Everyone is single at some point – at times it can be freeing, other times a little lonely. Dating can be either a ton of fun, nerve wracking, monotonous or most likely, something in between. To highlight the awesome singles of Jewish Cleveland, each year Jstyle profiles a selection, all nominated by the community. This year for the Singles Issue, the eight magazine models ventured with us out to Chagrin Falls to spend time and be photographed at Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens, a beautiful, spacious and rustic relatively new winery. As you can see on the following pages, this year’s group is fun, genuine, accomplished and so much more.
Fashion: Jessica Simon
Hair and makeup: Ramona Dauksa Studio
Photography: Casey Rearick Photo
Fashion assistant: Jordan Horvat
Mason Friedman
Age: 26
City: Solon
Synagogue: Park Synagogue
Work: Digital designer, Cleveland Cavaliers
About me:I have a strong love for all things art, nature, sports, fashion, tech, music and food. I’ve got a fraternal twin brother (he just got married so I have some catching up to do), a younger sister who is twice as smart as me and parents who mean the world to me. I play basketball whenever I can, but not until I’ve had my morning coffee, and I love exploring all of the amazing restaurants, bars and shops that The Land has to offer.
What qualities are you looking for in a mate?: Someone who is driven but able to slow down and enjoy the little things in life. You love going out and exploring new things and places, but also doing absolutely nothing and watching Disney+ all day. A kind-hearted person who loves family, food, Cleveland sports and animals sounds awfully ideal.
In terms of dating, what are your turnoffs or deal breakers?:Being your real and true self is most important for me, if you can do that I doubt I’d find a deal breaker.
Favorite Jewish holiday and why:Sukkot – although I’ve never actually spent a night under a sukkah, the meaning of the holiday resonates with me as I’ve always had a love and appreciation for this earth and all of the all things that grow here.
Favorite bar mitzvah memory: My twin brother and I shared our bar mitzvah and had an Israeli themed party – with an all you can eat Dippin’ Dots ice cream bar and a live camel to take pictures with. Need I say more?
Favorite part of Jewish Cleveland: Jack’s Deli, the amazing temples and organizations we have throughout the city, Ho Wah at La Place on Christmas and how we all know each other.
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear?: “Seigfried,” Frank Ocean
Favorite place to grab dinner: Your family’s house
Favorite place to grab a drink: The Vault at The Nine, downtown Cleveland
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate?: Hysterical boy with a heart of gold, and a giant appetite. A talented artist/designer and passionate about everything he does, Mason is one of a kind and an absolute sweetheart.
Are your dating habits “kosher”?: No
Do you have a dating horror story?: Fortunately no, I can’t recall having come across a rough dating moment worth mentioning, and hopefully it stays that way!
Celebrity crush(es): None for me – tough to have a crush on someone I’ve never met.
Do you have a hidden talent?: I can rip an apple in half with my hands and I’m pretty good at basketball trick shots.
When was your last trip to Israel?: I haven’t gone yet, but Birthright is waiting for me!
At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me …: Somewhere equidistant to the open bar and the hors d’oeuvres, with a whiskey in one hand and a pile of snacks in the other.
If someone wants to connect with you, what’s the best way?: Feel free to reach me here: Instagram: _mason_spencer_; email: masonspencerdesign@gmail.com
Milana Iskhakova
Age: 27
City: Lyndhurst
Synagogue: Lyndhurst Chabad
Work: I am a clinical social worker, currently at Menorah Park. (Yes, I’ll say “hi” to your bubbe and zaide.) I also work at Lake Health Hospital Emergency Department.
About me: To describe myself, I’ll have to dive into the way I was raised. When I was 1, my parents and I moved to America from Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Since my parents are immigrants, they quickly instilled a determination in me. Thanks to my parents, I’ve always been someone that wants to achieve and excel. I have an amazing support system filled with friends and close family. I love to take time off to travel and explore. I also have an innate love for animals and am always ready to try new things and meet new people.
Favorite place to grab a drink: Anywhere nice and quiet – especially the fireplace area at Capital Grille and Lago East Bank.
