Ben Milgrom
Carly Regal
Erin Katz
Jessica Friedland
Joe Hochheiser
Jordan Lippe
Laura German
Liz Marx
Matt Stahm
Taylor Henschel
Ben wears a check sport coat by Tallia, gray traveler slack by Riviera, black men’s 1/4-zip sweater by Byford and multiplaid shirt by FX Fusion, all from Ticknors Men’s Clothier
Ben Milgrom
25 | downtown Cleveland
B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
Entrepreneur and owner/founder of amendusa.com
Favorite place to grab dinner: Johnny’s Little Bar in downtown Cleveland, but if with a date, Southside in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood.
Favorite place to grab a drink: The rooftop bar at The Greenhouse Tavern in downtown Cleveland.
Qualities you’re looking for: A good sense of humor, someone who’s active and likes “House Hunters.”
Longest relationship: Two years
Are your dating habits “kosher”? As of recently, they are.
Celebrity crush: Blake Lively
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? “My Friends Over You” by New Found Glory
Hidden talent: I can juggle.
Favorite Jewish holiday: Sukkot because I love the fall. It reminds me of when I was younger and always helped my dad build the sukkah in the back yard.
At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … doing the hora.
Last trip to Israel: May 2016, when I lead a birthright trip.
Bar mitzvah memory: After I finished my haftorah, and everyone throws the candy, most people duck down but I went to the middle and baited people to hit me.
Favorite part of Jewish Cleveland: The fact that it really feels like a true community, and that people really back and support one another.
From his nomination: “Ben is an amazing and caring friend. He always puts other people first, especially people he cares about.”
What he says: I’m a fun person. I enjoy living an active lifestyle and learning and doing new things. Last winter, I traveled to Thailand with a few friends, and I love those types of eye-opening experiences – experiences that give you culture shock.
Connect: Slide into my DMs on Instagram at @milgrom_pilgrom or Facebook.
Carly wears a wool and fur coat by Mackage and a black velvet dress by Sanctuary, both from Fringe Boutique
Carly Regal
23 | Cleveland Heights
First-year graduate student studying social work at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland
Favorite place to grab dinner: Mia Bella in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood
Favorite place to grab a drink: CLE Urban Winery in Cleveland Heights
Qualities you’re looking for: Someone who is funny, intelligent and an animal lover. Someone who cares about other people and the greater good, and who’s socially liberal. Someone who likes to try new restaurants.
Turnoffs or deal breakers: Hunters, animal haters and being boring
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate? She’d probably say I’m smart, funny and “a riot.”
Are your dating habits “kosher”? I don’t really care that much, but I prefer someone who’s Jewish.
Dating horror story: I told someone I was more of an eater than a drinker and he never texted me back.
Celebrity crush: Sacha Baron Cohen.
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? What do I not? “Listen” by Beyoncé from “Dreamgirls.”
Favorite Jewish holiday: Chanukah because there are no major strings attached.
At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … enjoying the meal.
Last trip to Israel: 2009
Bat mitzvah memory: Dancing to “S.O.S.” by Rihanna
From her nomination: “Her dedication to Judaism, sense of humor, laid back nature, intellect and beauty will shine through in the Jstyle Singles Issue!”
What she says: I’m very much my own person, and I don’t do things just because I’m expected to. I’m both intellectual and outdoorsy.
Connect: Find me on Facebook.
Erin wears a cashmere open-shoulder turtleneck dress by Cashmere 360, belt by W.Kleinberg and earrings by Eddie Borgo, all from Kilgore Trout
Erin Katz
27 | Beachwood
Park Synagogue
Bartender at The Greenhouse Tavern in downtown Cleveland
Favorite place to grab dinner: L’Albatros in Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood
Favorite place to grab a drink: I love craft, old-style cocktails, so for those, it’s The Speakeasy at Quintana’s Barber & Dream Spa in Cleveland Heights. I also like The Side Quest and 16-Bit Bar+Arcade (both in Lakewood).
