MATCH-MAKING: PROJECT JACOB, JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

Ross:

"For Papa, make him a scholar. For Mama, make him rich as a king. For me, well, I wouldn't holler. If he were as handsome as anything." These words were spoken in "Fiddler on The Roof." Matchmakers, at one time, were the predominant way for two single Jewish people to meet. The matchmaker would take into consideration what different people had to offer and what they wanted and would make a couple.

Ashley:

Although the created couple would sometimes not see each other until the day they were to be married, they would usually become a happy couple. First, the parents' requirements were met. This was the most important part. The female's parents, and the future groom were whose interests came first.

Ross Gordon and Ashley Rosner

If the parents wanted a rich man or a smart one, it would be so. If the man who was to be married wanted a pretty woman or a smart woman or a strong, hard-working woman, this would be factored in too.

Ross:

The women's interests were not completely ignored though. The matchmaker would make sure he was not too much older then she was and looked at least decent. Matchmaking is now mostly frowned upon though. It does still take place though in some orthodox communities. The matchmakers now use new sources to along with other things, check the backgrounds of both people.

Ashley:

The couples created for the most part are happy and live happy lives together. Opposite of that are the other more modem ways of meeting people where divorces are rampant and many times someone will marry somebody and then only afterwards found out about the persons true background. Although it is good that not everyone has to meet through a matchmaker, sometimes a little help is always good and that is what a matchmaker provided and is still provides today.