Orthodox Jewish Dating

Up until recently, Jewish singles have been expected to marry a fellow Jew. This was due to a mixture of tradition, self-preservation, and the discrimination against Jews which has been prevalent for centuries. However, now that we live in a very open society, where one can practice any religion he sees fit, and racism is frowned upon, a Jew can marry virtually anyone he or she chooses. This has spawned the rise of intermarriage.

It’s not surprising as Jews comprise a mere 2% of the American population. With more gentiles to choose from, a few will eventually end up with non-Jewish partners. Currently, 1 out of 2 Jews practice intermarriage, and this has been quite alarming for some sectors of the community.

Orthodox Jews cling to the old tradition of matching Jew to Jew, in the hope of preserving the race, culture, and faith. This is unlike other forms of Judaism, like the Reformists, who embrace intermarriage as a result of living in a dynamic, multi-cultural society. For Orthodox Jews, this is one of the things that fuel the high divorce rate in America, as cultural and religious differences usually crop up after some years into the marriage.

As such, it is not uncommon to see mixed marriages among Orthodox families. The mother will casually tell her friends that her dearest daughter or son is ripe for marriage, in the hope of finding a suitable match within the community. If this proves profitless, she may resort to hiring a matchmaker for help. Even in this day and age, this practice is still alive and has the support of busy individuals who view it as a pragmatic way of meeting their potential mate.

However, for most young people, online dating is the medium of choice. It has been instrumental in bridging Jewish singles who want to marry within the faith. Dozens of sites offer a thriving community of bachelors and bachelorettes. Aside from the usual details and photos, you’ll be able to search according to their religious activity and affiliation, to be sure the other person is on the same level.

Aside from love, compatibility is a big factor in ensuring a long and successful marriage. If religious beliefs are important to you, it is only fitting that you put a premium on finding a mate that thinks the same way. Whatever method you choose, remember that the search phase is only the beginning. A lot of effort goes into finding the right mate and eventually maintaining a good relationship. Hopefully, your common backgrounds will serve as a strong bond that will keep you together during tough times.