Being single can have its perks, from not having to share your sufganiyot at Chanukah to not having to explain why you wanted to spend a few extra days in Israel before returning home. In the grand scheme of things, however, most are looking for someone with whom they can swap summer camp stories or kvell with following a proud professional accomplishment. And besides, how many times do singles really want to field questions from their bubbe and zeyde about whether they’ve yet met a nice Jewish boy or Jewish girl?
To help bring an end to the latter, Jstyle went to the new Van Aken District in Shaker Heights to photograph the fifth annual Singles Issue, which features four women and four men from Northeast Ohio’s Jewish community. Selected from reader nominations, these members of the tribe are accomplished, engaging, intelligent, and most importantly, eligible.
Fashion
Jessica Simon
Hair and makeup
Ramona Dauksa Studio
Photography
Casey Rearick Photo
Zach Aarons
34 | Lyndhurst
Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple
Sales manager at DICK’S Sporting Goods, and product specialist at Furniturewholesalers.com
“My friends and family describe me as a laid-back and low-key guy. A native Clevelander, I love so many things this city has to offer (like the West Side Market and Mitchell’s Ice Cream). I’m a huge sports fan, and you’ll find me at FirstEnergy Stadium most fall Sundays. I’m close with my family – even my sister, who made me do this.”
Favorite place to grab dinner: Geraci’s Pizza (University Heights and Pepper Pike)
Favorite place to grab a drink: Lizardville (multiple locations)
What qualities are you looking for in a mate? Someone smart, funny, and who just wants to spend time with me and vise versa.
In terms of dating, what are your turnoffs or deal breakers? Someone is not genuine or says what they think I, or others, wants to hear.
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate? A nice Jewish boy with a kind heart.
Are your dating habits “kosher”? No
Celebrity crush(es): Sophie Turner and Emilia Clark
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? (Songs by) Dave Matthews Band, but I don’t really go all out.
Do you have a hidden talent? I can cook and bake.
What’s your favorite Jewish holiday and why? Purim, I like the hamantaschen.
Complete this sentence: At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … Lifting the chair.
When was your last trip to Israel? December 2013
What’s your favorite bar mitzvah memory? The feeling of accomplishment and celebrating at my carnival-themed party.
What’s your favorite part of Jewish Cleveland? Cleveland’s Jewish community is very diverse and there are always events that are open to anyone.
If someone wants to connect with you, what’s the best way? Facebook
Brittany Hirsch
26 | Mayfield
Preschool teacher studying to get my License in Social Work
“I’m down to earth (and) enjoy sports and a good bowl of mac and cheese. I am part adventurous but also part of my couch. Spotify (music) is important to me and I don’t remember what life was like before it.”
Favorite place to grab a drink: Anywhere with a good margarita.
What qualities are you looking for in a mate? Sense of humor, active, loyalty loyalty loyalty
In terms of dating, what are your turnoffs or deal breakers? Forceful conversation. Be natural, be funny! This brings me to the next turn off: no sense of humor.
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate? Bubbe has no filter but I would assume something along the lines of “she’s smart, funny and a good girl.”
Celebrity crush: Mac Miller (RIP)
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? “What is Love” by Haddaway
Complete this sentence: At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … Doing wedding things like dancing and getting drinks from the bar.
When was your last trip to Israel? Birthright 2013
What’s your favorite part of Jewish Cleveland? I recently moved back to Cleveland, so I am looking forward to learning more about events in the area and getting to know people.
If someone wants to connect with you, what’s the best way? Instagram or Facebook
Preslie Hirsch
24 | Mayfield Heights
Manager at The Federal in Youngstown
Pursuing master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health and Addiction Counseling at Youngstown State University
“I am a very family-oriented person. I love helping others and being there for the people who need me most. I cherish the relationships I build each and every day. I like to have fun and try new things. I have an open mind to all possibilities that come my way.”
