Dear Tess,
It gets so lonely out her on the back 40. I need me a life partner.
Can you help?
I don’t have that internet thing, so I’ll have to meet a woman the old fashion way – at a church pot luck. I’m open minded – what religion has the best match making?
Not sure if this sweetens the deal, but I got me an 8-track in my tractor.
Yours truly,
Bachelor of the Back 40
BB40 sent these profile pictures:
Tess’ Advice
Dear BB40,
Ah, a lonely bachelor farmer willing to change religions for love!
Twine binds more than hay bales—it binds hearts! Before converting to anything, learn the basics. A bacon cheeseburger would not be cool in several settings. Then attend events i (church potlucks, temple fairs, etc.) and mingle. Think of faith as an enhancer, not just a strategy. Besides, if you’re changing for love, make sure to find someone who’ll appreciate your devotion to both them and your crops!
But let’s enumerate some of the possibilities…..
Judaism:
Jewish communities often have robust matchmaking traditions (shidduch), supported by matchmakers. It’s a structured approach that could suit someone methodical, like a farmer. Bonus: lots of celebrations with wine and bread!
Christianity:
Many Christian denominations emphasize community, and church events often bring people together. But be careful, the Christian “tent” is large, and sadly the tent has more than it’s fair share of clowns.
Hinduism:
Hindu matchmaking practices are culturally significant, often family-driven, with a focus on compatibility. Bonus: festivals are vibrant and involve a lot of food! Are you okay with spicy food?
Buddhism:
While Buddhism doesn’t have formal matchmaking, its principles of mindfulness and compassion might naturally attract like-minded, peace-loving individuals.
Islam:
Muslim communities often take marriage very seriously, with family and religious leaders facilitating introductions. The structured approach might appeal to someone who values stability and tradition.
Best wishes, BB40. Let us know how the journey proceeds!
– Tess
The First Follow-Up: Judaism
It appears that BB40 is following Tess’ advice in the order presented.
A few weeks after receiving Tess’ response, BB40 met with Essie Goldstein, a lovely woman and a dedicated shadchanit.
Meet Esther “Essie” Goldstein
“Love isn’t a lightning bolt—it’s a carefully tended fire.”
My Approach to Matchmaking:
Methodical and Personalized: I take the time to know my clients deeply, including their quirks, dreams, and sometimes even their pets.
Modern Meets Traditional: While I embrace traditional matchmaking values, I’m not above using apps or online tools to find a match.
Supportive Yet Honest: I don’t sugarcoat things. If you need to work on yourself, I’ll let you know—kindly, but firmly (and sometimes just firmly!).
Essie sees the farmer as a rare find: “Honest, hardworking, and a bit quirky. Plus, anyone with an 8-track player in their tractor is clearly a keeper!” She’d likely pair him with someone who values simplicity and sincerity but isn’t afraid to laugh at life’s absurdities.
BB40 really enjoyed the refreshments Essie provided for their first meeting.
Essie arranged for BB40 to meet several nice girls, but BB40 is being patient.
References
Shidduch
The Shidduch (Hebrew: שִׁדּוּךְ
Wikipedia
pl. shidduchim שִׁדּוּכִים
Aramaic שידוכין shidduchin) is a system of matchmaking in which Jewish singles are introduced to one another in Orthodox Jewish communities for the purpose of marriage.
Essie’s Snacks
Here’s a description of the traditional snacks Essie served:
Rugelach:
Small, crescent-shaped pastries with a golden-brown crust. These are filled with sweet ingredients like cinnamon, nuts, raisins, or chocolate, giving them a rich and flaky texture.
Latkes:
Crispy potato pancakes fried to perfection. They are served with dollops of sour cream and a side of applesauce for a delightful balance of savory and sweet.
Challah Bread:
A freshly baked, braided loaf of bread with a glossy, golden exterior. Soft and slightly sweet, it’s a centerpiece on the platter, perfect for tearing and sharing.
Hummus with Pita:
A creamy bowl of hummus made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, accompanied by warm, soft slices of pita bread for dipping.
Tea:
A steaming cup of tea sits beside the platter, adding warmth and comfort to the experience.
The snacks reflect both the welcoming hospitality and rich cultural heritage Essie brings to every meeting. Perfect for creating a cozy, friendly atmosphere!