With intermarriage rates nearing 70%, a growing movement of Shluchim and Shluchos are stepping forward, using a new matchmaking tool to help young Jewish professionals connect and date intentionally.
The Met@Chabad Connectors initiative, launched by Chabad Young Professionals International at Merkos 302, gives Shluchim and Shluchos access to a secure, values-based matchmaking database. The goal: enable Shluchim on the ground to identify, match, and support young Jews in their communities at a critical life crossroads.
“Shluchim are on the front lines, the last stand against intermarriage and assimilation,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “This platform equips them with the tools to work together, harnessing Chabad’s global reach to connect young Jews at the most critical stage of their lives.”
In a 1975 Yechidus, the Rebbe told Jewish politician Frank Lautenberg, “You must do something about preventing or making less percentage of intermarriage.” For decades, Shluchim and Shluchos have answered the call, not through campaigns, but through personal commitment, guiding thousands of young Jews through dating, relationships, and decisions about marriage.
Now, that work is being amplified.
The platform allows participating Shluchim and Shluchos to access a growing database of thousands of verified Jewish singles, each profile reviewed, confirmed for birur hayehadus, and powered by an intentional, marriage-focused matching algorithm.
Shluchim and Shluchos are using the database to network across cities, identify potential matches, and collaborate directly, transforming individual efforts into a global support system. Matches are suggested through a values-based algorithm and refined through personal insight from the Shluchim who know their community members best.
The program is already seeing success. In this early beta phase, Shluchos are networking, multiple matches have been made, and Shluchim report meaningful engagement from local singles who trust their guidance. As part of the rollout, participating Shluchos are also connecting with each other to share strategies, referrals, and training.
The portal is one piece of a broader Met@Chabad strategy: helping young Jewish professionals transition from today’s swipe culture casual dating environments to marriage-minded connections, grounded in Torah values and supported by the people they trust most, their Shluchim.
“When dating feels overwhelming, young Jews turn to their Shluchos. Now we’ve given them the tools to respond,” said Rabbi Beryl Frankel, director of CYP at Merkos 302. “They’re sharing leads, brainstorming ideas, and making connections happen.”
The Connectors Program is currently limited to a wave of approved beta users, with plans to expand access and training in the coming months.
To join the movement, request access to the database by reserving a slot for a personal onboarding walkthrough.
The Met@Chabad Connectors Initiative is now live.
Reach out to Rabbi Uziel Rubashkin
Click here to schedule a database walkthrough
