In a meaningful commemoration of the 15th of Av, Shluchim worldwide are offering a workshop from "The Jewish Dating Course" to their young professional communities. The lesson is being made available at no cost and aims to provide The Rebbe's guidance in navigating the complexities of modern dating.
"The Gemara tells us that Chamishah Asar B'Av was historically a day when young Jews would meet their soulmates,” said Rabbi Naftoli Shanowitz of Chabad Young Professionals at Merkos 302, By offering this course, we're honoring that tradition while addressing modern dating challenges with the Torah's timeless wisdom."
The course, originally developed by the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute for CYP’s Met@Chabad initiative, has already made significant inroads, with 2,200 young professionals in 119 cities participating in the pilot launch last spring. Chabad Young Professional Chapters from Houston to Melbourne have embraced the initiative.
The course has been eye-opening for many young professionals, challenging preconceptions and offering fresh perspectives. Sarah Cohen, a 28-year-old young professional in Miami, experienced this shift firsthand. "I came in with skepticism about a religious take on dating," she shares. "But the first lesson completely changed my view. It offered practical wisdom, addressing real-world dating challenges in a way I hadn't considered before."
In honor of Chamishah Asar B'Av, Lesson Two, titled "Your Bubby Was Right," is being made available at no cost to Shluchim, who will receive the materials shipped directly to their homes. The lesson is the second in the five-part series. It challenges conventional dating wisdom, emphasizing shared values over common interests. Key points include:
1. The purpose of dating is marriage
2. Values are the bedrock of lasting relationships
3. Religious commitment as a core value
4. The importance of discussing serious topics early
Amy, a nurse and member of CYP Houston, shared, "I learned to look at marriage as a lifelong soul connection and that common beliefs and values create a greater chance for success in marriage."
"Shluchim are on the frontlines navigating their community members through all the challenges of day-to-day life, including relationships, said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302, “recently we are witnessing a tremendous shift as young Jews are committed to marrying Jewish but are struggling to take the proper steps in finding their soulmate."
The Jewish Dating Course initiative is part of Met@Chabad's broader efforts to address challenges in modern Jewish dating. Alongside education and coaching, they offer virtual and in-person value-centric dating events.
Rabbi Beryl Frankel, Director of CYP International at Merkos 302, summarizes the approach: "We've discovered the real challenge isn't finding the right match—it's cultivating the right mindset. Our mission is to equip young Jews with a Torah-based perspective that transforms their dating approach to be more intentional. By instilling the right attitude, everything else will fall into place."
The 15th of Av initiative is made possible by a generous donor and is dedicated to the memory of Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky ע"ה, who was entrusted by the Rebbe to expand the Shlichus network, spearheading countless Merkos Initiatives including JLI, CTeen, CYP and Met@Chabad.
Receive Lesson Two of The Jewish Dating Course today at metatchabad.com/freelesson. For those interested in bringing the Jewish Dating Course to their community, Met@Chabad can be contacted at academy@chabadyoung.com.
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