In ancient Israel, communal observance of Tu B’Av included a ceremony in which young women of marriageable age danced in vineyards, in fine white clothing, hoping to be chosen by young suitors.

Because of this historic tradition, today Tu B’Av is a very special and joyous day for Jewish singles to find their match! The 15th of Av was celebrated Monday, Aug. 7 by Jewish people across the globe.

Specifically, in Brooklyn NY and Deal NJ, Sarah Halawani orchestrated groups across the community to come together and host small gatherings of friends to discuss singles they know and tried to match them up.

Each girl was expected to bring a written list of singles they know with hopes to make a special connection. The girls were also encouraged to say Tehillim while they were there and have a small Beracha party. Because of Mrs. Halawani’s efforts along with everyone who participated, ten matches were made on that special day by one of the groups that got together. Mrs. Halawani does not have an official number of matches tallied up from all of the groups that got together that day, but she expects the number to be very high.

“This is the perfect time to show Ahavat Yisrael,” says Halawani. “Getting together to help our friends and our community find their matches can surely bring Mashiach!”

Sarah hopes to keep this idea alive and have match making groups more often than once a year. Would you like to host a small group of friends (6-8 girls) to help this beautiful cause? To join or for more information Please contact Sarah Halawani at Smiz30@aol.com.

Frieda Schweky

Frieda@sephardic.org

Frieda Schweky is Sephardic.Org's official community events reporter. For inquiries and to get involved with our site, please contact Frieda via email.