It isn’t always easy for Jewish singles over the age of 40 to make a connection. That’s where Singles Mingle comes in. 

It all started with Elyse Krantz, a member of Temple Beth David in Cheshire. Two years ago, Krantz had just completed the Yesod leadership program through the Jewish Community Center of Greater New when she set out to find ways to help area Jews connect beyond their own communities and synagogues. 

She came up with Singles Mingle.

“The purpose of these events is to build community, especially among a group that often has fewer programming choices available to them,” said Krantz. “In our temple there are many social events for young families and fantastic adult learning opportunities, too. But up until this point, there have been fewer options for adult singles looking to socialize.”

After hearing that single adult members at Temple Beth David, as well as Jewish individuals in the greater New Haven and Hartford areas, were interested in meeting other singles, Krantz coordinated the first Singles Mingle event in October 2018. That kickoff event was a great success and many of those in attendance expressed an interest in expanding their outreach and meeting again. A second gathering was held on December 25 for – what else? – Chinese food! 

To spread the word about the singles programs, Krantz has utilized Facebook and has also reached out to more than a dozen Jewish centers and synagogues across central Connecticut.

“We think of ourselves as a Connecticut Jewish community, and not just a Cheshire, or New Haven, or Hartford community. We can impact that many more people,” says Krantz.

“The majority of folks who attended our first two events were not affiliated with a synagogue, and their ages ranged from early 40s to retirees in their 70s. We’re not trying to be J-Date. Our goal is to provide the opportunity for Jewish singles to simply meet and forge new friendships,” she says.

Next up is a Singles Mingle bowling and pizza event on Saturday, May 4, 4 p.m. at Highland Bowl, 1211 Highland Ave in Cheshire. All are welcome to come and make new connections — and, says Krantz, bring a friend! 

For more information or to RSVP for the May 4 bowling event email education@tbdcheshire.org, call Temple Beth David at (203) 272-0037, visit www.tbdcheshire.org, or connect with a special Meetup.com group created just for Jewish singles in the area (www.meetup.com/Greater-Hartford-New-Haven-Jewish-Singles-40-Meetup).