The Jewish education center Rosh Yehudi is providing a new service—helping formerly religious Israeli Jews find dates. The project will begin with a Shabbat seminar this weekend, Friday October 31 through Saturday November 1.
While Rosh Yehudi is known for its classes on Judaism and Jewish thought, the Shabbat program will focus on mingling and social activities. Classes will focus on love, interaction between partners and the ingredients of a successful relationship.
Rosh Yehudi head Yisrael Zeira explained that the seminar would attempt to address a social problem and not to lead singles to further religious observance. Formerly religious singles face unique difficulties, he explained, as they often do not find a place in either religious or secular society. The seminar will give them a chance to meet others with similar perspectives, he said.
Rosh Yehudi was first opened in Tel Aviv in 2000. The group's goal is to offer a fresh perspective on Judaism, based in the teachings of Rabbi Avraham HaCohen Kook, a perspective that respects all spiritual and physical contributions to the Jewish people.
The Shabbat seminar will take place in the girls' high school in Maaleh Hever near Kiryat Arba, and the main speaker will be Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu. Formerly religious singles aged 25-40 are invited to attend. The program will cost NIS 295 per participant, which covers the cost of food, transportation and lodging. For more information or to register, call Adi at 052-607-0199.