Can anyone explain how a orthodox Jewish matchmaker works?
605381
The practice\n\nIn many groups belonging to Orthodox Judaism, dating between the sexes is limited to the search of a partner for marriage, and only follows a period during which both sides (usually the parents, close relatives or friends of the persons involved) make inquiries on the prospective partner, e.g. on his/her character and level of religious observance.\n\nA shidduch is often begun by a suggestion from close family members, friends or by people (men and women) who have made this process their hobby or even their vocation (a shadchan). A professional shadchan often gets a fee for his/her services. There are variations between communities concerning the agreements between the families of the prospective partners on the couple's future.\n\nAfter the match has been proposed, the prospective partners see each other a number of times to discover whether they get along. It depends on the community practice how many times a couple meets before a decision has to be made whether to get engaged or not.\n\nPositive aspects are that the practice complies with Judaism's outlook on "proper behaviour" between men and women and is intended to prevent promiscuity. It also benefits members of smaller communities who would otherwise have more difficulty to get in touch with potential marriage candidates.\n\nNegative aspects are the disadvantages to young people with a medical history or active disease, people from broken homes, orphans and people who have been out of touch with Judaism for a period of their lives. Often the disadvantaged end up being matched with people with other disadvantages.
486919
I'm not cretain I like this question because I don't understand why you need to know this. It has veiled Semitic implications if were to be looking for a reason to single them out. I was once married to a Jew and even thought we're no longer married, we're still friends.
994912
Oye. So many Goyum, so little education...\n\nMost spiritual (rather than books of the law) books in Judiasm had two versions. Mystical and not so mystical. Most Orthodox Jews read the Mystical version of Genesis. In the mystical version of Genisis, Adam has a first wife, Lillith. She was created equal to Adam. There are arguments. Basically she wants to be on top...Adam wants a more submissive wife and gets G_d to create Eve. Adam wants Lillith destroyed, G_d makes her a spirit. She is angry (imagine that!) and becomes the she devil who kills children in their cribs....\n\nThe Roman Catholic Church adopted the other form of Genisis because it met their Gentile cultural norms better than the Genisis most observant Jews used at the time.
705250
You didn't say anything about whether your mother is Jewish.  The general rule of thumb is "if your mother is Jewish then you are Jewish."  \n\nThe Messianic Movement contains both Jews and Gentiles.  You might be practicing Messianic Judaism as a Messianic Gentile.  The question always comes up that if a pagan Gentile goes to a Messianic Jewish congregation and "converts" from Paganism to Messianic Judaism, has he "converted" in the same sense as if he went to an Orthodox Jewish congregation and "converted"?  Most Messianic leaders would say no, Gentiles stay Gentiles.\n\nThat is why the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America only permits Gentiles to be associate members rather than full members. You will find this sort of racism discussed in greater detail at this site:\nhttp://www.anti-racism.supanet.com/idx/m_idx.htm\n\nSince you can't remember all of the festivals off the top of your head (or even spell them correctly) your claims of observance leave much to be desired.  And generally the Messianic Community never says "Jesus".  So, that is pretty much 3 strikes and you're out.\n\nI would suggest you go back and and study much more intensely. Putting on the trappings and decorating your house is all very well and good.  Obviously it is preferable that you NOT be one of the anti-semitic drones that are all too common today.  So study more and make sure that you actually "own" the belief system which you are expousing.  It isn't yours until you can give to someone else.\n\nYes, you can have Jewish children if you marry a Jewish woman. Or you could convert.  However, the vast majority of rabbis who perform conversions would require you to renounce Jesus as a condition of coversion.  (Though I am aware of a few who do not require this.) So presumably that is not a path that you would ever want to take.
245848
I am jewish 2! click on the colors next to the hair and for AIM... i dont have a profile. but an sn!