Favorite place to grab dinner: Shuhei in Beachwood
Favorite place to grab a drink: Wood Room Martini & Wine Bar in Willoughby Hills
What qualities are you looking for in a mate? Humor, great personality, respectful, trustworthy, responsible, confident and family-oriented.
In terms of dating, what are your turnoffs or deal breakers? Cannot hold a conversation, lazy, lack of humor, no motivation.
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate? She would call me her little bubelah and tell them I have a big heart.
Are your dating habits “kosher”? Yes
Celebrity crush: Bruno Mars
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? “Misery Business” by Paramore
What’s your favorite Jewish holiday and why? Rosh Hashanah because it was my zadie’s favorite holiday.
Complete this sentence: At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … At the bar.
When was your last trip to Israel? I haven’t been.
What’s your favorite bat mitzvah memory? Being surrounded by my family and friends.
If someone wants to connect with you, what’s the best way? Facebook or Instagram
Barry Kaufman
33 | Shaker Heights
Park Synagogue
Web developer at AmericanEagle.com Inc. in Chicago
“After starting my career in Chicago, I found that everything happening in Cleveland was too exciting to watch from a distance. A lot has changed in the years I’ve been away, but I’ve been enjoying reconnecting with my friends and family who are here and seeing everything that’s new.”
Favorite place to grab dinner: Hard to pick just one but always Italian food!
Favorite place to grab a drink: The Fairmount in Cleveland Heights, and Winking Lizard (multiple locations) for their monthly beers.
What qualities are you looking for in a mate? Someone lighthearted and adventurous.
In terms of dating, what are your turnoffs or deal breakers? Someone who doesn’t want to help carry the conversation, has too many tattoos or is too quick to cast judgment.
Are your dating habits “kosher”? No
Do you have a dating horror story? A friend set me up on a blind date once, but we were not compatible *at all*. Had nothing left to talk about after 10 minutes, and even though it felt like two hours, the date ended in 45 minutes.
Celebrity crush: Jennifer Love Hewitt
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? Anything and everything from Guster’s first three albums.
What’s your favorite Jewish holiday and why? Passover: It’s one of the holidays where the whole family is usually together. It’s the one time of year my mother gets to sing the Frog Song and my uncle can put on a beard and pretend to be Moses. Our seders are a blast!
Complete this sentence: At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … Sharing drinks and stories.
When was your last trip to Israel? Birthright this past summer. (We were the older age group, the “Senior Jew Crew.”)
What’s your favorite part of Jewish Cleveland? How vast and interconnected the Jewish community is here, which is what really sets it apart from the other cities.
If someone wants to connect with you, what’s the best way? Start with Facebook, we’ll go from there.
Anna Novik
28 | Mayfield Heights
Young Leadership Division administrative assistant for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland in Beachwood
“I value the small things in life because they are what lead to your happiness. I have a passion for books, movies, art and people. I easily pass on a party in favor of a cup of tea and a movie. I adore my amazing friends. We travel together, we support each other and we grow together. My family is a big part of who I am. In our busy lives, we try our hardest to keep family traditions and spend time together when we can. I would bend the world for the people I love.”
Favorite place to grab dinner: Pacific East Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant in Woodmere
Favorite place to grab a drink: The Fairmount in Cleveland Heights
What qualities are you looking for in a mate? I am looking for someone who shows passion and excitement for life, someone who cares about others and spend time trying to make someone’s world better, someone who is willing to put others before themselves, loves to travel and has a great sense of humor.
In terms of dating, what are your turnoffs or deal breakers? My family is incredibly important to me and it would be difficult to be in a relationship with someone who did not share that value. Other more obvious turnoffs are: disrespect toward elders, lack of communication, bad hygiene, and most importantly, a lack of appreciation of all things Harry Potter.
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate? Sadly, both of my grandmothers have passed, but according to other women in my family, this is what both of my grandmothers would have said: Anna is sweet, warm, gentle and kind, loves to feed people (using her grandmother’s approved recipes!), and takes care of everyone within reach.
