One of the hottest parties of the season will meet the most buzzed-about new hospitality property in South Florida on Dec. The premise of MatzoBall — filling nightclubs that would sit empty on Christmas Eve with thousands of young Jewish singles looking for something to do — is the genius of Boca Raton resident Andy Rudnick. Another sponsor is Gift of Life Marrow Registry and its fight against blood cancer. The South Florida events have a uniquely upbeat vibe, Rudnick says, especially among visitors from some of those same Northern cities.

Rudnick expects a sellout crowd of 1, guests at DAER. Rudnick acknowledges that he is swimming against the tide in an age where romance comes via an app.

Let’s go back to that handsome, well-educated man I found on Jdate, a popular Jewish dating site. I sent him a message, he replied — after all.

At 48, Mr. DuBose, who works in research and development for a pharmaceutical company, had grown weary of looking for love on his own. He considered online dating a bust. Ice, who was recommended by a friend, appealed because he presented himself as a love coach armed with practical advice. The more constructive approach has become a way forward for many matchmakers, first in the age of internet dating and now in the age of Covid Lisa Clampitt is a founder and president in Manhattan of the Matchmaking Institute , which holds conferences and provides training for industry professionals.

She said about 80 percent of matchmakers now offer coaching services.