110027
First off it usually is the case it much easier to convert if your single than if your about to marry a Jew. If that is not the case in your situation go away because they are selling you a bad conversion. Jews as a norm do not look for converts mainly because we believe that you do not need to be a Jew to get in to “heaven.” We believe you get a greater reward as a Jew because you have more responsibilities IE the 613 commandments stated above viruses the 7 overall. But with any bigger reward comes more responsibilities and more consequences if you do not live up to them. That is the main reason we discourage converts not that we do not want them but we do not want to put a burden on a person that he can not live up too. If you truly want to be a Jew and are ready to take whatever is thrown at you go talk to your local ORTHODOX Rabbi.
522483
martian645, God was not spelled out as those who are Jewish show respect for the Almighty by not spelling out His name fully.  As for the question at hand, gratvol, you are Jewish, are you not?  You are of God's chosen people.  I'm pretty sure your prayers are heard and you will be forgiven for whatever sins you may have.
669795
I would be very careful pursuing this method of matchmaking.  First of all, most of the "women" you might meet on line from Russia are only out for your money, a green card or both.  There is a common scam out right now that traps at least a dozen men per week (judging from reports that I see).  You meet a "Russian girl" on the internet, she professes her love and sends you some photos.  Next thing you know, she wants to come visit you.  She send you a copy of her visa.  You send her 1200 dollar by Western Union.  You never hear from her again.  \n\nOne arrest in Moscow uncovered that several guys running an internet cafe were posing as women to bilk men overseas of thousands of dollars.  It is very easy.  They hide in the anonymity of the internet, preying on rubes who think that Russians are all poor (somehow they connect to the internet, but they don't have a telephone." They use Altavista's babelfish to translate their letters, and troll for lonely middle-aged guys who really think that a hot 25 year-old medical school graduate would be interested in them.\n\nIf you want to roll the dice and meet someone in Russia, you have to contact an introduction service like "A Foreign Affair" or another.  They sell you a package tour that allows you to get a visa, go to Russia and meet potential mates at a series of parties they throw for the men on the tour.  You go on a few dates and see if you anything in common (okay, it's a meat market) meet their family and see how they live.  This way you have contact with a real live person and know they are not scamming you through the internet.\n\nThe agency will even help you get your new friend a fiancee visa by helping you with the paperwork.  Your "fiancee" then goes to the US and you have 90 days to get married or she has to return to Russia.  If you get married, she gets conditional legal permanent resident status for two years.  If the marriage "takes" (that is, she doesn't all the cops and charge you with domestic abuse...be advised they do this quite often even when they aren't abused, because they then get permanent residency and get to take half of your assets in a divorce) then you sign a form and she gets a permanent green card, allowing her to stay with you for good (or bad).\n\nCross cultural relationships are very difficult when you love the other person.  However, consider this.  You will be marrying someone whose interest in you is mostly mercenary (get out of Russia and have a shot at marrying up (not you, but a richer, more handsome version after she leaves you in two years).  She was born and raised in the Soviet Union, and couldn't become successful in her own country where she had mostly free access to any University.\n\nI have heard horror stories and success stories.  I have met women from Russia on their third husbands in the US with children with three different surnames.  I have seen decent people marry Americans who try to make it work and are grateful for the opportunity.  The bottom line is that you have to go to Russia and understand where they are coming from, take your time, and try to find someone who is leaving something behind...a good family, maybe a nice job.  That way, you know that at least they aren't desperate.\n\nI have met many people who are happy with this result...but remember the adage "if it looks too good to be true, it probably is."  If you are a 40-year-old dork from Des Moines who hasn't been on a date in his life and are expecting a svelt sociable attractive 25 year-old from St. Petersburg who goes to the Opera and the theatre to fall madly in love with you and be content to sit home and watch the "simpsons" and play copmuter games, you will be disappointed.
