In a Nutshell
pros
- Highest number of Jews on any dating site
- Offers offline single events in your local city
- Excellent mobile app
cons
- Some non-Jewish members join the site
- Relatively high cost
- Unless you live in a big city, dating pool can be limiting
JDate connects Jewish singles with like-minded, compatible partners of all affiliations, sexual preferences (straight, gay or lesbian), and ages. It currently boasts membership of more than 450,000 active members worldwide and also holds live events. If you’re looking for a Jewish partner in Australia, there’s no better place to look.
Sign Up Process
Getting started and signed up to JDate is super easy. All you need to do is answer a few simple questions and you’re ready to go. You can sign up using an email address or your Facebook account. You’ll be asked some basic questions about your age, height, location and what you’re searching for in a partner. You’ll also be asked some questions about Judaism, such as your religious observance (whether you keep Kosher, or go to synagogue) to help the site learn about you.
Once you’ve answered the basic questions, you’ll get the chance to further buff up your profile, which is recommended in order to attract more matches. You don’t need to do this immediately, so in your own time you can go back and upload photos (up to 10). You’ll also be able to answer some open ended prompts such as, “my perfect first date,” or “the coolest places I’ve visited.”
Matchmaking & Search Functions
JDate has a matchmaking feature which offers personalized match suggestions daily – you’ll find these under the ‘matches’ tab. These personalized matches are based on the filters you set out when you first signed up (you can change these filters at any point).
There’s also an extensive search function where you’ll be able to explore member profiles according to over 12 filters including lifestyle, education, height, religious observance and more. The search can be further filtered by new members, members currently online, and members based on distance to you. A keyword search is also available so that you can find members with specific interests important to you. Results can be sorted by: newest, last online, closest location or match percent.
Features & Communication Tools
With over 2 decades of experience under its belt, JDate’s features and communication tools are well developed. With the basic free account you’ll only be allowed to send ‘Flirts’ notifying members that you have expressed interest in them. To really utilize all of the available features you need to be on a paid membership plan.
‘Secret Admirer’ is a feature that allows you to anonymously rate others on whether you would date them or not. If you rate each other with ‘yes’ you’ll both be notified. You can edit your ‘Secret Admirer’ preferences according to age range and location. Another cool feature is the ‘Kibitz Corner’ where members can answer daily questions offered by JDate. Read other members’ answers and use this as a useful conversation starter.
If you like playing around with the features, try out the “Color Code” test—a personality test that uses colors to determine certain aspects of your personality. These results can then be used to match you with compatible members. Another perk of JDate is the offline singles events that take place in most major cities. This is a nice excuse to get some offline, face-to-face action with like-minded singles.
Safety & Security:
JDate takes safety and security seriously. In addition to offering safety tips and sensible guidelines while dating, the site warns members to never give out personal information to other users. Furthermore, the site reviews every member profile and is quick to act if there are any fake profiles.
Prices:
With JDate you can sign up as a free member but you’ll be limited to browsing and won’t be able to properly communicate with members unless you join the premium membership plan. The longer you sign up for the better value the membership turns out to be.
What Users are Saying
“I was only on the site a day before I sent Stephen a smile. He was the first person I found on the site that I thought was cute. He messaged me the next day and our relationship started to grow. I don’t know how I’ve spent so long without him.” - Rachel
“If you’re looking to meet someone Jewish it’s worth a shot. But if you’re mostly interested in broadening your dating options it’s not worth the cost.” - Melissa
Help & Support
You can contact JDate 24/7 through the website via email or live chat. Another option is to search through the easy-to-navigate FAQ section. JDate staff are typically quick to respond and take customer complaints seriously.
Bottom Line
There’s no doubt that JDate has made a name for itself in the world of Jewish dating. It’s had considerable success setting up singles across the globe. With its smart features and engaging interface, you’ll enjoy the dating experience whether on desktop or mobile. Whatever your level of practicing Judaism, if it’s important to you to date a Jew, JDate will connect with plenty of potential matches.