Question 8.13: Weddings: How do Jews find Mates?

                                  Answer:
   
   Tradition provides the thought that good matches are beshert
   (destined, or designed in heaven). The Talmud says that forty days
   prior to the birth of a child, a heavenly voice proclaims who that
   child will marry. You will often see Jewish singles ads where one
   indicates they are looking for their beshert.
   
   Traditionally, parents often relied on the services of a shadchan
   (matchmaker) to bring their child a proper spouse. This is typically
   only done today in very traditional communities, although many use the
   modern equivalent (dating services). Today, Jews find their mates in
   the same way as any one else: introductions from trusted friends and
   relatives, at social gatherings, and though their life experiences.
   There is a large Jewish singles community out there.