Shabbat.com is an online

social network A social network is a social structure consisting of a set of social actors (such as individuals or organizations), networks of Dyad (sociology), dyadic ties, and other Social relation, social interactions between actors. The social network per ...

service aimed at the Jewish community. Shabbat.com connects users with "Hosts" for

Shabbat Shabbat (, , or ; , , ) or the Sabbath (), also called Shabbos (, ) by Ashkenazi Hebrew, Ashkenazim, is Judaism's day of rest on the seventh day of the seven-day week, week—i.e., Friday prayer, Friday–Saturday. On this day, religious Jews ...

as well as serving as an

online dating Online dating, also known as internet dating, virtual dating, or mobile app dating, is a method used by people with a goal of searching for and interacting with potential romantic or sexual partners, via the internet. An online dating service ...

platform and social network. Currently the site claims 100,000 members.

History

The site and app was started in 2010 by Rabbi Benzion Klatzko as "SeeYouOnShabbos.com". The site was designed as a way for homesick college students to find traditional Jewish meals with families and Shabbat experiences as well as those who simply want to connect with their local Jewish community. The service changed its name to Shabbat.com in 2011.

Description

Users of the website are divided into two categories, "Hosts" and "Guests". Guests utilize the website and app to find Hosts' homes where they may potentially eat and stay for Shabbat. Guests can find a host by searching the pages by country, state, city, neighborhood, proximity and occupation. There are other search fields as well which allow the user to find a host with whom they would feel comfortable spending Shabbat. They can then contact the family to make arrangements using the contact information provided. More than 5,000 guests find hosts weekly. When creating an account, guests fill out a profile page for the host to acquaint themselves with their potential visitor. Two references are requested in order to provide a sense of security for hosts inviting "future friends" into their homes. Shabbat.com has facilitated more than half a million Shabbat arrangements worldwide. The service also has a dating function, where users can set up profiles listing their interests and activities as well as

Shidduch The ''Shidduch'' (, pl. ''shidduchim'' , Aramaic ''shidduchin)'' is a system of matchmaking in which Jewish singles are introduced to one another in Orthodox Jewish communities for the purpose of marriage. The practice In the past and until t ...

dating resumes. Volunteer matchmakers including partner members of the Rebbetzin's Organization refer singles to each other and set up matches. Dating profiles can be made private or public by the user, Shabbat.com averages six engagements a month through its Jewish matchmaking service. In addition to Shabbat arrangements and dating, Shabbat.com serves as a social platform for connecting Jewish people through announcements, events, and online media. Shabbat.com also contains a toolbox of extra features to enhance Jewish life, including worldwide candle lighting times, the exclusive

Torah The Torah ( , "Instruction", "Teaching" or "Law") is the compilation of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, namely the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. The Torah is also known as the Pentateuch () ...

recordings on the parsha by Rabbi Juravel, a job search and listings.

Awards

In 2014 Shabbat.com won Klatzko the "most inspiring rabbi of the year" award. The Shabbat app won the Ionic Showcase award in 2015.

References

{{Reflist, 30em Shabbat Internet properties established in 2010 Online dating services for specific interests Online dating services of the United States Websites about Jews and Judaism