Are your dating habits “kosher”? No
Celebrity crush(es): Tom Hiddleston and Ryan Reynolds
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve; “No Diggity” by Blackstreet, Dr. Dre and Queen Pen; “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers; and anything by Train, Queen or ABBA.
Do you have a hidden talent? I have a freaky good memory. I can recall a bunch of useless facts. This makes my friends question my sanity but I tell them that I remember because I care. Also, according to my 8-year-old nephew, my superpower is sarcasm.
Complete this sentence: At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … On the dance floor or chatting with my friends.
When was your last trip to Israel? Birthright, 2010
What’s your favorite bat mitzvah memory? At the end of the night, we had a balloon release to symbolize growing up, letting go of my childhood and stepping into the unknown. It may not have been very environmentally friendly, but it meant a lot to me.
What’s your favorite part of Jewish Cleveland? I love how Jewish Cleveland continues to grow and morphs with each passing year. Also, the strength of our community and how everyone is willing to rise up and support each other is inspiring. I am so proud to be a part of the community.
If someone wants to connect with you, what’s the best way? Facebook is the best way to get in touch.
Aaron Rund
36 | Mayfield Village
Internet consultant senior at Progressive Insurance in Mayfield Village
“I am kind, loyal and have a great sense of humor. (I went to see Aziz Ansari several weeks ago – bonus points if you did too!) I am an advocate for the city of Cleveland; I love just about everything this city has to offer. I like to stay active by trying new restaurants and going to a concerts, comedy shows, sporting events and festivals. I enjoy spending time with my family and am grateful that they live in Cleveland, too.”
Favorite place to grab dinner: The Greenhouse Tavern in downtown Cleveland
Favorite place to grab a drink: Quintana’s in Cleveland Heights
What qualities are you looking for in a mate? I am looking for someone who loves to try new things and is down to earth. Having a deep love for ‘90s rock is also a plus. I’ve learned that open communication is key to a good relationship, be that with friends, family or a girlfriend.
In terms of dating, what are your turnoffs or deal breakers? Someone who has poor personal hygiene, is controlling or is close-minded and afraid of trying new things.
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate? A real mensch.
Are your dating habits “kosher”? No
Celebrity crush: Scarlett Johansson
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? “Release” by Pearl Jam
What’s your favorite Jewish holiday and why? Chanukah because it is a time when my family gets together and I enjoy giving gifts to my family and friends.
Complete this sentence: At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … On the dance floor, trying not to trip over both of my left feet.
When was your last trip to Israel? I’ve never been to Israel but would like to go.
What’s your favorite bar mitzvah memory? During the torah service, while carrying the torah through the congregation, I started going the wrong way. The rabbi carefully re-directed me in the proper direction.
What’s your favorite part of Jewish Cleveland? If I am at an event, I may not know everyone but it seems like I am familiar with everyone.
If someone wants to connect with you, what’s the best way? Facebook or my Instagram (a_rund82)
Ken Schneck
41 | Cleveland’s Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood
Professor at Baldwin Wallace University, author and storyteller
“I’m definitely screwball-on-the-go, 30 percent rabble rouser, 30 percent entertainer, 20 percent wonderer and 20 percent wanderer. There’s just a flippin’ ton I want to do/change/explore/smile at in this world, so I *perhaps* have a slight tendency to hop around to different adventures. And yet, oddly, I still can rock having free time like you have no idea. I look busier than I am. That said, I push myself pretty hard to use my voice to make a difference and I am ridiculously appreciative for the incredible opportunities I have had to be involved in the world.”
Favorite place to grab dinner: Korea House’s bibimbap is my favorite vegetarian meal in all of Cleveland.
Favorite place to grab a drink: Those drinks at Society on East 4th Street are pretty darn impressive. And the ambience works wonders for conversation.
What qualities are you looking for in a mate? Most definitely looking for the proverbial and corny partner-in-crime: someone who wants to explore but can couch binge on “The West Wing,” someone who can push me to greater things even as they want me their applauding for them, and someone who gets excited by possibilities of excitement.
