(Courtesy of YUConnects) “When a dream turns into a reality, it’s truly an amazing feeling.” This was the emotion expressed by Naomi Landsman, a Teaneck based matchmaker and YUConnects Bergen County connector, creator of last week’s Matchmaker Marathon.
Last Wednesday, 24 matchmakers from close to a dozen communities rotated throughout the day in two hour sessions, for a total of 12 hours of continuous networking and matchmaking. From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. non-stop!
The day generated 180 match suggestions as matchmakers came from Long Island, Monsey, Passaic, Manhattan, Riverdale, Fair Lawn, Englewood, Bergenfield and Teaneck. One matchmaker from Canada even FaceTimed for several hours. The interplay of brainstorming among matchmakers of various shidduch groups resulted in the extraordinary number of match suggestions.
All of the matchmakers have hours of work ahead of them as they follow up on the day’s suggestions, with several dates already in motion this week. “The energy in the room was palpable. People felt inspired after meeting and working with others, all devoted to the same mission of networking and matchmaking,” said Rebbetzin Efrat Sobolofsky. “A very special thank you to the Klinger family for providing the warmth, abundance of food and the round-table experience.” Matchmakers all left with a Suit Lady tote bag full of goodies generously donated by Dougies, The Humble Toast, Challah Fairy, Zaidies, Unsimply Stitched and Solene.
One of the rebbetzins who came for the 9 a.m. time slot expressed her amazement at the dedication of the group: “This is going on all day?? Incredible!!” A matchmaker from the Upper West Side texted after: “Thank you! What you put together today was so beautiful, and we’re very thankful we got to be a part of it.”
Landsman is part of a new initiative to encourage the proliferation of community-based matchmakers who focus on developing personal relationships with, and providing support to, local singles and their parents. She is available to meet with singles from Bergen County and currently focusing on young men and women ages 22-30. Naomi’s services and YUConnects are not limited to YU students and alumni. Feel free to contact her via email or cell to arrange a personal meeting at [email protected] or (201) 914-5434.
