A record-breaking number of Jewish singles took part in an online speed-dating event last week, with organizers reporting more than 15,000 dates taking place in just one hour.
The event, which followed the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Av – often referred to as Jewish Valentine’s Day – drew 6,747 participants from nearly a dozen countries. Using personal preferences and location-based matching, singles were paired for short virtual dates. Organizers reported that half of all participants committed to continuing at least one of their conversations with a second meeting, either online or in person.
This year’s turnout surpassed last year’s event, which itself set records and has since led to multiple long-term relationships and at least three marriages. The initiative was coordinated by Partners in Torah, AISH, DateNight AI, and CoronaCrush, alongside 30 other partner organizations.
“The program was outstanding this year,” said Tehilla Friedland, COO of Partners in Torah and lead organizer. “Last year’s event led to dozens of long-term relationships and three marriages so far. We’re hoping to celebrate even more matches turning into lasting partnerships.”
Stephanie Cemal, Community Manager of CoronaCrush, highlighted the scale of the operation: “We connected 6,747 Jews from around the world and made thousands of matches in the 1-hour events across two time zones. It’s amazing what can be achieved when you put technology and purpose together.”
Organizers described the event as a response to both logistical challenges – such as singles living in smaller or isolated Jewish communities – and wider industry fatigue with traditional dating apps. By providing structured, time-limited interactions, the event emphasized connection over swiping, something that has already been seeing increased demand as users turn away from normal swiping structures to more meaningful methods of connection.
