Jewish matchmaking

[LadyWithLapdog]

I’ve been avoiding the C* today so got drawn into this programme. I’m not one for reality TV, usually. Before I waste more time on it, can someone tell me if this is real or 100% scripted? I realise some of it is scripted and rehearsed, but is it all? Thanks.

Re-sits

El Al - Israel's national airline, does not fly on Shabbat or Jewish holidays - Thursday and Sunday flights always painfully expensive!

I thought this would be like Indian match making. Is it not?

It is quite similar to Indian Matchmaking.

Of course, both programmes portray arranged marriages as an acceptable alternative, quite logical, and where both parties have choices. Usually well off people, able to travel etc. When there must be so many men and women who feel absolutely trapped. But that’s why the series are for entertainment and not documentaries.

Really enjoyed this show, although of course some of the people were maddening. Loved Aleeza - found her very warm, empathetic, non judgemental and genuinely interested in people. Found some of her advice really interesting, particularly around avoiding any physical contact for at least five dates so that you are able to stay clear about how you feel about them as a person rather than getting caught up in lust. Also loved how she was encouraging and supportive but also pushed and challenged them to be clear about what they really wanted - Harmonie and her plans for children but also dashing off to Bali at a month's notice! 🤦🏻‍♂️

Ori - dear god. Nothing to add to what has already been said
Dani - was in awe of how confident and assertive she was during the dumping conversation. Yes she was daft with her eyebrow obsession and general self obsession but wow.
Agree that most of the men were just awful, apart from snowy Noah, Stewart and Aleeza's husband Gershon!

Loved the guy who wanted a Jewish Moroccan Israeli girl with blonde hair and blue eyes

He basically wanted Bar Rafaeli

😂😂

In the Indian Matchmaking series they want Priyanka Chopra.

@Lottapianos also special mention to Shaun of Hawaii and of the swishy hair.

^ positive special mention

Started watching this and on episode 4. Oh yes, Aleeza's husband is a bit of a dish

Ori. What an idiot. Clearly been told by his mum all his life how amazing he is.

'@Lottapianos also special mention to Shaun of Hawaii and of the swishy hair.'

Oh yes, he was lovely. Seemed sane and interesting and not an ego maniac

@mizu it actually took me a bit to recognise the woman with the headscarf being the same Aleeza with the wig. I thought it was a non-sequitur when they showed her/random woman with husband.

Ori… I feel like watching it all over again just to be annoyed. I bet he’s entertaining at parties, in his own way 😂

Started watching today and I LOVE this. Finding the religious aspect so interesting. I wonder how much they have to pay Aleeza.

I've just binged this. Loved it. I loved the advice and chat spots with older couples at the start of the episodes/end of the series as well- sweet and hilarious.

I would love to see more. I found it very interesting and I found a lot of Aleezas advice and approach very sensible and I really ended up invested I was rooting for nearly everyone but especially Wyomimg Noah, Stewart, Fay and Nakysha. Aleeza definitely had her work cut out managing some of the client expectations like Harmonie- the last minute Bali lady, or Ori with the Bar Rafaeli-type fixation.

I am absolutely certain that the blonde hottie Ori was eventually matched with was a plant. No real American Jewish woman would agree to live with her inlaws, or talk about her sex drive at the first meeting.

It must have cost a bit with all the flying to Miami, California, Tel Aviv etc. Or it was done in one go but with clever editing to make it seem more energetic and happening.

I can’t remember about Ori’s hottie :) I thought some of the people were just kind of passing through town, no clear intention to get married immediately, and were roped in to take part for a bit of drama.

Someone upthread recommended Indian matchmaking. Very good. Similar format, including the established elderly couples having a few seconds of fame giving advice. They crack me up, so sweet and funny.

The PP who mentioned Shtisel - it is amazing but sadly it’s finished now on Netflix 😞 I was obsessed and went to a talk that Michael Aloni did in London - I even fancied him in all the Hasidic garb.

@JustDanceAddict Oh no, I got sidetracked into the 3 series of Indian MM and didn’t get round to watching Shtisel. I remember reading a book about 15 years ago by a London rabbi daughter which was fascinating, but I’ve totally forgotten it. To the extent I don’t remember if it was fact or fiction or, indeed, what it was about 😀

So now I’ve been watching series 1 of My Unorthodox Life on Netflix (reality series) and just started Rough Diamonds (drama).

A couple of good books that you might enjoy: The Marrying of Chani Kaufman and an other is The Innocents. Both fiction set in a NW London Jewish setting.

The woman from My Unorthodox Life is completely bonkers. But it makes for great TV.

He was dreadful.
What was that absolute eejit bringing to the party?

😂 i like that every day there’s someone new annoyed by Ori!

@Pennina thank you for the book recommendations. I’ve just bought the first one but I can’t find the Innocents, only a DVD.

Ah that's a shame - Shtisel is SO good!!

I used to work with the husband of the author of The Marrying of Chani Kaufman. Sadly I didn't much like the book 😳

I also used to work for an orthodox Jewish guy and let me tell you, we jumped through some blinking hoops to keep kosher and observe all the high holy days and Shabbat regulations...except when he fancied doing whatever he wanted on the quiet 🙄 I was very fond of him though! At one time I could find the prayer times of any North London synagogue within about three seconds flat, a skill I sadly underuse nowadays.