Meet and mingle on Saturday night

To hopefully ease people into getting to know one another, the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC in Cedarhurst is holding a singles night on Saturday, Feb. 6, at 8 p.m., at Temple Israel of Lawrence at 140 Central Ave. in Lawrence.

The event is being coordinated by sisters Bonnie Sheff-Meiselman and Karen Sheff, who are well known for hosting Jewish singles mixes in their homes in previous years and after outgrowing those venues, held one at the JCC in Cedarhurst 13 years ago that was attended by more than 200 local singles.

“I know how hard it is to meet someone that you ‘click’ with,” said Sheff-Meiselman, a paralegal for a Manhattan law firm. “My desire was to bring people together in a light and enjoyable setting without pressure or expectations. The more relaxed you are, the easier it is to meet someone.” Karen is the director of college guidance at a Long Island day school.

Open to Modern Orthodox singles in their 30s and 40s, the event will include entertainment from musician Mo Shapiro, Jen the Caricaturist and mentalist and magician Gary the Great. There will be plenty of time to meet and mingle; kosher food supplied byThe Coffee Bar of Lawrence and Gourmet Glatt, door prizes and raffles.

“For various reasons, across the age and religious levels, dating is more difficult these days,” said Rachayle Deutsch, the cultural arts and education director and Kadima program coordinator at the JCC. Kadima is a support group for divorced parents.

“The word ‘crisis’ is often used to describe the situation,” Deutsch said. “It’s become a challenge to meet like-minded adults, for the purpose of marriage, in a healthy venue. We targeted one large group of singles for this event and hope the evening will be a success. If it is, we are happy to approach a different demographic and to work on another program in the future.”

The JCC is looking to develop its programs. “[We are] excited to be expanding the reach of our services as we continue to grow in our Five Towns community,” said JCC Executive Director Joel Block.

Pre-registration is required. Admission is $20. To reserve your spot call or text (917) 902-8873 or email itsyourdestinysingles@gmail.com.