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Overall the event was a big success. As expected, a truly eclectic group of people showed up, and just about everyone had a great time. I know this is true because many people have volunteered this information unsolicited. (If more people would like to post their feedback online, I'm sure it will be enlightening.)
In addition, we handed out anonymous feedback surveys, and 14 of 16 people who responded to the question "If you could do it again, would you have come tonight?" responded in the affirmative. This shows that people enjoyed the event for its own sake, and considered the experience worthwhile even if they did not find someone to date. Compare that to "singles events", where there is a palpable air of tension and desperation that is often visible on people's faces.
There was quite a bit of relaxed socializing, and that naturally resulted in people expressing interest in seeing one another again. These people will actually be looking forward to their dates, having a basis on which to build a relationship, and thus have the best chance of something special happening. Even if it doesn't work out, you can't ask for more than that. Oh, and somehow people managed to figure out who was "available" and who was not, and no issurim were violated. Give single people some credit for brains and religious observance.
The performers were outstanding, and greatly contributed to the success of the event. In particular, I'd like to thank Jerry Kahn, who MC'd the event and continuously lightened the mood with his original Jewish comedy. This was probably one of his more challenging performances, and he was great! (Information about Jerry's upcoming gigs appears below if you'd like to check him out.)
Two negative remarks: 1) Approximately half of the people who made reservations did not show up. A significant number of people showed up without a reservation, bolstering our numbers, and we wound up with about 65 people total. Not bad at all. But I was expecting about twice as many people, and wound up donating a huge amount of refreshments to Lincoln Square Synagogue. I specifically requested that people only sign up to come if they intended to come. While some who reserved probably had valid reasons for not attending, many more were just plain selfish and inconsiderate.
2) The event was scheduled to run from 6-9 PM. At 6:00 there fewer than 10 people in the room. By 7:00 we had a small crowd and decided to just get on with the program. I understand that some people could not make it on time for various reasons, and that's perfectly fine. What bothers me is that a few people sauntered in at 7:30, airily said something about "Jewish Time", and later complained that there wasn't enough time for socializing.
You can't have it both ways, people. A lot of down time was built in to the program, but we were forced to shift most of that time to the beginning while we waited for more people to come. I promised the shul that we would be done by 9:00 and they could lock up and go home by 9:30 sharp. We had to really hustle at the end. In fact, a musical performace and a group game had to be cut out of the program for lack of time. Considering how much fun people had and how many connections were made, I can only wonder how much better it would have been had we been able to follow through as originally planned.
But again, overall the feedback has been almost universally positive. We've proven quite decisively that observant Jews can meet one another naturally and comfortably. Now we need more people to step up and arrange similar events all over the world. Don't talk about it. Do it.
Chananya
Jerry Kahn will be performing comedy at Stand-Up New York on Monday, August 18, at 8:30 PM. The club is at 236 West 78th St. (by Broadway). The phone number is 212 595-0850. Admission is $12, plus two drinks.
On August 26, at 8:00 PM, Jerry will be performing comedy at the Brokerage Comedy Club on Long Island. The address is 2797 Merrick Road, Bellmore, NY. The phone number is 516 785-8655. Admission is $12, plus two drinks.
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