652907
There are two very important things to remember about this:\n\n1)  G-d is a god of grace and giving.  If your Rabbi says that it is very important (either to him, or to the synogogue, or whatever) for you to have this mat mitzvah, then, unless you have a solid objection, it is good to offer him the grace of doing it.  Do your best to learn what you need to learn, and share your concerns with your Rabbi and your parents.  They'll help you through it and help you figure out what the best decisions are.  Don't be too concerned about "making a mistake" or "messing up."  Just do the best you can, and G-d will be pleased with you.  Seek after him (like the deer after water, yes?) and you will always find him; honor him in your heart and mind, and he will accept your offering with pleasure, whether anyone else thinks it is grand or small.\n\n2)  Christianity is Judaism.  In case any kind of conflict arises (in you or family, or whatever), remember that Jesus is the *JEWISH* Messiah.  I, myself, converted to the faith of Abraham long ago and I celebrate his messiah, the son of David, who is my own savior as well.  There are many Christians who do not understand that when they accepted Jesus, they were coming into the Jewish faith, and there are many Jews who do not understand that Jesus is the messiah.  But everyone is where he is, and G-d is faithful to bring each one to him, when they trust in his son, the Messiah.  When a Jew sees this, he distinguishes himself from one who doesn't by calling himself a "Messianic Jew" (instead of a Christian ... usually the word "Christian" these days means gentiles who converted and became Messianic Jews).  For more information, check out this site:  http://www.mjaa.org/
840411
Well there are MANY sites for google. And if you wanted to know Hanukkah is coming up soon!(There are 4 ways to speell it!) \n\nONly boys wear the YAMACAS. . And there are 3, well 4 times of judaism. Reform(i am! really easy jewish.) Conservitive(in the middle), Orthodox(really really jewish. eats kosher foods. in services the boys and girls can not sit by eacheother... for some weird reason.) And the Messianic Jews. Which they should not be Jews. since the M.jews believe that jesus was their messiah then they should be christians, because that is what christians believed(aM I right?)\n\nOh and girls and boys have Bat(girls)mitzvahs and Boys have Barmitzvahs. they get it when they are 13.( i am getting one soon.) and they learn hebrew and they read  hebrew in the torah infront of everybody with out vowels/\n\ngo on this site for more. THE names of them are how to pronounce them, gimmel(G. sound..) Hay(H sound) YOU GET it now...\n\nAnd \nhttp://judaism.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=judaism&cdn=religion&tm=6&gps=133_6_1020_568&f=10&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.njop.org/jsAlephbet/sound_main.html\n\nWell so i can not spell today! But go on google.\n\nThere are many prayers even one for going the bathroom!!! oh here is one u are supposed to say e very nnight b4 going to bed.\n.   \nSh'ma Yisrael Adonai Elohaynu Adonai Echad. \nHear oh, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One. \n\n\nBarukh Shem k'vod malkhuto l'olam va-ed\nBlessed be the Name of His glorious kingdom for ever and ever \n\nI will g et back to you with more.\n\n\nHAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!\n\nSHALOM!
571715
try here\nhttp://www.mazornet.com/jewishcl/barmitzvahgifts.htm
1088652
I'm gonna lose points for bucking the system that has you labelled as a Do Not Answer person but I'll go out on a limb here cuz I'm pretty sure that if I do, you'll kick me dowm with the ten points!\nI'll always answer your question when I see them in religion & spirituality but otherwise, the singles & dating thing seems like it attracts alotta wierdos too so give it a shot. of course, if you get really frustrated again, just IM or 360 me & I'll give ya the staright poop as long as it's intelligible.
1058476
I've asked this question before, actually. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AutS5JZA1SeAz4Wwe_TTd9rsy6IX?qid=1006053111285\nSeems to be a jewish tradition.
