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Shomer Negiah, meaning “observing touch,” is a Jewish practice that restricts physical contact between members of the opposite gender who are not married or closely related. This concept may seem restrictive or outdated to some. It may even feel difficult in practice. However, there is scientific evidence that supports the benefits of practicing Shomer Negiah, particularly in the context of shidduch dating and relationship choices. Essentially, Shomer Negiah is the avoidance of intimate physical contact with anyone other than one’s

Charles Dickens’s famous opening line in “A Tale of Two Cities” – “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times” – perfectly captures the rollercoaster of emotions often encountered in shidduch dating. This journey, steeped in hope and anxiety, joy and disappointment, can feel like living through the best and worst of times simultaneously. Shidduch dating isn’t just a path to marriage; it’s a voyage of self-discovery and personal growth. Here’s how a change in mindset

A happy and healthy marriage extends its positive influence beyond the relationship itself. It impacts all areas of our lives. Whether you’re newly engaged, in Shana Rishona, celebrating a golden anniversary, or anywhere in between, the journey of marriage requires constant nurturing, continual learning, and growth. In this post, expert marriage coach Miriam Zeitlin, shares some of the most insightful and impactful Jewish marriage books These books are carefully selected to offer a diverse range of perspectives, from improving communication

Putting you best foot forward makes a world of a difference when it comes to shidduchim. With inter-state and even international matchmaking on the rise, having a quality shidduch resume that represents you well can bring you one step closer to meeting your match! However, before the shidduch resume became the norm, there was a time when the local matchmaker was the living encyclopedia of eligible singles. Picture them, notebook in hand, filled with notes like ‘great masmid, but doesn’t

Have you ever heard about the fascinating connection between chef’s hats and relationships? It’s said that chef’s hats have 100 folds, each representing a unique way to whip up an egg. While this may be more of a delightful myth than a proven fact, it’s a charming way to think about relationships. Consider the chef’s hat for a moment. It’s not just a decorative accessory – those 100 folds symbolize versatility in the kitchen. Each fold represents a different egg

My soul is torn. I feel numb. Since I heard the horrific news of what is happening in Eretz Yisrael, I have been frozen. It is difficult to fathom the heartbreak and devastation the people in Israel are going through. The torment is beyond comprehension. I can’t stop thinking about all the families and towns so greatly affected by this terrible tragedy. אַחֵינוּ כָּל בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵלהַנְּתוּנִים בַּצָּרָה With the heart of a mother, I am very concerned for the welfare

I recently celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary with my husband, and our journey together has been an emotional roller-coaster ride. It’s been filled with laughter and tears, triumphs and challenges, good times and some very difficult times, but I would not change any of it, for it has made me the person I am today. There are so many jokes about marriage. People love to poke fun at it because it is the one relationship that is so powerful it

The most peaceful time of the week for me is after I light the Shabbos lecht, and in the soft glow of the candlelight, I whisper with deep concentration the prayer that a woman davens for her husband.  Week after week, I say the words, and each time is like the first, the emotion so raw and real, asking Hashem to bless my marriage with the love and friendship we had as a Chosson & Kallah.   ותטע בינינו תמיד

Are We Doing Enough to Prepare Our Children for Life? I have tremendous Hakaras Hatov to the schools and Yeshivas my children attended throughout the years for all that they have done for them. They were instilled with a genuine love for Yiddishkeit, a strong foundation of Torah learning, and solid Hashkafas. The Rebbeim & teachers are truly the unsung heroes of our generation. Gemarah, Mishnayos, Halacha, Chumash, Navi, Mussar, Jewish history, American history, geography, math, and science, and the

There is a great quote by Jim Rohn that, in a few words, sums up the essence of good communication: “If you just communicate, you can get by, but if you communicate skillfully, you can work miracles.” It is easy to live your life just getting by. However, where’s the fun in that?  Learning simple yet effective communication skills can help improve all relationships. Any skill you want to learn or habit you want to change takes time and practice

I am sure you are all curious to hear about the glamorous lives of shadchanim. Well, let me share with you the typical day in a matchmaker’s life.It begins at 7:30 A.M. with a steaming hot cup of coffee and a siddur. There are zero distractions, so she can daven the entire Shachris uninterrupted. When done, she sits down to a nutritious breakfast of whole wheat toast, eggs, and fruit. At 9 A.M., her full-time cleaning lady shows up to

Dating is all about getting to know the other person. But, unless you’re a natural conversationalist, finding shidduch date questions and topics to talk about that can be tough, (especially if you’re already feeling under pressure).  Using her experience as a frum dating coach, Miriam Zeitlin shares top questions to ask on a shidduch date that can help you learn about the person you are dating on a deeper level. 16 Ice Breaker Questions to Ask on a Shidduch Date