For Shluchos worldwide, being leaders of their communities often means addressing sensitive topics such as dating and marriage A recent virtual seminar, organized by Met@Chabad at Merkos 302, and attended by hundreds of Shluchos, focused on these critical conversations. The three-part series is now available online.
Stuck in today’s endless trap of unhealthy relationships, heartbreak, dating apps, rinse and repeat, many young Jews are tired. Looking for something more. The age-old wisdom of Torah, the Rebbe’s guidance, and marriage-focused dating offer a fresh perspective and new opportunities for Jewish marriage.
When young Jews face pivotal life decisions, they turn to their Shluchos for guidance. For many young Jewish professionals, experiences like Hebrew School, CTeen, or Chabad on Campus created a foundation of Jewish values. But as they transition into urban centers and adulthood, these values are often tested precisely when they face life’s biggest decisions. Selflessly, CYP Shluchim and Shluchos step in as mentors and guides, helping young professionals stay connected to their identities while navigating these challenges.
“For many young Jews, Shluchim and Shluchos are often the only mentors they can turn to for real, values-driven guidance on dating and marriage,” says Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “Grounded in Torah and the Rebbe’s teachings, they offer a perspective that cuts through the noise of modern dating culture, providing clarity, support, and a path toward meaningful Jewish relationships.”
A three-part seminar by Met@Chabad premiered live in February to help empower Shluchos with helpful insights to best serve their community members. From college students dipping their toes into the world of dating and relationships, to older singles tired of endlessly seeking their match, they often turn to a Shluchah for perspective on forging healthy Jewish relationships.
The first installment, hosted by Mrs. Gitty Webb, Shlucha at Princeton University, interviewed Mrs. Rivka Slonim, noted mashpia and Shlucha to Chabad Binghamton. Hearkening from the Rebbe’s teachings on the importance of the individual and marrying Jewish, she shared insights to help shluchos look out for the singles in their communities, whether many or few.
“The Rebbe taught us that by being in a city, and just modeling a healthy, holy, happy family and relationship for the community to see and learn from, you are fulfilling a shlichus,” Mrs. Gitty Webb explained in the second installment, interviewing Mrs Manya Lazaroff, Shlucha to Texas A&M University. Addressing Shluchos live—leaders of communities filled with young Jews looking to find their soulmates on a daily basis—she emphasized the simple yet powerful effect of being authentic living examples.
But more than simply modeling a healthy Jewish marriage oneself, “we can’t shy away from the difficult conversations,” continued Mrs. Lazaroff, explaining how lives can be uplifted just by a Shlucha showing genuine care, a listening ear, and sometimes having difficult conversations when necessary. With stories, anecdotes, and the Rebbe’s timeless wisdom, she guided the Shluchos watching on what to say—and how to say it—when guiding students and young adults through complicated relationships.
The final installment featured Devora Kigel, renowned dating coach and author of Marry a Mentsch, who 25 years ago was inspired by the dignified and safe approach frum Jews have to find one’s soulmate, to become religious herself. With her extensive experience counseling hundreds of singles and couples of all ages, from across the religious spectrum, she shared her expertise and how it applies to community leaders.
The Relationship Seminar was created by Met@Chabad, a project of CYP International at Merkos 302, which provides resources for Jews to meet their soulmates, including virtual and in-person speed dating events, dating coaches, educational classes, and content, working with local shluchim and tech companies alike. “By embracing technology and working with local Shluchim, we make the Jewish world smaller, make marrying Jewish attainable, and guide singles and community leaders through the process,” says Rabbi Beryl Frankel, director of CYP International.
The three-part seminar is now available to watch online at metatchabad.com/shluchos-seminar.
