FAQS

What is Midwest Singles Network?

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MWSN is a network for single Jews in the MW to have more opportunities to find resources that interest us as well as events, both that are inherently Jewish, like a Shabbat dinner or L'ag B'omer BBQ, as well as not inherently Jewish, like a cooking class, seasonal sports activity or virtual book club.

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MWSN IS FOR SINGLE INDIVIDUALS, BY SINGLE INDIVIDUALS.

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Why Midwest, Singles and Network?

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MWSN was created by a Jew born and raised in the MW, who, after living on the Upper West Side, moved back home to Chicago and was dismayed to find opportunities for single individuals to engage in the MW Jewish community and meet other single individuals had not changed much in 30 years. We want to have fun, sophisticated events within driving distance. While it won't be easy for all Midwesterners to get to Chicago, these events are specifically for us and we will try to do everything we can to enable everyone to attend our events.  Our 5 year plan is to have a network of volunteers around the Midwest and have events in multiple cities.

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What is the single best word to describe MWSN?

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SHALOM.  In Hebrew shalom means hello, peace and goodbye.  Hello is something you say when you welcome someone and we look forward to welcoming everyone. Peace is always important in every form and more and more in the world today. If you have to say bye to us, may it be a good one!

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What is the goal of MWSN?

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The goal of this group, while helping single individuals meet new people, have new opportunities and experiences, is to bring Jewish people of different backgrounds together to have fun! Excuse our cheesy outlook.

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What type of programs do you have?

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We have both virtual and IRL events.  Right now, most will be virtual, like our forums on the Share page, as we are still building our network.

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Will I meet new people at the event?

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We plan to have at least one volunteer at every event who will introduce you to new people, based on common lifestyles and interests. If want to be introduced to new people by an inconspious volunteer, please let us know in advance of or when you arrive at the event. We'll just keep it between us.

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Is this group specifically for meeting people to date and/ or get married?

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No. This group is for meeting new people, which means making new friends and contacts for whatever reasons you desire and broadening the Jewish community. While we'd be thrilled if you meet someone to date at any of our events, not everyone is interested in meeting someone to date. If any specific events are geared toward dating, it will be specified as such by the words "date," "bashert (soul mate)," or other related wording in the promotion. If you are unsure, please ask.

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Is your programming for a specific type or observance level?

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No. Every Jewish and single person is welcome at MWSN events. All our events will be strictly kosher. Every event held on Shabbat will be Shabbat-friendly, meaning that if being shomer Shabbat is not your custom you are not required to observe it completely (we hope everyone will be respectful, however, i.e., turn your cell ringer on low, step outside of a synagogue to use it) but you won't need to break shabbat to attend (and we will try to offer sleeping accommodations if you request them and we are reasonably able to provide them). If we had a profile on a dating site, it would say "just Jewish."

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Are MWSN events Kosher?

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Yes, all food at any event that is sponsored or co-sponsored by MWSN will be have a reliable hechsher (Kosher certification) on all food or be catered by a Kosher establishment with a hashgacha (resturant certification). While we try our best, we cannot guarantee that every food or ingredient at every event we recommend that are not fully or partially sponsored by MWSN will be strictly kosher. Please do your own research for those events!

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Where will IRL events be held?​

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While we build our network of contacts, community leaders and volunteers in other MW cities, all IRL events will be held in the Chicagoland area. If you would like to offer your synagogue, business establishment or venue to host an IRL event, please let us know. If you live or have contacts in cities other than Chicago, please let us know that too! 

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How will I find out about events?

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Due to rising violence and anti-semitism in this country (we hate to mention it) IRL events will not be advertised on the public site. Only members will be able to view them.

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Will I be able to attend every event?

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All large events will be made available to every member. Smaller events may be catered to specific groups, like a specific age group, to give our members the best possible experience.

What hechsherim (Kosher certification on packaged food purchased from a store) do you use?

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We use cRc, OU, Circle K, Star K, Vaad Harabonim VH and any other hescher approved by the Chicago Rabbinical Council. Any updates can be found here.

Do you need volunteers?

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Yes! We need volunteers in every city in the MW, plus Pittsburgh, Memphis and Atlanta to help run virtual events and promote all events. Please send a message in the chat box that you would like to volunteer! We are also looking for people in or near Chicago to help organize IRL programs. We are also open to co-sponsoring events with other organizations.

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A note about conduct:

While we very much look forward to bringing Jews of different backgrounds and ages together, any person exhibiting inappropriate behavior including, but not limited to, unwanted physical contact or social advances, repeated "hitting on" attendees and/ or lewd jokes or comments may be asked to leave any event at the discretion of the organizer.