In this episode, I sat down with Rivkah Fox, the matchmaker behind Blind Fate. What started as a playful Instagram game turned into real marriages.

✨ Highlights:

🎲 Anonymous bios + audience votes → real matches & babies

🎉 Creative Philly events with fun stations & late-night vibes

💪 Special events for singles with physical challenges

🌎 A Brazilian man who quarantined in Mexico just to date in NY

💼 A yeshivish guy + a Forbes 30 Under 30 woman = true love

💡 Takeaway: Love shows up when you’re willing to play the game differently.

Support the show

Contact Aleeza Ben Shalom https://marriagemindedmentor.com/
Contact Rabbi Yisroel Bernath https://www.theloverabbi.com/

Submit a Question for the Matchmaker, Matchmaker Podcast https://marriagemindedmentor.com/podcast/

In this episode of Matchmaker Matchmaker, I sit down with my dear friend Laurie Young the Seattle Shadchan and the reason I ended up on Jewish Matchmaking on Netflix.

 We share gratitude, lots of laughs, and her bold love story that began with a note on a windshield and turned into 42 years of marriage. Plus, we talk about Zoom dating for 55+ singles, why momentum is the key to dating success, and how anyone can make a match.

We talk about:

📞 Passing on Netflix for herself and passing them my number instead
💍 The “hold him for me” story that led to marriage
✈️ Turning long-distance dating into real life dating
🥂 Zoom dating events for 55+ singles and her easiest match ever
🔥 The #1 killer of a match and how to keep sparks alive with momentum dating

Support the show

Contact Aleeza Ben Shalom https://marriagemindedmentor.com/
Contact Rabbi Yisroel Bernath https://www.theloverabbi.com/

Submit a Question for the Matchmaker, Matchmaker Podcast https://marriagemindedmentor.com/podcast/

🎙️ In this episode of Matchmaker Matchmaker, I sat down with Gina Samuels from Australia — a warm-hearted volunteer matchmaker. She’s made nine matches so far (including her brother!) and shared what it’s like to help people date in a small community where everyone knows everyone. We talked about her own love story, the beauty of organic setups, and why singles should also help make matches. It’s real, it’s inspiring, and it’s a reminder that love takes effort — and a little help from someone who cares.

💬 We talked about:
✡️ Dating in small communities like Melbourne and Sydney
❤️ Gina’s personal love story
🫶 How singles can make matches too 

Want more inspiration? Head to marriagemindedmentor.com and join the matchmaking movement.

Support the show

Contact Aleeza Ben Shalom https://marriagemindedmentor.com/
Contact Rabbi Yisroel Bernath https://www.theloverabbi.com/

Submit a Question for the Matchmaker, Matchmaker Podcast https://marriagemindedmentor.com/podcast/

In this episode, I sat down with Rabbi Leo and Aliza to explore what it means to rebuild a life and open your heart after deep loss.

💬 We talked about:

Going from unimaginable grief to hope and healing

The decision to date again after tragedy

Aliza’s 25-year journey of saying “yes” in dating

Why authenticity and connection go hand-in-hand

How the most unexpected match became the right one

💡 My favorite reminder from this episode:
Possibilities exist especially when you lead with honesty, hope, and heart.

Support the show

Contact Aleeza Ben Shalom https://marriagemindedmentor.com/
Contact Rabbi Yisroel Bernath https://www.theloverabbi.com/

Submit a Question for the Matchmaker, Matchmaker Podcast https://marriagemindedmentor.com/podcast/

In this episode of Matchmaker Matchmaker, we’re talking about a different kind of love language: business matchmaking! 

 I sat down with Brian Spivak of Barzel Media in Tel Aviv, and we explored how every match romantic, professional, or even a new home can change someone’s life. 

We talked about: 

- How one casual intro turned into a full-time job

- A real wedding that started with a Shabbat lunch match

- Why showing up (even when you don’t feel like it) matters

- Flipping the script on rejection and making bold moves in dating 

💡Bottom line? Connection is everything. Whether you’re making a match in love or in life, it counts. 

Want to connect with Brian and learn more about what he’s building?

📲 Instagram: @spibri85 | @barzel.media

🌐 Website: barzelmedia.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

Want more inspiration? Head to marriagemindedmentor.com and join the matchmaking movement.

Support the show

Contact Aleeza Ben Shalom https://marriagemindedmentor.com/
Contact Rabbi Yisroel Bernath https://www.theloverabbi.com/

Submit a Question for the Matchmaker, Matchmaker Podcast https://marriagemindedmentor.com/podcast/

The Three-Match Club: Jenny's Matchmaker Journey

In this heartwarming episode of *Matchmaker, Matchmaker*, I sit down with the fabulous Jenny Sved an organic connector, community builder, and now... official member of the “Three Match Club!” 💫

Here’s what we schmoozed about:

🧩 How Jenny made her own match (yes, it counts!).                                                    🪑 The wedding seating switch that led to a marriage (and three kids!).                   ✈️ A LaGuardia Airport spark that took years to ignite but was totally worth it         🚌 Our spontaneous idea for a matchmaking bus! (Seriously, call me if you want to sponsor it.).                                                                                                                            💬 Why timing matters, why you shouldn't give up on a match, and why it’s okay if more than one person gets credit

We laughed, we dreamed, and we even redefined the rules of matchmaking (because someone has to and it might as well be me 😉).