Favorite Jewish holiday and why?: Yom Kippur because it is the chance to reflect, set goals and strengthen my connection with Judaism.
At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me …: On the dance floor!
When was your last trip to Israel?: I traveled to Israel once when I was 16 and went on an organized trip for six weeks.
Favorite part of Jewish Cleveland: The community that my Chabad family has made for me, my family and my future. Thank you Chaya and Mendy Freedman.
Favorite place to grab dinner: I cannot answer this. I have too many.
Are your dating habits “kosher”?: Yes
If someone wants to connect with you, what’s the best way? : You can connect with me via Instagram, @milzisk
Erica Glazer
Age: 27
City: Orange Village
Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel
Work: Sales representative, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
About me: I am someone who always strives to be a better version of myself. I am ambitious with my career in sales, which always keeps me on my toes. I am independent, driven, passionate, humorous and always know how to dress in style. I enjoy sweating at spin class, relaxing at yoga, shopping at boutiques, sipping on wine, spending time with family and friends, indulging in Cleveland’s cuisine and hitting up local concerts!
Favorite place to grab dinner: L’Albatros in Cleveland
What qualities are you looking for in a mate?: Someone who is driven, successful; someone who will be my support system, someone who loves me for me and someone who of course knows how to make me laugh.
In terms of dating, what are your turnoffs or deal breakers?: Someone who is not a support system and does not know how to make me laugh.
At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me …: Drinking Bartenura Moscato, aka the blue bottle Moscato that happens to be kosher.
Favorite part of Jewish Cleveland: There are so many young adult professional groups to get involved in. It’s a fabulous way to connect, network and meet new people here in the 216!
Favorite place to grab a drink: Gigi’s On Fairmount in Cleveland Heights
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate?: A girl who is a class act and has her life together. Someone who is hard working at her career but knows how to have a good time outside of work!
Are your dating habits “kosher”?: Yes
Celebrity crush(es): Tyler Cameron from “The Bachelor”
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear?: “Is It Love?” by Above & Beyond
What’s your favorite Jewish holiday and why?: My favorite Jewish holiday is Hanukkah. It’s that time of year to give gifts to the people who are truly meaningful and important in my life!
When was your last trip to Israel?: Birthright in 2013
What’s your favorite bar/bat mitzvah memory?: Always receiving the invitations! All of my family and friends’ invites were different and unique, which always made it exciting opening up every envelope!
If someone wants to connect with you, what’s the best way?: Facebook @EricaLindsey or Instagram @elgtells
Aaron Krieger
Age: 35
City: Lyndhurst
Work: Mortgage broker, AMKO Lending
About me: Down to earth and easy going. I’ll grab a beer and play pool at a dive bar on a weekday, and take a hike on the weekend. My Instagram has more pictures of art and nature than selfies. Pretty sure I can get along with just about anyone.
What qualities are you looking for in a mate?: Being able to compete with my level of chill. It’s at 11.
Favorite place to grab dinner: Anything fast casual. Cilantro Taqueria on Coventry is my current favorite.
What music do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear?: Tegan and Sara
Favorite Jewish holiday and why?: Passover, I love the story.
In terms of dating, what are your turnoffs or deal breakers?: Vanity.
Favorite place to grab a drink: Any hole in the wall on Mayfield Road. Everywhere in Tremont/Ohio City
If someone wants to connect with you, what’s the best way?: Any and all social media
Rachel Gross
Age: 35
City: South Euclid
Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel
Work: Owner, Bialy’s Bagels
About me: I am hard working, independent, passionate and honest. After almost 10 years of working in education, I realized this was not how I was supposed to spend my life, and together with my twin sister, I bought Bialy’s Bagels in University Heights.
Favorite place to grab a drink: Collision Bend Brewing Company in Cleveland
In terms of dating, what are your turnoffs or deal breakers?: Laziness, disrespect and being closed minded
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate?: Well of course I had to call and ask her. She says, “I think you’re brilliant, I think you’re full of vim and vigor!”
Favorite part of Jewish Cleveland: I’d love to show someone around The Temple Museum of Jewish, Art, Religion and Culture. It’s an incredible collection of Judaica housed within The Temple-Tifereth Israel.
