Join us as we unravel the innovative approach of Tribe 12, a seasoned non-profit in Philadelphia with over 20 years of experience, which pioneered the world’s first “matchmaking for community engagement” non-profit model of Jewish matchmaking. Learn how Tribe 12 took the best elements of traditional Jewish matchmaking and, with inspired sector-crossing collaborations with boutique matchmakers and date coaches, created a “rising tide lifts all ships” container and a powerful tool for community engagement. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the intersection of matchmaking, collaboration, and community building!

Danielle Selber is the founder of Tribe 12’s matchmaking initiative, a not-for-profit program for young professionals dating in Philly’s Jewish community. Danielle takes the best elements from the Jewish tradition of matchmaking and reinterprets them to fit modern dating. She received a graduate degree in Jewish Studies at Gratz College where she completed a thesis on trends in secular Jewish dating. Her work has been featured on Slate’s ‘Working’ podcast and in the short film ‘Make Me a Match’.

Delve into a comprehensive exploration of love from a Kabbalistic perspective. This enlightening session will dissect the true meaning of love as taught through Jewish thought and Kabbalah, revealing that love is not just a spontaneous feeling but so much more.

If you are looking for ways to explain love through a more mystical lens this session is for you. You will learn how consistent acts of giving, both big and small, can strengthen and deepen connections, challenging the common misconceptions of ‘love at first sight’ and the superficial allure of infatuation.

We will also delve into the mystical aspects of love in Kabbalah, discussing how love transcends physical boundaries to become a divine connection between souls. This session will empower matchmakers to look beyond surface-level compatibilities, encouraging them to foster matches that are deeply rooted in spiritual and emotional congruence.

This session at Yentacon is not just a class; it’s a transformative experience that promises to change how you perceive and approach love, relationships, and matchmaking.

Cherished for his incredible warmth and non-judgmental personality, this hipster is not your typical rabbi. In 2012, Rabbi Bernath founded JMatchmaking International, a network of Jewish dating sites. He has made hundreds of matches! In addition to being a matchmaker and dating coach, Rabbi Bernath is also the author of three books, and continuously produces engaging content on his many social media & podcast platforms. He has been a part of dozens of productions, including the award winning Documentary “Kosher Love”.

In this workshop, we will dive into three of the biggest questions matchmakers have when considering autistic or otherwise neurodivergent clients:

1. How do I address neurodiversity with a client who has not identified themselves as autistic or neurodivergent?
2.  Do I need to match neurodivergent people with each other?
3. Do I tell a match that my client is neurotypical?

The goal is to help you expand your client base – and your social impact – by reaching a population that is underserved by the matchmaking market.

Jeremy and Ilana Hamburgh are friendship and dating coaches who teach the strategies and skills that empower autistic and neurodivergent adults to find community, make friends, start dating, and build relationships. Ilana has over 16 years of experience as a special education teacher in New York City and Jeremy has over 14 years of experience as a social coach for autistic and neurodivergent adults.

Their passion is their cutting-edge strategy and skills program, called Social Life 360, which teaches their clients how to confidently meet new people in new places. What makes the Social Life 360 program so innovative is that Jeremy and Ilana decode the social world for their clients using formulas, diagrams, and step-by-step processes that make more sense to their neurodivergent brains. The Social Life 360 program also provides clients with a warm, inclusive, and vibrant online community that makes them feel embraced on their social journey.

Autistic and neurodivergent adults, and their families, can take their free training or learn more about the Social Life 360 approach at MyBestSocialLife.com. You can contact them anytime at Ilana@MyBestSocialLife.com.

In this workshop, we focus on the dynamic intersection of Judaism and sexuality, revealing the inherently sex-positive perspective embedded in our traditions. Together we will examine the nuanced dynamics shaping relationships within the Jewish community, emphasizing the seamless harmony we find when weaving traditional values with contemporary, sex-positive perspectives. Attendees can expect a thorough examination of the celebratory and empowering elements of intimacy within Jewish traditions. As experienced matchmakers, we adeptly navigate the evolving landscape of modern relationships, engaging in insightful discussions with our clients as they transition from singlehood to coupledom. Join us for a professional and respectful discourse that highlights the life affirming nature of love and affection within the context of Judaism.

Michal has passion for connecting people, fostering healthy relationships, and educating on human sexuality. She’s more than just a matchmaker; she’s a super-connector. Michal earned her Bachelor’s degree in Jewish Studies from Penn State University and a Master of Education in Human Sexuality from Widener University. With over five years of experience helping clients find loving relationships, her work has been profiled in the Atlantic, CBS, Fox29, Bustle, NPR, and a Philadelphia Inquirer feature.