Key Takeaways

Nearly 7,000 Jewish singles reaped the benefits of both online and offline dating when they participated in a recent free virtual speed dating event. 

The event was record-breaking in scale, with more than 15,000 connections made in a single hour. 

Tehilla Friedland, COO of Partners in Torah, knew 2024’s speed dating event would be a tough act to follow. “Last year’s event led to dozens of long-term relationships and three marriages so far,” she told The Jerusalem Post. 

Faced with the challenge of besting last year’s equally successful event, the organizers, including AISH, Partners in Torah, and CoronaCrush, stepped up their game by partnering with more than 30 other community groups to bring Jewish singles together. 

Modern Speed Dating Uses An AI Matchmaker 

“Matchmaking has been part of Jewish life since the Book of Genesis,” according to My Jewish Learning. But in this case, the matchmaker isn’t a person, but an AI algorithm powered by DateNight AI. The AI algorithm organized speed dates based on the participants’ personal preferences and locations. 

According to Partners in Torah, the AI “connect[s] you with up to seven like-minded Jewish singles who share your values, interests, and relationship goals.” 

During the speed dating event, participants have one-on-one five-minute long video chats with their matches. If they feel a strong connection, they’re formally introduced by the event’s organizers. 

“Jews of all backgrounds from unaffiliated to ultra-orthodox have found their matches at our events! Again, you’ll only be matched with someone whose level of observance meets your criteria,” according to Partners in Torah. 

This attention to detail, as well as the event’s broad scale, highlights why the speed dating event has been so successful: In today’s technological world, singles will jump at the chance to make authentic connections with people who share their values. 

Stephanie Cemal, community manager of CoronaCrush, echoed this sentiment, telling The Jerusalem Times, “It’s amazing what can be achieved when you put technology and purpose together.” 

Combining technology with purpose — with the meaningful intention to facilitate connection — is exactly what modern daters want out of dating platforms these days. 

For countless singles around the world, a virtual speed dating event meets the moment. It deftly walks the line between authentic social interaction and online dating, allowing even the most socially awkward among us — and the least socially awkward — a chance to date on their own terms. 

One of the Event’s Organizers Founded Modern Speed Dating 

By mixing the convenience of online dating with real human interaction, this speed dating event provides the best of both worlds. 

This concept of brief, minutes-long mini-dates have existed for generations, but speed dating as a social event took shape in the ‘90s by one of this event’s main organizers, AISH (or more specifically, by AISH L.A.’s Rabbi Yaccov Deyo). 

The Jewish organization trademarked the term “Speed Dating” in the late ‘90s. Its overall efficiency, plus its ability to narrow down potential matches in a matter of minutes, has made it a dating staple. 

And now, AISH and the 30-plus other Jewish organizations behind the event on Aug. 12 have proven that people still crave the efficiency and convenience of traditional speed dating, even if the event takes place online instead of in person. 

“I thought the process was smooth simple [sic] and the AI actually matched me with women who are similar to me in my values and Judaism,” according to one testimonial on Partners in Torah’s site. 

Another participant agreed, and said the setup was “really efficient, enjoyable, and generally a very helpful 3-dimensional way to meet people without overcommitting or overinvesting.” 

It’s unclear just how many couples will come together as a result of speed dating, but with 15,000 connections at play, a few are bound to stick — at least, that’s what Friedland hopes. 

“The program was outstanding this year,” she said. “We’re hoping to celebrate even more matches turning into lasting partnerships.” Her hopes may come true; half of this year’s participants told event organizers that they’re planning on reconnecting with one of their speed dates.