Qualities you’re looking for: Somebody who reads a lot, because I read all the time; somebody who’s passionate about what they do — it doesn’t matter to me what they do as long as they’re happy; and somebody who’s always willing to try new things, whether it’s an activity or restaurant – I’m always interested in trying new things.
Turnoffs or deal breakers: Arrogance is always a turn off. There’s a fine line between arrogance and confidence.
Longest relationship: 2 1/2 years.
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate? I always liked the word “firecracker” that she used to use. She’d warn them for an adventure.
Are your dating habits “kosher”? I would like to date Jewish. I think it’s always been something I look for, but I kind of just go off of what I feel.
Celebrity crush: Two who battle it out are Benedict Cumberbatch and David Tennant.
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? Recently, there are two I intentionally put on the radio just to sing. One is “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton and the other is “Fresh Eyes” by Andy Grammer.
Hidden talent: I can eat a whole box of cookies in one sitting.
Favorite Jewish holiday: As a kid, I liked Purim because it was like a second Halloween, but now it’s probably Passover because it’s a big family holiday for my family.
At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … either at the bar or on the dance floor.
Last trip to Israel: My birthright trip five years ago.
Bat mitzvah memory: I was the last of my sisters to have a bat mitzvah, so mine was more casual. It was at Solon Wellness Rec Center. There was swimming going on and dancing upstairs. I just remember it being crazy and running around all day.
Favorite part of Jewish Cleveland: The fact that even when you don’t know somebody, you feel connected to them here.
From her nomination: “Erin is fun and outgoing … and has a unique perspective of Cleveland.”
What she says: I like to think of myself as very nerdy. I like to read, I’m into sci-fi and I like to learn a lot. I enjoy my profession extremely. I like to be outdoorsy and rock climb, and I like to have a good glass of bourbon. I like to spend time with friends; I’m a social butterfly, and I want someone who’s along for the ride and wants to do the same things.
Connect: Find me on social media at @katzcle.
Jessica wears a sheer black drape top by Lola and Sophie and a gold necklace, both from Audrey’s Sweet Threads
Jessica Friedland
31 | Lyndhurst
Elementary art teacher in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District
Favorite place to grab dinner: It’s between the Aladdin’s Eatery in Mayfield Village and Pizzazz on the Circle in University Heights.
Favorite place to grab a drink: The Fairmount in Cleveland Heights.
Qualities you’re looking for: I’m looking for someone who’s kind and compassionate, who’s family-oriented, and who can put up with my (two) sisters and my mom — and all of their opinions.
Longest relationship: Two years
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate? I think she would describe me as shy, crafty, fun and funny.
Are your dating habits “kosher”? No
Dating horror story: There have been a lot. The worst probably was when the guy picked me up and had crunched up Doritos all over his car. Then at the end of the night, at a play, he tried to nonchalantly put his arm around me, but he ended up pulling my hair — then he drove me home. I ran out of the car before he even got into the driveway.
Celebrity crush: Sam Hunt
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? “Setting the World on Fire” by Kenny Chesney featuring P!nk
Hidden talent: I can do a headstand.
Favorite Jewish holiday: By far, Rosh Hashanah. It’s at my mom’s house, and nothing beats mom’s cooking.
At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … at the bar.
Last trip to Israel: When I got bat mitzvahed.
Bat mitzvah memory: My entire family, we traveled to Israel for three weeks, and my mom became a bat mitzvah with me at the wall.
Favorite part of Jewish Cleveland: I just like that everybody seems to know everybody, or knows somebody who seems to know somebody. I’m always running into people who are friends of friends. It’s Jewish geography.
From her nomination: “It is her patient, caring and passionate nature that makes Jessie such a catch in Jewish Cleveland!”
What she says: I’m a really family-oriented person. I would do anything for my nieces, my sisters and my parents. I definitely enjoy practicing yoga daily and horseback riding several times a week. I have a passion for children and public education.
Connect: Find me on Facebook or Instagram at @sm.art.ist85.
