Jewish matchmaking star to appear at Temple Beth Am in Pinecrest

Reality television star Aleeza Ben Shalom of Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking has been in the matchmaking business for over 20 years and will be hosting a Q&A along with a live matchmaking session at Temple Beth Am’s The Hub on March 6. 

Ben Shalom gained her guru status from working with over 200 singles in finding their soulmates within the Orthodox Jewish community.

“Finding your person is the hardest thing to do in the entire world,” Ben Shalom said in the Netflix show’s promo. “That’s where I come in.”

Ben Shalom will hold her live event at The Hub beginning at 7 p.m. A Q&A with her will be hosted by Temple Beth Am’s rabbi, Jaime Aklepi. After the Q&A portion of the event, two men and women from the audience will be invited on stage to participate in a live matchmaking session with Shalom herself.  

“We’re thrilled to welcome ‘The Jewish Matchmaker’ to our venue, anticipating an evening filled with laughter, learning, and the unique opportunity for personal connections, making it a perfect gathering for friends and the community alike,” said Ellen Rusconi, The Hub’s executive director.

Matchmaking within Jewish communities has a rich history coming from the tradition of “Shidduch,” a system for singles from Orthodox Jewish backgrounds who are typically introduced by family members for the purpose of marriage. 

The Hebrew translation of Ben Shalom’s Netflix series title is “Modern Shidduch” and accurately describes her more modernized approach to matchmaking as she works with both religious and non-religious singles since Shalom was raised in a secular Jewish household.

Ben Shalom has had her dating advice featured on networks such as the BBC and Huffington Post and is the author of two books: “Get Real, Get Married,” and “Virtual Dating.” 

She is also the founder of the platform Marriage Minded Mentor which connects singles who are seeking guidance and relationship advice to other dating coaches and matchmakers while offering courses to those who want to become matchmakers and dating coaches themselves.

Temple Beth Am, South Miami’s Pinecrest, is a Reform Jewish congregation that has been operating since 1955. The temple offers religious programs, athletic programs, and a school that serves pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

The Hub at Temple Beth Am is their newest facility. It offers recreational spaces for athletics, lounging and the performing arts with state-of-the-art facilities.

Ticket options are general admission for $36 which includes dessert at the reception sponsored by Hadassah, a VIP pass for $65 that offers a photo opportunity with Ben Shalom, and a premium pass that adds on a pre-show meet and greet with Ben Shalom for $180. Tickets can be purchased at The Hub’s website.

“Aleeza Ben Shalom’s presence at The Hub marks a landmark event for us, blending the art of matchmaking with engaging, interactive sessions that promise an unforgettable experience,”  Rusconi said. 

Hennessy Sepulveda is an FIU student who is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree
in Digital Journalism. She obtained an associates in arts in Mass Communications/Journalism
from Miami Dade College. She has also worked as a contributing writer for PantherNow.