Jews Shmooze!

Jewish singles of all ages in Tampa Bay now have a way to meet on the internet and get together.

The website group “Jews Shmooze” was started by Tampa Jewish community member Debbi Eisenstadt. Visiting www.meetup.com/jews-shmooze/ is an informal way to meet other Jewish singles in the Tampa Bay area, she says.

Meet-up groups are social groups that have been formed through meetup.com by various individuals who identify a need in their community. Eisenstadt, who is single and the official organizer of this new group, said she has felt for a while that the Tampa Bay area is lacking opportunities for Jewish singles to meet and socialize.

“While there are occasional events in the Tampa Bay area for Jewish singles, Jews Shmooze! will more consistently facilitate getting people together to meet and explore all of the wonderful things the Tampa Bay area has to offer,” Eisenstadt said. “The Tampa area has many meet up groups, but none of them are just for Jewish singles. This group hopes to fill that void.”

Group activities will include dinners, theater, hiking, celebrating some of the Jewish holidays together (like a Purim or Chanukah party). Eisenstadt said she is open to feedback and suggestions from other members about future events.

Currently, it is free to join the group, which is open to Jewish singles of all ages. In just the first six weeks, 25 people were listed as members. Mini-profiles, photos of members and events, along with discussions among members, are included on the Jews Shmooze! meet up web page.

“Who says singles of all ages can’t hang out together? It’s about getting to know and having fun with people with common interests, not necessarily about meeting the love of your life,” said Eisenstadt. “Of course, that’s always nice when it happens. As the group grows, we’ll consider planning events for different age groups.”

To become a member of the meet up group, go to www.meetup.com/jews-shmooze/.