March-April Bulletin Message
by Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro

For Your Consideration
Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro

It’s been four years since I began officiating at two kinds of weddings. The newer experience has involved weddings between Jews and non-Jews. I am pleased to say that participating in such “mixed marriages” has been very positive. The couples I marry who plan to create a Jewish home have been pleased. I have totally enjoyed sharing their weddings with them.

Of course, the other “kind” of wedding is the clas- sic wedding between two Jews. You might think there wouldn’t be much news to report about those weddings – except there is. In the last few years, I have found that a significant percentage of the Jews marrying Jews meet each other through J-Date. I know this because, when I meet engaged couples, I often ask how they met. You would be surprised how many tell me J-Date brought them together.

So what is J-Date? It’s a modern matchmaking en- terprise that works like many of the dating companies you see advertising on TV or in various magazines. The significant difference is that J-Date matches Jews with Jews.

And who uses J-Date? My experience with the cou- ples I meet is that J-Date works for intelligent, interest- ing, active, energetic, multi-talented busy people in their 20’s and 30’s. J-Date doesn’t always succeed. Not every “subscriber” finds a Jewish mate. But lots do. Then they come to me and we’ve got a wedding.

If the prospect sounds good for you or someone you know, don’t be shy. Check out J-Date. We’ll all be glad you did.

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