1048311
You seem to be a little confused about Judaism. It is totally different that Christianity. We only believe in G-d. We also believe that Moses was a great prophet and leader of the Jewish people. Jesus has nothing to do with our religion. To us he was just a Jewish person who sinned greatly and turned his back on G-d and his religion. He was a heretic who betrayed his people and was the cause of many problems for them. We don't even believe he was a prophet. \n\nHere is a description of a Jewish wedding:\nThe wedding day is a very important and special day for the Bride or Kallah in Hebrew. This is a day when she has a special connection to G-d and he listens intently to all her prayers. This is the time when she prays to have a successful marriage, good kids who will follow in the Torahs way, health, a livelihood, and anything else that she needs or will need in the future. It is a very serious day for her and she fast all morning.\n\nShe gets her hair and makeup done and usually wears a white gown. (some people prefer to wear off-white or light pink - its just a matter of opinion). The Kallah is not supposed to see her Groom or Chasan - in Hebrew for at least a week before the wedding (many Hasidim dont see each other at all during their engagement). Therefore before the actual marrying ceremony which is called the "Chupa" the 2 families take separate pictures.\n\nThere is a reception with a smorgasboard, and the Choson and Kallah sitting in separate rooms receiving their guest and accepting well wishes. Of course, by Jews the men and ladies are always separated into different rooms at all times, or there is a divider in middle of a room to separate the men and woman. Then the men come into the ladies let by the Choson and he "Bedecks" his bride - he covers her with a veil that she will be wearing at the Chupa. During this time the bride usually prays/says Psalms.\n\nThen the Choson and kallah leave the room and the people head outside (sometimes its inside and e/o sits but its usually outdoors and everyone stands). The chupah is the ceremony where the bride and groom are actually married. It is the mosts important part of the wedding and said that all the bride/grooms grandparents and ancestors souls come down from heaven to view it. This is what its like:\n\nThe Chosom walks down the aisle with his father on one side and father in law on his other side. They each hold a candle. The chosson wears some special clothing - a white Kittel because he is like the white angels on this day - clean and free of sin.  There is usually someone singing. The Choson stands there for a few minutes and prays and then the Kallah walks in. She is accompanied on one side by her mother and other side her mother in law - each holding a candle. She walks down the aisle (she wears a veil the entire time, so people cant see her face) and then circles the Choson seven times. \n\nThen the "kesuba" is read (a Jewish document - which is a must have for every marriage. It is in hebrew and says their names, and that they are agreeing - really the man to take care of his spouse , and some other things. If a couple loses this document they may not even sleep in the same room together until it is replaced). Several blessing are made by prominent people or relatives. The Choson says "Harei at mikudeshes le" and places the ring on her finger. This is what makes them officialy married. Then the Choson stomps on a glass and when it breaks everyone yells "Mazal Tov!" The bride raises her veil and the couple leaves the room holding hands. \n\nThe reason why a glass is broken is because since the Temple was destroyed we are not supposed to have a perfect true "Simcha" or happy occasion. By breaking something we are remembering the temples destruction.\n\nAfter the chupah the guests head down to eat the meal. The Chosson and Kallah are supposed to be in a room alone for a couple of minutes - its called
169026
Yes, Jewish women cut their hair.  Some like it short, some long, it's a personal choice.  Some observant Orthodox Jewish women, cover some or all of their hair after they get married.\nSome Orthodox Jewish women wear slacks, but many only wear skirts.  Most Jewish women, however, are not Orthodox, and wear slacks - if they like wearing slacks.\nAccording to Jewish Law men, and maybe women, have to pray three times a day.  Orthodox men are supposed to  pray with a minyan - a quorum of ten men, and so go to synagogue three times a day. \nI don't know whether Jews sing the way Christians do.  Jewish prayer services on Shabbat - the Sabbath - generally involve a lot of singing, especially on Friday night.  There's also a lot of singing on holidays, and there are a lot of Jewish holidays.  There's isn't really that much singing during weekday prayer services, but when you pray a fixed prayer three times a day, that would probably be a bit much.
845932
Of course they can -- it happens all the time.  It might have to be a civil ceremony if either the minister or rabbi prefer not to perform the ceremony.  Regardless of who performs it, the marriage is still recognized by all.\n\nMany Christian women convert to Judaism -- their children are born Jews just the same as any other Jew.  Many Christians seem to believe that Judaism has something to do with a bloodline.  Not true.\n.
277588
Of course they are capable! You are misunderstanding the function of the matchmaker! The matchmakers don't set people up quite so literally, they merely arrange meetings, sometimes between 1 man and 1 woman, sometimes a whole party so that people have the opportunity of eyes meeting across a crowded room (and all that!) \n\nThe problem is that a lot of Japanese - mostly men, but increasingly including women - work such excruciating hours each week that they have no time to socialise, so if they don't fall for someone they meet through work then they have to get help. \n\nIt's not so different from a singles bar, and it just results in people with similar interests going to the same place, and hopefully 'hitting it off'.