If someone wants to connect with you, what’s the best way?: Find me on Facebook, or catch me at the bagel shop.
Favorite place to grab dinner: Parallax in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland
What qualities are you looking for in a mate?: Someone who is caring, honest, passionate, respectful and patient. I hope to find someone who is adventurous, and open minded and wants to live life to the fullest.
Are your dating habits “kosher”?: Yes
Do you have a dating horror story?: Thankfully not!
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear?: “Memories,” Maroon 5
What’s your favorite Jewish holiday and why?: Chanukah, latkes!
At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me …: On the dance floor!
When was your last trip to Israel?: 2008
What’s your favorite bat mitzvah memory?: My family traveled to Israel for the first time for my bat mitzvah, which was pretty memorable! My favorite memory from that trip is probably the archaeological dig we went on!
Dustin Kaplan
Age: 31
City: Aurora
Work: Owner, Kaplan Personal Training; owner, Kaplan Institute of Performance Health, LLC
About me: I am a motivated young professional in the health and fitness industry. In the past seven years, I have dedicated my time to building two client-centered practices – one that focuses on fitness and performance, and one that primarily focuses on pain therapy and management. I consider myself hard working, determined and open-minded. I try to bring laughter to every conversation. In my free time, I volunteer for the National Strength and Conditioning Association as state director of Ohio, enjoy learning/reading and stay active as much as possible.
What qualities are you looking for in a mate?: Hardworking, career-driven, motivated, outdoorsy, active, considerate, kind and open-minded
Celebrity crush(es): Meghan Markle, Mila Kunis, Alice Eve
At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me …: On the dance floor … doing the robot.
Favorite Jewish holiday and why?: Rosh Hashanah. It’s the start of a new year, new beginnings and I am a sucker for some noodle kugel.
Favorite bar/bat mitzvah memory?: I was very involved in travel baseball at the time. So, I never had a bar mitzvah. However, I would like to study with my kids when the time comes.
Favorite place to grab dinner: Collision Bend Brewing Company
Favorite place to grab a drink: HI and DRY Bowling & Beer
In terms of dating, what are your turnoffs or deal breakers?: Not active. Someone who I can’t hold a good conversation with.
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate?: A gentleman, chivalrous, handsome, funny, smart, driven, active, enjoys the outdoors
Are your dating habits “kosher”?: No
Do you have a hidden talent?: I surprisingly know how to ballroom dance.
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear?: “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis
When was your last trip to Israel?: Never
What’s your favorite part of Jewish Cleveland?: It’s a wonderful community. Everyone looks out for each other and I enjoy meeting and connecting with new people at the events.
If someone wants to connect with you, what’s the best way?: Facebook/Instagram: D_kaps; Email: Dustin.R.Kaplan@gmail.com
Yael Herooty
Age: 31
City: Beachwood
Synagogue: In the market
Work: Head pastry chef at Blu, the Restaurant and Rosso Italia
About me: Self motivated pastry chef and dessert consultant. I love my dog Toto, also a fellow Israeli. We moved here in January 2019 and consider ourselves true Clevelanders. I love hosting Shabbat with my friends and family. I asked my friends and they described me as fun, loving and outgoing. Then I asked my mom and she described me as bubbly, warm and lights up a room! I think they are spot on!
Favorite place to grab dinner: Blu, the Restaurant in Beachwood
What qualities are you looking for in a mate?: Good sense of humor, outgoing, goal driven, family oriented, easy going, dog lover, honest, good communication skills. Must have a sweet tooth!
Do you have a hidden talent?: I’m secretly amazing at doing hair and makeup!
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear?: “Good as Hell” by Lizzo, except I do belt that song when people are in the car.
Last trip to Israel: March 2019. And lived there for the first
30 years of my life.
Favorite place to grab a drink: The Fairmount in Cleveland Heights
In terms of dating, what are your turnoffs or deal breakers?: Someone who is not passionate about their life and goals.