Joe wears a scarf by J.M. Dickens, wool vest and jacket by Eleventy, shirt by Canali and burgundy pants by Paige, all from Kilgore Trout
Joe Hochheiser
34 | University Heights
Green Road Synagogue
Assistant prosecuting attorney for Cuyahoga County and officer in the United States Air Force Reserve JAG Corps
Favorite place to grab a drink: Happy hour at Bar Louie in downtown Cleveland
Qualities you’re looking for: Contrary to what Jerry Maguire says, I am not looking for someone to complete me. As a divorced father of two awesome kids, my life is pretty complete. I am looking for someone to complement my completeness. A strong independent woman who is sweet, caring, athletic and knows how to have fun. Someone who can turn any floor into a dance floor.
Turnoffs or deal breakers: Someone who is negative and pessimistic.
Longest relationship: 10 years
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate? I’m a smart ass, but I’m her smart ass.
Are your dating habits “kosher”? Yes.
Dating horror story: All of my dates are awesome.
Celebrity crush: Ellie Fredricksen
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey. I don’t care if it’s 95 degrees out and my air conditioner is broken, I’m singing that song.
Favorite Jewish holiday and why: Passover because it’s a time when family and friends get together at my parents house. You never know what race, religion, nationality or sexual orientation will show up at our house, and we all sit together as family.
At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … behind the bar – or with your bubbe on the dance floor.
Last trip to Israel: 2005
Bar mitzvah memory: None that won’t get me arrested.
Favorite part of Jewish Cleveland: Going to parties and recognizing everybody from Jswipe.
From his nomination: “Joe is the man. He’s committed to Judaism, committed to the community, committed to Cleveland and committed to the country.”
What he says: I’m fun-loving, and a father above all else. I’m charismatic, and I love life.
Connect: Find me on Facebook.
Jordan wears a multiplaid shirt by Bugatchi, tan Superfit denim by Alberto, a mid-brown belt by Torino Leather and a navy cardigan by Alex Cannon, all from Ticknors Men’s Clothier
Jordan S. Lippe
26 | Beachwood
B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
Leasing manager at Goldberg Companies in Beachwood
Favorite place to grab dinner: Shuhei in Beachwood
Favorite place to grab a drink: I don’t drink very much. Anywhere there’s good people, though.
Qualities you’re looking for: Somebody who’s gregarious, sensitive, kind and a good listener.
Longest relationship: 2 1/2 years.
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate? As a mensch, pretty grounded, down-to-earth, kind, as a would-do-anything-for-anyone type of person, and as someone with a pretty big heart.
Are your dating habits “kosher”? Yes.
Celebrity crush: Taylor Swift
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? Any Red Hot Chili Peppers song.
Hidden talent: I can make one of my eyes kind of lazy.
Favorite Jewish holiday: Passover because you get to be with friends and family, and I like spending time with family.
At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … probably dancing.
Last trip to Israel: 2014
Bar mitzvah memory: I had my bar mitzvah in a one-month period because I didn’t think my grandpa would make it. I learned my entire portion and pretty much the entire ceremony in three weeks so he’d be able to make it – and he did.
Favorite part of Jewish Cleveland: I like that i’s a pretty close-knit community. Everyone seems to know everyone. It’s like a big family, and that’s pretty awesome because you don’t really find that in other places.
From his nomination: “(He) is a great guy, he is hard-working and would be a great catch for any girl.”
What he says: I’d say, overall, I’m a pretty good person. I’m definitely introspective, empathetic, a pretty good listener, definitely down-to-earth and grounded. It takes a lot to make me upset. I’m easygoing and friendly.
Connect: Find me on Facebook.
Laura wears shoes by Isola, short chain necklace by Trends, long cardigan by Michael Stars, leggings by I Love Tyler Madison, embellished camisole by Willow & Clay, all from Knuth’s
Laura German
26 | Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood
Beachwood Kehilla
Second-year dental student at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland
Favorite place to grab dinner: I like anything on East Fourth Street.
Favorite place to grab a drink: Wild Eagle Saloon in downtown Cleveland
Qualities you’re looking for: Someone with the same life goals as me –someone who’s in line with my ideas of what I want my family to be and the type of household I want to have, as well as career goals. I also have a thing for baseball players.
