For daters in Cleveland, it’s easy to frequent the same places over and over again – often meeting for coffee or drinks somewhere convenient for both parties. While something simple and stress free may be a good bet for a first date, it never hurts to get more creative.
According to Logan Ury, a behavioral scientist, dating coach and director of relationship science at the dating app Hinge, it’s best to get to know someone in a situation where you have an opportunity to show who you are and actually have fun. Getting out of small-talk mode and moving quickly to talking about what you care about – and noticing how the other person makes you feel – can only improve dating experiences.
Don’t know where to start? For this Singles issue, Jstyle shares some date ideas and information about the wealth of Jewish organizations and groups where meeting people comes a bit more naturally.
Compiled by Amanda Koehn
Meet at …
Synagogues and young professionals’ groups
Northeast Ohio’s many synagogues and young professionals groups hold social events, often not requiring attendees to be members. Here’s a few to check out:
• ATID: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation’s 20s and 30s social group. More information at facebook.com/groups/AtidBnaiJeshurun.
• Fairmount Young Professionals: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple’s group to connect Jewish young professionals. More information at facebook.com/fairmountyp.
• MoHo CLE: Moishe House Cleveland in downtown Cleveland houses three Jewish Clevelanders who use their space and connections to host small community events for other young adult Jews. The group hosts brunches, happy hours, watch parties, Shabbat dinners, outdoor activities and more. More information at facebook.com/mohocle.
Jewish Federation of Cleveland gatherings
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland provides many opportunities to get involved in Jewish communal life, whether volunteering, attending an event or celebrating a holiday or initiative. Its Young Leadership Division, which engages Clevelanders between the ages of 21 and 45, holds volunteer and social events around the city throughout the year. To get involved and start meeting folks with similar interests, visit jewishcleveland.org/involved/yld.
Try a matchmaker…
If dating apps or meeting new people in the wild just isn’t working, you may want to try a different method with a strong Jewish history: a matchmaker. Cleveland Yentas is a nonprofit matchmaking organization serving the Jewish community, and which aims to strengthen it. Visit cleyentas.com for more information.
Volunteer – anywhere…
Jewish and secular nonprofits in the Cleveland area are always in need of new volunteers – and giving back could be just the place to meet new people with similar interests. Plus, you’ll improve the community at the same time. Visit cjn.org/source to learn about organizations.
Plan a date to…
78th Street Studios
See some art created by local makers at the 78th Street Studios, located in Cleveland’s Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. A date among the 60-plus various galleries within the arts complex will give you a chance to talk about creative works that resonate with you, leading to discussions about what you like and dislike. Every third Friday of the month, the 78th Street Studios host an art walk, where the galleries are open, and many have new exhibitions on view in the evening.
Cleveland Metroparks
Take a hike at one of the 18 Cleveland Metroparks reservations for a scenic and active date. A Metropark date is not only free, but offers a chance for some light exercise and experiences with nature. Talk about the animals and plant life you see, and the importance of experiencing new spaces.
Museums
Explore Cleveland’s rich museum scene. Visit one or more of the museums near Cleveland’s University Circle, including the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Museum of Contemporary Art and Cleveland History Center. Or, head to Beachwood to visit the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage to learn more about Jewish heritage and history.
Catch a show
Greater Cleveland is home to a variety of theaters showing both new local productions and national touring plays and musicals. From the renowned Playhouse Square theaters, to Cleveland Heights’ Dobama Theatre, to Cleveland Public Theatre in the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood, to Karamu House in Fairfax, to Chagrin Valley Little Theatre in Chagrin Falls, there are plenty of options for finding a show that sparks your interest and will give you something to talk about after.
Be flexible
Want to meet for coffee, drinks or appetizers and see where it goes? Pinecrest in Orange and the Van Aken District in Shaker Heights both offer a variety of eating, drinking and shopping activities. These kinds of spots will let you have multiple experiences in one date without having to drive somewhere else.
Need more creative ideas?
Subscribe to the free Canvas e-newsletter, which highlights arts and entertainment events taking place across Northeast Ohio. Canvas magazine and its biweekly newsletter are published by the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company, along with Jstyle. To sign up, visit canvascle.com/signup.