that success came a realization regarding the need to educate young Jews with Jewish perspectives on dating. This led to the creation of “The Jewish Dating Course,” with over 1200 young adults participating and an Instagram page with millions of views and engagement.
To further support the young professionals in their journey Met@Chabad trained Shadchanim to help the young professionals isolate their fundamental values and training for Shluchim in Jewish marital customs and relationship advice. The podcast is a natural development of Met@Chabad’s educational efforts, making the expert knowledge of these experienced
Shluchim and professionals accessible to the broader public.
“In the last few months we’ve been seeing an awakening amongst young Jews wanting to settle down and build Jewish homes,” says Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos 302. “The Shluchim on the ground are on the forefront, guiding them through the intricate process of self-discovery and ultimately finding their soulmates.”
Listen to the Jewish Marriage Podcast on all podcast platforms. https://www.youtube.com/@jewishmarriage
The mastermind behind it all! Met at chabad is so lucky!