🕊️ Whether you’ve made one match, three, or none yet you’ll walk away inspired to help create more love in the world.

✨ Let’s all aim for that “matchmaker mitzvah addiction” – because more love means more light in the world.

Support the show

Contact Aleeza Ben Shalom https://marriagemindedmentor.com/
Contact Rabbi Yisroel Bernath https://www.theloverabbi.com/

Submit a Question for the Matchmaker, Matchmaker Podcast https://marriagemindedmentor.com/podcast/

In this episode, I sat down with the incredible Irit Esses psychologist, matchmaker, and leader of a powerful matchmaking community in Mexico City.

We dug into:

💫 Irit’s journey from dating struggles to 24+ successful matches
🛠️ The power of knowing your non-negotiables
👶 Inspiring stories, including matches that led to babies and cross-border love
❤️ Be a “vitamin person” uplift the singles in your life before pressuring them to date 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Talking to Irit felt like talking to myself, we have so much in common! Her wisdom, spunk, and vibrant energy are changing lives and I hope her story inspires you to be part of the change too.   

Support the show

Contact Aleeza Ben Shalom https://marriagemindedmentor.com/
Contact Rabbi Yisroel Bernath https://www.theloverabbi.com/

Submit a Question for the Matchmaker, Matchmaker Podcast https://marriagemindedmentor.com/podcast/

In this episode, I’m joined by Shirel  a digital nomad with Indian-Israeli roots, a spicy palate, and a heart full of Jewish values.

We talked about one of my favorite philosophies: “Date ‘Em Til You Hate ‘Em” giving people a real chance, staying open, and learning about yourself in the process.

Shirel shared:

•⁠  ⁠Her dating journey across Tel Aviv and Philly
•⁠  ⁠How October 7th deepened her Jewish identity
•⁠  ⁠What she’s looking for: someone kind, curious, and adventurous (hot air balloon optional 😉)

💌 If you know someone who might be a match for Shirel, send them our way. Because we believe anyone can make a match.

Support the show

Contact Aleeza Ben Shalom https://marriagemindedmentor.com/
Contact Rabbi Yisroel Bernath https://www.theloverabbi.com/

Submit a Question for the Matchmaker, Matchmaker Podcast https://marriagemindedmentor.com/podcast/

In this episode of Matchmaker Matchmaker, I introduce you to Andrew a kind, thoughtful, and very real single man in his mid 30's from Philadelphia 🐾💬

We dive into his dating story, and here’s what we covered:

Why family values are at the heart of what he’s looking for ❤️

The role cultural compatibility plays in lasting love

His love for dogs and why shared interests matter 🐶

Why he’s focused on finding someone in Philly or close by 🏙️

His take on dating timelines and how soon is too soon to talk engagement 💍

💡 I also offer some insights of my own and as always, I invite you to be part of the matchmaking magic.

💞 Know someone who might be a match for Andrew?
Watch, share, and tag them below you just might help create a love story 🫶

Support the show

Contact Aleeza Ben Shalom https://marriagemindedmentor.com/
Contact Rabbi Yisroel Bernath https://www.theloverabbi.com/

Submit a Question for the Matchmaker, Matchmaker Podcast https://marriagemindedmentor.com/podcast/

This episode is full of ruach (spirit), inspiration, and classic Jewish geography the kind where one introduction leads to another and suddenly, the world feels small and deeply connected.

I sat down with the radiant and talented Maskit, sister of Tair, from Jack’s Jewish Journey to hear her story of spiritual growth, creativity, and finding clarity in the chaos of modern dating.

✨ In this conversation, we talk about:

🌏 Growing up between Israel, Australia, and now NYC and what each place taught her

🎬 Her love for film, media, and using storytelling to bring light into the Jewish world

✡️ What sparked her return to observance and how Shabbat changed everything

❤️ Her honest reflections on dating non-Jews, finding her “why,” and choosing a Jewish future

🧭 What she’s looking for now: someone who’s grounded, God-conscious, and ready to build

🗽 Life in New York City and how she’s navigating the fast-paced dating scene with grace and clarity

And yes she’s single, she’s glowing, and she’s ready to meet someone who’s growing in the same direction.

🎯 We also dive into modesty, mitzvot, and what it really means to grow into observance without pressure just purpose.

This episode is full of energy, laughter, emunah (faith), and real talk about choosing a partner and a path.

💌 Want to be introduced to Maskit? Reach out through me maybe you’re her next match 😉

👉 Listen, share, and let’s keep building this global Jewish matchmaking movement one meaningful conversation at a time.

Support the show

Contact Aleeza Ben Shalom https://marriagemindedmentor.com/
Contact Rabbi Yisroel Bernath https://www.theloverabbi.com/

Submit a Question for the Matchmaker, Matchmaker Podcast https://marriagemindedmentor.com/podcast/