Full house with Aleeza
Ben Shalom facilitated an interactive matchmaking segment with four volunteer singles on stage, where the audience acted as the matchmakers.
THE excitement was palpable in an overflowing Caulfield Shule last week as over 1100 people gathered for an evening with Aleeza Ben Shalom, star of the Netflix series, Jewish Matchmaking.
Presented in partnership with The AJN, the event saw matchmaker and relationship expert Ben Shalom share her personal and professional journey – including how she was serendipitously approached to host the Netflix reality show after one of her matchmaker friends turned down the offer!
Following a monologue where Ben Shalom entertained and delighted with her quick wit (and best Aussie accent), AJN head of content Rebecca Davis took to the stage for a live interview, taking audiences behind the scenes of the hit show.
Ben Shalom explained the production company chose from hundreds of written and video applications submitted by men who wanted to be on the show.
“I had to source the potential female partners via my networks and the women were not allowed to know who the matchmaker was; I have a database of thousands.”
Contrary to Netflix coming under fire for their representation of Jewish stories, Ben Shalom said, “I personally felt I was represented fairly.”
Davis then put to Ben Shalom the question on the lips of every single: “How do I meet ‘the one’?”
“Just keep dating,” Ben Shalom responded.
“There is great clarity in realising that if the dater is not the one; it means you keep moving on.
“I don’t turn people into pretzels. I ask them, ‘Will this work for you?'”
Finally, Ben Shalom facilitated an interactive matchmaking segment with four volunteer singles on stage. The audience acted as the matchmakers, getting to know the contenders with a series of revealing questions.
By the end of the segment, those audience members who themselves fitted the criteria – or knew someone who did – were connected with the singles.
“The evening with Aleeza Ben Shalom was a transformative experience that ignited hearts and minds,” reflected Caulfield Shule’s Rabbi Daniel Rabin, who emceed the evening.
“With over 1000 individuals gathering in unity, we witnessed the power of wisdom, humour, and passion to inspire and elevate our community.”
AJN chief operating officer Marina Yuksel echoed the rabbi’s sentiments.
“What an incredible evening, brimming with enjoyment and profound insights from Aleeza.
“Witnessing every seat be occupied by enthusiastic guests was extraordinary. The AJN looks forward to partnering on and hosting more events like this for our community in the future.”
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