Turnoffs or deal breakers: I don’t like messy cars. Also, someone who doesn’t care about the little things.
Longest relationship: Three years
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate? My grandma would probably say I am an adventurous woman and that I never sit still, so it better be someone who can capture my attention or I’m out.
Are your dating habits “kosher”? Yes.
Dating horror story: I’d say the worst one was when I was out at a bar with my brother-in-law, and saw this beautiful Swedish boy. We had a btratl night. He put his number into my phone, then he left.
I continued to have a good time, hanging out with my brother-in-law. We were on the dance floor, and we were dancing with some funnily dressed man — wearing rainbow socks, bowling shoes and tiny hot pink shorts – and eventually we left the bar after a fun night.
Once I got home, I had a text message from the (Swedish) gentleman. We ended up texting all week and decided to meet up for a coffee. I get to the coffee shop, and I’m looking around for my beautiful Swedish boy, and I’m not seeing him. But you know when you get that feeling that someone is staring at you? I got that feeling. So I turned around to peek over my shoulder and I saw a gentleman – and I knew I recognized him, but it took me a second to realize it was the weirdo from the bar. So I turned around and hoped he wouldn’t recognize me. He came up and said, “That wasn’t the welcome I was expecting!” He was wearing a kilt, the rainbow socks, the bowling shoes and a hat that said “I love picture books.” I didn’t have it in me to completely ditch this man, so I sat with him to have a coffee. Needless to say, the conversation was eclectic. As we walked out of the coffee shop and he walked to the car, he did a heel kick.
They were both named John. I forgot I let the other guy put his number in my phone, too. That was the last time I spoke to him.
Celebrity crush: Jude Law
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? Anything ’80s.
Hidden talent: I can do a backflip.
Favorite Jewish holiday: Definitely Tu b’Shevat. I love nature and I love the outdoors.
At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … probably in the inner circle of the hora.
Last trip to Israel: I was there in July working at an archaeology site. I was in Manot, in the Manot Cave. I worked with the Israel Antiquities Authority. My dental society teams up with them in excavating the cave. We were looking for teeth.
Bat mitzvah memory: It’s a family joke that we take out rubber chickens at, like, Thanksgiving, and in the middle of my dad’s speech (at my bat mitzvah), he took out a rubber chicken and threw it into the audience.
Favorite part of Jewish Cleveland: I would say the Jewish geography. I just moved to Cleveland, but I feel like I already know half the community based on who my friends were growing up (in Dayton).
From her nomination: “One of the smartest and most well-rounded individuals I have ever met. She’s been to more countries than I can name.”
What she says: I’m fun-loving and goofy, and always up for doing something new.
Liz wears a pink top and black suede pants by Joseph Ribkoff, piano wire lace and pearl necklace by Sea Lily, white pearl earrings by Mudita, and ring bracelets by D LINE, all from Bonnie’s Goubaud
Liz Geller Marx
62 | Pepper Pike
Bookkeeping administrator
Favorite place to grab dinner: Any restaurant that’s Zack Bruell, Rocco Whalen or Michael Symon.
Favorite place to grab a drink: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Woodmere or Cedar Creek Grille in Beachwood.
Qualities you’re looking for: He’s got to make me laugh, he’s got to be trustworthy, honest and have integrity.
Turnoffs or deal breakers: Smoking and being egotistical.
Longest relationship: 23 years
How would your kids describe you to a prospective mate? Fun-loving, health-conscious, thoughtful, and that I like to go out dancing.
Are your dating habits “kosher”? No, I’m open to anyone.
Dating horror story: On the first online date I ever had, the guy lied about his age by probably about 10 to 15 years. That was enough to say (online dating) is totally not for me. I’ve always had issues with online.
Celebrity crush: Harrison Ford
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? Anything by Adele or Carole King.
Favorite Jewish holiday: Chanukah because people just tend to be happy when they’re thinking of other people instead of themselves.
