Nearly two-hundred women gathered for this year’s Shidduch conference hosted by the International Shidduch Group Network on Sunday, November 9th/16 Cheshvan in Crown Heights.
Participants came together from Australia, England, Canada, California, Florida, Minnesota, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland, the tri-state area and, of course, from Crown Heights.
Attendees were inspired by the deep and stirring stories told by keynote speaker Kivi Bernhard. His message: Embrace the “why” of shidduchim and you will discover “how” to get to the goal: the chuppah!
Words of wisdom from panel discussionists Miryam Swerdlov, Esther Friedman, Moishe Raitman, Yitzchok Dubov, Devora Krasnianski, and Chaya Sarah Gurewicz were shared on topics most pertinent to those seeking shidduchim.
A partnership with Rabbi Manis Friedman provided every attendee with a complimentary copy of Part 1 of his Online Dating Course designed to prepare bochurim and girls for dating and marriage.
To facilitate continued profile sharing after the conference, a partnership with ChabadMatch, a database of Chabad singles worldwide, allows every conference attendee to register on ChabadMatch, waiving the fee. For those new to shidduchim or veterans, this year’s Shidduch conference brought together all the pieces of the puzzle for successful shidduchim in one day.
“Never before have shadchanim, coaches, trainers, singles and parents been brought together in one place at one time to network, learn and make shidduchim,” says Elana Bergovoy, President of the Shidduch Group Network.
Mini-profiles were presented by singles themselves or those close to them.
Participants made new and valuable contacts and had the opportunity to meet many shadchanim in person at the Networking Lunch and Leaders’ Dinner.
The inaugural publication from the Shidduch Group Network, the Rebbe’s Advice on Shidduchim, as told by Rabbi Leibel Groner on Pesach Sheini 5774, was distributed to all attendees. The Navigating Shidduchim Series will be made available to members of the International Shidduch Group Network.
Feedback was collected to make next year’s conference even better. Here’s what some attendees had to say:
“It was remarkable!”
“The keynote speaker and panel discussion really touched me. It opened my eyes and gave me a totally new perspective and approach.”
“I didn’t realize just how I have impacted my daughter’s efforts to get married.”
“There is so much, and so much more, why can’t you set up a two-day program?”
After a packed day of learning, discussions, resume-sharing and networking, Chapter Leaders gathered for a delicious meal that culminated in singing and dancing together.
The superb event was made possible by generous donors, Mrs. Fay Weiss, Mrs. Leah Berg, Rabbi Zev Cadaner and many other contributors.
Yashar koach to the incredible women who volunteered to help make this conference such a resounding success: Mrs. Tamar Stone and Miriam Sherr and the members of their Crown Heights Shidduch Group; Mrs. Chana Rosen, Ms. Mushky Sherr, Mrs. Dobra Spinner, and many others.
The Shidduch Group Network is founded on achdus, simcha and Ahavas Yisroel and the principle that “Givers Gain”. Mrs. Bergovoy explains, “We focus more on the “U” in shidduchim than the “I”. Members give suggestions to one another, build relationships, and receive suggestion in return. We help each
other celebrate simchas and build lasting friendships.”
Planning for next year’s program, incorporating many of the ideas and comments collected, is already underway. Break-out sessions and many new components will be introduced to expand and meet the needs of all involved in shidduchim.
If you or someone dear to you is looking for a shidduch, start here! For more information, please visit www.shidduchgroupnetwork.com
The International Shidduch Group Network is a 501(c)(3) charitable tax exempt organization dedicated to establishing and supporting chapters, growing the network and offering educational programs, conferences, publications and training. Members are comprised of parents, coaches, friends, siblings, teachers, shluchim, rabbis, coaches and matchmakers, as well as singles searching for their own bashert.
To donate, to join, or to start a group in your city, visit our website or contact us at: [email protected]
job well done to all the organizers and Rabbi Raitman for his masterful insights.
Wow. What a brilliant speaker, what a brilliant night.
Mr. Bernhard, you took it away and really eloquently brought out things I hadn’t thought of before.
Devora Kraz- thank you for your help, through thick and thin!
Beautiful. Yasher Koach
is there any recording available pls?
Special shout-out to Miriam Sherr, Tamar Stone and Mushkie Sherr.
Your Fan
from “Bayonne!”
Mrs Swerdlow and the panel, networking and the keynote speaker, Kivi Bernard….. excellent event
Dvora this is amazing! Yasher Koach for all the efforts and work in helping with shidduchim. May you all see much Hatzlacha in your holy work!!
Major thank you to the organizers and I schlepped in from Canada and I was worth it just to hear Kivi Bernhardt speak. Amazing sessions as well, thank you everyone!!!