JDate
JDate is an online dating service aimed at Jewish singles. The service is one of a number of demographically focused online match-making websites operated by Spark Networks, Inc.
History
JDate was founded in 1997. After the launch, membership grew rapidly by word of mouth in tight-knit Jewish communities.[1] Because of the focus on relationships between Jewish singles, JDate is considered a special-interest online dating site. Former CEO Adam Berger calls this type of service "niche" dating.[2]
The site won a 2006 Webby award for social networking.[3] On November 10, 2014, JDate launched a dating app designed for Jewish singles.[4]
Members
Individuals do not have to be Jewish in order to join JDate. Members can mark their Jewish affiliation on their profile or select options like “Willing to Convert,” “Not Sure if Willing to Convert,” and “Not Willing to Convert.”[5] While JDate is oriented towards the Jewish population, it has also attracted those seeking Jewish mates. The reasons cited often have to do with perceived cultural traits, whether stereotypical or true: "nice" or wealthy Jewish men who treat women well; take-charge, and independent Jewish women who hold on to tradition. While many JDate members respond in kind, others view the phenomenon as an intrusion that defeats the purpose of the site.[6]
JDate members have the option to seek heterosexual and/or homosexual relationships on the site. Profiles include options like "men seeking men" and "women seeking women" to help users connect with their desired matches.[7]
Famous past/present JDate users include:
- Steve Rothman, American politician, U.S. House of Representatives, from New Jersey[8]
- Brad Sherman, American politician, U.S. House of Representatives from California[9]
JLife
JDate's blog, JLife, focuses on dating advice, Jewish traditions and pop culture. Success stories from couples who met on JDate are also published on JLife. Both members and non-members can access the site.
Operations
Previously based in Beverly Hills, California, Spark Networks is now based in Los Angeles, California with additional offices in Lehi, Utah and Hertzelia Pituach, Israel.[10]
In 2013, the company authorized the repurchase of $5 million of its outstanding common stock as a reflection of confidence in the long-term business.[11]
References
- ^ Hill, Logan. "At ChristianMingle and JDate, God's Your Wingman". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2016-06-30.
- ^ "'Niche' Singles Sites Claim Success". ABC News. 2013-03-01. Retrieved 2016-06-30.
- ^ "JDate | The Webby Awards". Retrieved 2016-06-30.
- ^ "JDate Launches New App, Making It Easier Than Ever to "Get Chosen" - Spark Networks". 2014-11-10. Retrieved 2016-06-30.
- ^ Hill, Logan. "At ChristianMingle and JDate, God's Your Wingman". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2016-06-30.
- ^ Richards, Sarah E. (2004-12-05 [subscription required]). "You Don't Have to Be Jewish to Love JDate". New York Times. Retrieved 2007-03-20.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Hill, Logan. "At ChristianMingle and JDate, God's Your Wingman". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2016-06-30.
- ^ Rothstein, Betsy. "Dude, with those pipes ya shouldn't need Jdate". The Hill. Retrieved 24 January 2011.
- ^ "D-CA ISO…". Wonkette. Retrieved 24 January 2011.
- ^ "Spark Networks – Contact Us". Retrieved 2016-06-30.
- ^ "Spark Networks, Inc. Announces $5 Million Stock Repurchase Program". Retrieved 2016-06-30.
