JDate Review
JDate Ratings
Summary: A site that aims to connect Jewish singles with compatible matches but needs more UK members.
3.3
Try to ignore the dull and boring design of the JDate homepage – once you get inside there’s a lot going on here and there’s a good feeling about the place.
Match.com and eHarmony questionnaires don’t ask you “Do you keep kosher?” and “How often do you go to the synagogue?” so right from the start you can see the distinctly Jewish focus of JDate
Match.com and eHarmony questionnaires don’t ask you “Do you keep kosher?” and “How often do you go to the synagogue?” so right from the start you can see the distinctly Jewish focus of JDate.
Creating your JDate profile
The initial questions only take 5-10 minutes to run through then you’re signed up and registered and can enter the main site where you can choose to add more details to your profile, including photos, interests and an imaginative ‘Colour Code’ test that aims to determine your core motives and drives and your personality type. Last but not least – there’s also a thorough personality testing system, called the “J-Meter”, which determines what you’re looking from relationships.
Putting together your profile really takes a lot of time and effort on this site. Of course, you don’t have to commit to it the first thing when you sign up – but the more accurate answers you give the more you increase your chances of actually meeting someone who is well suited to you. Bear in mind that this is a site for a specific religion and culture – and as in every religion there are people who feel more spiritual and those who feel less. Therefore it’s important that you’ll be honest and open in your answers so that people who come by your profile can decide early on whether you are someone they’d theoretically be interested in or not.
Like we said, there’s a lot to write yourself – anything from your bio to your ambitions, your favourite books and music, what you like to do in your free time etc. There’s a lot of opportunities to describe yourself and your way of thinking, also the degree of your “jewishness”. There’s also a place called “Kibitz Corner” where you can answer the “Day’s Question” and get some attention from other users. Everyone who answers these questions can post their answers to a type of a newsfeed where they appear next to their photo and short bio – that’s another way to find like-minded users on the site.
Both Colour Code and J-Meter are thorough, extensive and scientific-looking systems with questionnaires that take a lot of time to fill. However, since they are used in their compatibility testing systems, it’s recommended that you fill them in – that is of course if you believe in compatibility testing and are really looking for a “match” in the purest sense of the word.
You can then either subscribe so that you can send and receive emails, start live conversations through instant messaging, participate on the message boards and join the chat rooms. Otherwise you can go straight on to search your matches with your free registration.
Fun and lively with plenty of bells and whistles
The profile pages have a colourful and lively feel to them with clear photos and tabbed information ranging from the basic details about yourself through to Lifestyle and Interests.
The Relationship tab allows you to list the basics of what you’re looking for in a relationship, what would be a great first date and what would be your ideal relationship.
If you like the look of someone you can send a quick Flirt or E-Card, each one makes a fun way of initialising contact whether your preference is to go for words or images without sweating over what you’re going to say.
There’s a lot of stuff happening on the site – there are Hot Lists with people who are checking you out or people who you have checked out, there’s a specific page for community type of stuff with chat rooms, message boards, Jewish dating tips etc. This really is a user-friendly site and a lot of love and effort has gone into maintaining it and making it a safe and friendly environment for Jewish daters.
Full members can also send a private email where you can get to know each other better without revealing their personal email addresses.
Searching on JDate
There’s handy ‘mini search’ on every profile page which means you don’t have to keep going back to your search results and can just click on the thumbnail photos of the next matches. General searching is simple and intuitive to use with useful filters to order your search results by proximity, activity or newest members.
There’s also – like on many sites these days – a new feature called “Secret Admirer”, which works pretty much like Tinder. You are shown a profile and by one click you can decide whether you’re interested or not. In case there’s mutual attraction, you both get notified and your contacts are shared with each other.
Another feature that J-Date has is “Your Matches” – so not only can you perform a traditional search or use the Secret Admirer button, but the system also tries to find a match for you if you’re not very good at performing your own search. So there really is something for everyone – Jewish daters who love Match, eHarmony or Tinder don’t have to look anywhere else, they’ve got it all here in one neat package.
It also shows you how many people are currently online (22,000 – 26,000 when we were reviewing the site). As expected there are way more Jewish singles in London than in other parts of the country so you might have to expand your search parameters if you live outside of the capital.
Free vs paid site
You can get a good feel for JDate without subscribing and can see any profiles and pictures without a membership though it’s advised once you’d like to start communicating. As well as the standard membership there’s also a premium plan that includes “Member Spotlight” and “Highlighted Profile” and starts at £28.99 for 1 month or £104.99 for 6 months.
JDate review: Pros and Cons
A well thought out site with lots to do and a fun, lively approach to online dating.
May struggle to find enough matches near you if you’re outside the capital.
About the Author
Aet Suvari has been reviewing and writing about the world of online dating since 2008 and the launch of Online Dating Help. A stickler for promoting ethical practices within the UK dating industry she champions the sites that get it right while highlighting those holding it back. You can follow her on Google+
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