Celebrity crush(es): Ryan Reynolds
What’s your favorite Jewish holiday and why?: Passover because that’s the time where my whole family gets together. We have a huge family (over 40 people) and this is the one time that everyone gets together.
At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me…: On the dance floor busting a move
What’s your favorite part of Jewish Cleveland?: That the community is so big and close. There is so much going on and I always feel so welcome.
If someone wants to connect with you, what’s the best way?: Facebook or Instagram
Rena Haber
Age: 31
City: Beachwood
Synagogues: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation and Solon Chabad
Work: Executive assistant at The PDI Group in Solon
About me: I’m a kindhearted, family-oriented, creative, soulful and intelligent woman. I’m a lover of family, friends, music, sports, the ocean, great food, wine, whiskey and gummy candy. I’m a firm believer that physical activity is therapeutic so I love staying active by working out and practicing yoga and meditation. I enjoy going out just as much as I enjoy staying in and relaxing. I think laughter is an essential part of living, and I find deep conversations about life to be stimulating and a great way to build emotional intimacy.
Favorite place to grab dinner: Marble Room in downtown Cleveland, Lago East Bank in The Flats or TownHall in Ohio City
How would your bubbe describe you to a prospective mate?: She would tell you that I’m an old soul with a huge heart who is always willing and able to be there for others. She would also tell you that I’m wonderful with kids.
What qualities are you looking for in a mate?: I’m looking for a man who I can laugh and grow with. Someone who is kind, affectionate, intelligent, respectful, chivalrous, career-oriented and family-oriented. A man that I can trust and be open with about anything and who I can enjoy life with and have fun with.
Celebrity crush(es): Kevin Love, Jake Gyllenhaal, Dwayne Johnson and Jason Momoa
Do you have a hidden talent?: My hidden talents vary in degree. For example, I can sing and dance and I’m a pretty good cook … and then I move over to being able to cross one eye at a time. The range keeps things interesting.
Favorite place to grab a drink: Marble Room, Society Lounge, Lola and Bar 32 at the Hilton in downtown Cleveland, Lago East Bank in The Flats or TownHall in Ohio City
In terms of dating, what are your turnoffs or deal breakers?: Someone who is judgmental, condescending, an egomaniac, a smoker and someone who is lazy and lacks motivation.
Are your dating habits “kosher”?: Yes
Do you have a dating horror story?: Thankfully no.
What song do you belt out in the car when no one else can hear?: Whatever song is on.
What’s your favorite Jewish holiday and why?: Rosh Hashanah because it’s the Jewish new year which allows for new beginnings.
At a Jewish wedding, you’d find me…: Frantically grabbing a napkin from one of the tables so that the bride and groom can hold it while doing the hora.
When was your last trip to Israel?: 2006, aka way too long ago.
What’s your favorite part of Jewish Cleveland?: That it’s such a welcoming community.
If someone wants to connect with you, what’s the best way?: Facebook (Rena Ashley) or Instagram (@renaashley)
Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens
Secluded within the woods of the Chagrin Valley, Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens is relatively new to the Northeast Ohio scene. The winery, which opened in March 2018, boasts a 28-foot barnwood ceiling and panoramic glass windows, projecting a modern yet slightly rustic aesthetic and blending effortlessly into its environment.
Owners Kathleen and Andy Dangelo are lifelong residents of the Chagrin Valley and sought to develop a local winery with an outdoor-emphasis similar to those of Napa Valley, California. Sapphire Creek wines are made from Napa Valley grapes, with the flavor palate handpicked by the winery’s leaders.
The restaurant’s food menu is best described as modern American with French influence, and features small plates, salads, a cheese board, pizzas and entrees like steak, salmon en papillote (cooked wrapped in parchment paper, with vegetables) and chickpea stew, as well as chocolate cake and a few other dessert options. The menu is seasonally inspired as well.
The 11,000-square-foot building can be rented out for weddings and is booking into 2021. Additionally, two downstairs rooms – the cellar lounge and tasting room, which opens to a patio – can be rented for smaller parties.
And Sapphire Creek isn’t finished building yet. It has plans to expand further into the woodlands, including an outdoor area where guests will be able to eat, drink and meander.