At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … on the dance floor.
Favorite part of Jewish Cleveland: The sense of community that’s so strong.
From her nomination: “She is active, outgoing and has a great sense of humor.”
What she says: I like to have fun, I enjoy being with other people, I love to dance and I’m an animal lover.
Connect: Find me on Facebook.
Matt wears black pants by 3×1, and a suit jacket and shirt by Sand, all from Kilgore Trout
Matt Stahm
28 | Beachwood
B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
Catering manager at Ben & Jerry’s in University Heights; co-founder of One948 Israel & Jewish Themed Apparel in Cleveland
Favorite place to grab dinner: RIP to The Mad Greek (in Cleveland Heights), but it’s Corky & Lenny’s (in Woodmere).
Favorite place to grab a drink: The Corner Alley in Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood.
Qualities you’re looking for: Definitely have to have a sense of humor, driven, and someone who likes to be adventurous.
Turnoffs or deal breakers: Have to be Jewish.
Longest relationship: Four years.
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate? I’m definitely a mensch. My grandma died when I was pretty young, but I took after my grandfather, an old-school mensch.
Are your dating habits “kosher”? Yes.
Dating horror story: This one girl, she was very hard to break out of her shell and barely talked. All my tactics failed.
Celebrity crush: Jennifer Aniston and Gal Gadot. I’m going to send (Gadot) a bunch of my (One948) clothes, and I want to send her this magazine as well. “Don’t show your husband.”
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? I love Justin Bieber.
Hidden talent: I record parody music. I have a lot of voices, like cartoon voices. It just comes out; if I get put on the spot, it doesn’t come out. I do over-the-top, old-school Jewish grandparents and Israeli accents because they’re the best.
Favorite Jewish holiday and why: Chanukah because of the holiday tradition to do Chinese food, the eight days of presents and the doughnuts.
At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … find me doing the hora and looking for a single Jewish gal.
Last trip to Israel: I lived there in 2013 for more than a year.
Bar mitzvah memory: Accomplishing it, being able to get in front of a couple of hundred people and speak – and accomplishing the photo shoot before the bar mitzvah.
Favorite part of Jewish Cleveland: Everyone is connected in some way, shape or form. I wish it was a little bit bigger, but I like the tight-knit community.
From his nomination: “Single, tall, Jewish – pretty much a winner.”
What he says: If you’re looking for a good time and to be respected, I’ll take you on an adventure you won’t forget.
Connect: Find me on Facebook or email ethan.stahm@gmail.com.
Taylor wears a sweater and button-down shirt, both from Banana Republic, jeans from Old Navy and boots by Bullboxer from DSW.
Taylor Henschel
26 | Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood
Aide to Councilman Brian J. Cummins, Cleveland City Council
Favorite place to grab dinner: Spice Kitchen & Bar in Cleveland’s Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood
Favorite place to grab a drink: Velvet Tango Room in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood
Qualities you’re looking for: Someone who is adventurous and active, driven and deliberate, curious, globally minded, has a growth-mindset, who communicates well and is detail-oriented. Someone who has a glass half-full mentality.
Turnoffs or deal breakers: Risk aversion, lack of motivation, a low emotional IQ, someone who is glued to their phone and sarcasm (sarcasm is lost on me).
Longest relationship: 2 1/2 years
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate? A catch-and-a-half.
Are your dating habits “kosher”? No.
Celebrity crush: Recently, Martin Wallström. Also, Tom Hardy.
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? Anything by Florence and the Machine or Taylor Swift.
Hidden talent: I’m really into film photography, I’m a bit of a run junky, and I’m an aficionado of all things pickled.
Favorite Jewish holiday: Chanukah, for the family get-togethers and candle lighting, the warmth. I have fond memories of playing with Chanukah candles with my siblings.
At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … with a glass of bourbon.
Last trip to Israel: December 2008
Favorite part of Jewish Cleveland: The sense of community, but also the delis.
From his nomination: “Taylor exemplifies what it means to be a true Clevelander.”
Connect: Find me on Facebook.