Shul-goers love Yomtov matchmaking scheme

THE GRASSROOTS match-making initiative launched over the High Holy-Days at 23 Orthodox synagogues in the London area is reporting an encouraging take-up.

Around 8,000 flyers were left on seats at United, Sephardi and Chabad shuls promoting We Go Together, “a free, face-to-face, introductory service for men and women to meet”.

Seventy-six congregants responded — 46 men and 30 women — some of whom have already been interviewed by members of the We Go Together committee.

Based on a compatibility survey formulated by Naftali Brawer, the former rabbi of Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue, applicants will be paired up. The project additionally holds a database of some 100 single women.

Daniela Pears, Mitzvah Day’s interfaith chair, is leading the project. She told the JC that she and her colleagues were “immensely excited” by the response and wanted shulgoers to spread the word among single friends. “The numbers are very promising but we want to reach more guys. The people we’ve interviewed have been very appreciative.”

She praised the efforts of her “extremely hard-working” committee members, particularly Elaine Renshaw, the former chair of Finchley Synagogue, Susan Royston, Nicky Gee and website designer Doug Morris.

Although respondents have included people in their 70s, most are in their 30s and 40s.

“We’ve had a good mix of people and I would say they’re all sincere in wanting to find someone to spend the rest of their lives with,” Mrs Pears added.

“A lot just haven’t found the right person yet.”