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Not your grandparents' matchmaker: Jewish dating expert to speak in West Hartford
By Cindy Mindell
Published: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 6:16 PM EST
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| Shoshanna Rikon |
(CJL) WEST HARTFORD - Shoshanna Rikon used to run an employment agency in New York, with a little matchmaking on the side for friends and family. "But whenever someone came in for an interview, I was more interested in his or her personal and love life," she says. "I was a natural."
After 10 years in the business and more than 200 marriages to her credit, Rikon will bring her expertise to the greater Hartford Jewish singles scene.
Rikon, 35, works with 3,000 Jewish clients throughout the Tri-State area, and as far away as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and even Montreal. The dating expert has appeared on "The Dr. Phil Show" and VH1, and has been interviewed in many publications.
Rikon says that, she doesn't have a lot of competition, even in New York. In fact, other matchmakers refer Jewish clients to her because they don't have enough to work with.
The Beth Israel event is geared toward Jewish singles aged 30 to 55. Rikon will talk about the basics of dating and the specifics of "Jewish dating," including tips on how to meet someone special and get a second date. There will be time for questions and socializing.
Rikon combines her human-resources and advertising background with good intutition. "I ask a lot of questions," she says, on a variety of secular and Jewish topics. Her clients, who range from non-practicing to Modern Orthodox, are all in the market for a Jewish soul mate.
Then there are the other criteria, not as lofty, but just as important: physical appearance, personality traits. Some laundry lists are unrealistically long, Rikon says. "Sometimes it's an age thing: We're picky when we're young, but starting in our 30s we start to settle - but you don't want to settle too much! You should have preferences but not too many. It's more about chemistry. You don't want to have everything in common - that would be boring -- but you should have some things, and also have your own life."
Most clients are looking to share Jewish culture, Rikon says, not necessarily religious practice. "You get them, they get you, you can trade matzah-ball recipes," she says.
Rikon began her business during the dot-com boom, just when online dating websites were getting their start. She now sees people coming back to more traditional matchmaking methods.
"Online was hot, now it's not," she says. "People aren't getting what they want because there's no one to screen candidates." Unlike an online dating profile, which can be as close to or as far from reality as the author chooses, Rikon doesn't show photos to her clients, which is the industry standard. "My work is based on trust," she says. "If someone's interest is just based on pictures, that means they're shallow and can't look beyond the physical."
"Trust the matchmaker," she says. "She'll take care of you."
For information on Beth Israel's Dec. 7 event, visit www.cbict.org. To learn more about Rikon's work, visit www.ShoshannasMatchmakingService.com.
Comments? Email cindym@jewishledger.com.