Frum N' Flipping

Sometimes a boy and a girl meet, on a Shidduch date, and they know right away that they are perfect for each other. They have the same Hashkafa, outlook on life, the same ideals. They have the same hobbies, and CDs, and favorite books. The character traits they were looking for, their "list", is sitting right across from them, in flesh and blood. They should be thrilled, because perhaps they've found their soul mate. There's only one problem. They aren't very happy about it. "There are classical music concerts for free, on Monday afternoons" Daniel said. "I go to them with my sister, she's also in Jerusalem this year" "That's so interesting" says Karen. "I love classical music. I never heard of those free concerts." So he's a fan of classical music, the same way she is. Another point in his favor. Why is she wishing this date was over? "I think balance is very important", Karen is saying. ...

Sunshine, grass, trees, wind catching at her hair, shadows falling in patterns on the ground, the gentle sounds the world made, when it was left alone. And Avner, always Avner. He crouched beside her as she bent close to a wild flower, perched on a boulder as she climbed up to where there was a better view. Brachy grew to know the steady click of his camera's shutter, as he snapped frame after frame, always staying within breathing distance. Brachy giggled, as she watched the group gathering around one lone blossoming tree, surrounding it on all sides with their cameras and eager gazes. She flipped the lid off the lens. "Makes you feel sorry for the tree, doesn't it?" Avner whispered into her ear. Brachy jumped. She smiled up at him, but moved away, putting some distance between them. He continued, ignoring her reaction. "So much pressure. I sure hope that poor tree is photogenic." "Rather it than me." Brachy said. "Oh I'd w...

You know those Shidduch posts you read, somewhere, anywhere, and really love? The ones where your reaction is "That's exactly how I feel", the ones that leave you thinking, or get you grinning. Tell us about them! We are collecting the best of the Shidduch Blogosphere, over here . Our goal- Publication. Don't you feel sorry for those poor souls who don't have Internet access, or who haven't yet discovered the blogosphere? And wouldn't it be great, to have the very best posts collected in one book? Our motivation- Making a real difference in how singles are being viewed in the Frum Community, and providing a genuine, uncensored, well written narrative about Shidduchim Bad4Shidduchim launched the project today. Here are some FAQs we are being asked: Who can nominate a blog post? Anyone! You don't even have to register on the site (although it would be cool if you did!) Can I nominate my own blog posts? Yes! Who knows your best posts bette...

They fascinated me. They lived beside us, but in a system entirely apart. Talking to them would cast me into a state of mortal sin, but I badly wanted to hear how yeshiva boys lived, and talked, and thought. I wanted to hear what went in within the hallowed halls where my feet could never tread. I gathered up crumbs of information, snippets of conversations. And I wondered. Fast forward ten years, out of high school and into Shidduchim. Yeshiva boys are coming out of my ears. Can this be God's repayment for my once secret interest? "You want to hear what it's like in Yeshiva, do you? You'll hear what it's like in a hundred Yeshivas!" For I am now an expert on Yeshivas. A Chareidi colleague discusses where to send his son to Yeshiva. I inundate him with a wealth of information; I tell him the pros and cons of each institution, the type of boys who go there, the families they come from, the staff's approach to Chinuch, and the comfort level of the fo...

I have good news. In fact, I have fabulous news. You know how we are always venting about the Shidduch scene? Well, I misjudged it. The cloud does have a silver lining. The Shidduch world is not that bad after all! We can start counting our blessings. Blessing #1: There is no list of top eligible singles published every year in Hamodia. Let's all take a moment to say a little prayer of gratitude. (Something along the lines of"Thank you O Lord, for sparing us") For our less fortunate brethren, those abiding in the 'Swamp' of Kattamon, have this to deal with every year. When Nati on Srugim made it to an online list of eligible Religious singles, I wasn't sure if it was a joke. Turns out it's for real. Every year NRG publishes a list of the top Dati folk who are on the market for a spouse. I'm so glad I'm Chareidi! Or should we be starting our own version of "The List"?

"There are no words for this perfection. No mortal expression can capture the sublimity of your creation." Dovid took another bite of cheesecake, and rolled his hand around his stomach, to show how much he was enjoying it. "Thank you, thank you." Shulamit grinned. "So your big sis' is good for something, eh?" "Shulamit, you outdid yourself this year." Ima said. Shulamit's annual Shavuos cheesecake was a family tradition. "At least she's making the most of all the free time on her hands." Abba said. "Better a gourmet cheese cake than another hare brained scheme." Ima turned and frowned at him. At least on Yom Tov let there be no disagreements. "Actually, I have some amazing news!" Shulamit said, turning to her father. "Just wait till you hear this!" "Well go on then." He said, cutting himself another slice of cake. "I met this girl at the wedding last week, and I real...

"What are your plans for this year?" That would be my boss talking. He looks at me expectantly. The answer is obvious. The words flash in my mind, as if spelled out in neon light bulbs on the top of a store front window. "Finish my novel." Wrong answer. There's no way I can say that. He doesn't even know I'm writing a novel. "My plans?" Stalling for time is always an option. "How do you want to develop this year?" He doesn't shift his gaze from my face. I take it "Finally get a driving license" is also out? How about "Work on my Middos"? Does that count as development? I spend a hefty chunk of my day here, between four office walls. I shouldn't just be killing time, waiting to leave, to date, to write. "I'd like more responsibility." I mumble. "And more opportunities for creativity." Yeah that sounds passably professional. Last year the answer I bit back was ...