Jewish internet matchmaking
Online dating agencies revolutionise the Jewish dating game
There was a time when Jewish singles would have relied on their immediate circle of friends in the search for Mr or Mrs Right.
But since the internet boom, many are now pinning their hopes to online dating agencies to help them find the partner of their dreams.
Simeon Lifschitz of the online introduction agency, yid.com, was amongst the first to notice a gap in the market back in 1996.
"The internet was still a new thing back then," he explains. "My friend and I decided to get involved. We were both still single and living in South Africa where security was a big issue. Single girls wouldn't dream of going out on their own so we set up an online agency."
Dating anywhere in the world
It started as a service to the Jewish community in South Africa but it wasn't long before yid.com began attracting overseas clients.
"Most people who join the agency are looking for a serious relationship or marriage," says Lifschitz. "After we reached 100 weddings we stopped counting."
In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of online introduction agencies for Jewish singles.
"Previously Jewish people living in Manhattan or London, for example, would find someone to marry from their circle of friends," explains Lifschitz. "Nowadays more and more people are now using the internet to try and meet someone It's particularly convenient for those who are busy with their work and career."
For $30 (£17) a year clients are allowed to contact as many other members as they wish.
Many clients belong to multiple Jewish dating sites to maximise their chances of meeting the right partner.
Search for love
One such client is Yulia, a Russian sociology student at Manchester University. She is looking for a serious relationship with a possible view to marriage.
"I decided to look online because I want to find someone I'm compatible with," she says. "I want to find someone from a similar background and culture. As a student and a foreigner I have a lot of work and little time. I don't have a great social life so the chances of meeting the right sort of person are slim."
Yulia first went online towards the end of 2005. She has recently started dating a Jewish man from Denmark she met through a dating agency.
"I've looked at dozens of profiles and chatted to at least 10 men online," she reveals. "The Danish guy stood out because he's intellectual, interesting, has a fine sense of humour and I'm very attracted to him. He has a great profile and ticks all the right boxes."
Struggle to find the right person
At the other end of the spectrum is Stephen, a 48-year-old businessman from London who has been searching online for a Jewish partner for three years without finding anyone suitable.
Following the breakdown of his previous relationship he is finding it difficult to meet a woman he can trust.
"I'm looking for companionship and someone who can look after me in my old age," he says. "I would like something long-term but not marriage. I would need to be with someone who understands the importance of religious festivals and visiting the graveside of relatives."