In terms of dating, what are your turnoffs or deal breakers? Lack of passion and drive shreds me. Not sure I really understand high levels of dissatisfaction with work/life, so a daily litany of complaints is a turn-off. Also, those who can’t make a decision. I’m cool if you decide where we go tonight. Really I am.
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate? She would say that I’m the guy who is going to keep folks smiling, make sure they’re entertained, push people to think. And fed. She would remind everyone that I can keep folks fed.
Are your dating habits “kosher”? No
Do you have a dating horror story? So, so many. But the shortest is the time where I thought we connected and said, “Well that was fun!” and he replied, “Yeah. Ish.”
“Ish.”
That one hurt.
Celebrity crush(es): I’ve always had a thing for Alan Cumming. He’s just so talented and witty. Also Benedict Cumberbatch is just plain dreamy.
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? “Closer to Fine” by The Indigo Girls … but I’ll belt it out when you’re listening as well.
Do you have a hidden talent? I really can be quiet and sit in a corner. I promise I can …
What’s your favorite Jewish holiday and why? Purim is definitely the most gay of the Jewish holidays, so I’ve always had a soft spot for that. And Esther was pretty badass, so I’ve always been taken with that holiday.
Complete this sentence: At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … Bonding with the random person to my right and dancing the night away with them no matter who they are. Also, talking to the grandparents, because they’re always entertaining.
When was your last trip to Israel? Never been, but headed there with my family in December.
What’s your favorite bar mitzvah memory? I was the Coke/Pepsi game king. I would crash a bar mitzvah tomorrow if it meant I could take out some pre-teens and emerge victorious.
What’s your favorite part of Jewish Cleveland? There is a true sense of social justice connected to Judaism in Cleveland, which I wholly appreciate. There are Jewish change-makers here who have really inspired me to do more good and that’s not something you always find in other cities.
If someone wants to connect with you, what’s the best way? E-mail me! kschneck@bw.edu or @kenschneck on Facebook/Instagram.
Kim Sirkin
50 | Beachwood
The Temple-Tifereth Israel
Manager of development and marketing at Friendship Circle of Cleveland in Pepper Pike
“I’m a mom of three amazing children: one grown and living in Chicago, one finishing college at the University of Michigan (please don’t hold this against me) and one at home. I also have a dog named Delilah, who was a previous winner of the CJN Cutest Pet Contest. I enjoy my work very much. I’m creative, energetic and outgoing. I enjoy the arts, theater, concerts, sporting events and travel. I am passionate about Cleveland and love to explore new places within. I like restaurants with good atmosphere, and I like trying new things.”
Favorite place to grab dinner: Flour in Moreland Hills or Lopez on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights
Favorite place to grab a drink: Red, The Steakhouse or Moxie, both in Beachwood
What qualities are you looking for in a mate? I’m looking for someone who is kind, honest and outgoing. Someone who likes to be social but also likes to hang out at home and watch a movie. He should have a good sense of humor and be a good communicator.
In terms of dating, what are your turnoffs or deal breakers? Smokers, self-centered, controlling, critical and not good with children
Are your dating habits “kosher”? No
Do you have a dating horror story? Thank G-d no!
Celebrity crush: Bradley Cooper
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear? Every single one!
Do you have a hidden talent? It’s so hidden, even I can’t find it.
What’s your favorite Jewish holiday and why? Rosh Hashanah! It is a time for renewal, there are no food restrictions and it comes during a beautiful time of the year. The best part is getting together with family.
Complete this sentence: At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me … On the dance floor.
When was your last trip to Israel? November 2016, when I went on the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project. It was a great experience, and I met so many wonderful people.
What’s your favorite bat mitzvah memory? I still need to have my bat mitzvah, but witnessing my son and daughter both read from the Torah at their bar/bat mitzvahs are memories I will always cherish.
What’s your favorite part of Jewish Cleveland? Jewish Cleveland is a close-knit, caring and extremely generous community. The community comes together for so many great causes.
If someone wants to connect with you, what’s the best way? Facebook