How do Hasidim find their sexual mates?
There is no dating in the Hasidic community. Education as well as all other Jewish cultural institutions are sexually separated. A typical Hasidic boy had never spoken to any Hasidic girl EVER, before the matching era begins. When the boy turns 19 and the girl turns 18, Shadchanim (matchers) step in. Shadchanim speculate about what family is suitable financially, aristocratically, and observantly to what family. If they feel a match is suitable they will call up both sides and “red a shiduch” (propose a match). The Shadchan (matchmaker) will try to conceal negative characteristics on both sides, while the sides will try to dig up as much dirt as possible to verify the “suitability” of the other side. If they both pass the investigative stage without any misgivings, they will proceed with the guidance of the Shadchan to arrange a meeting between the parents of the boy and the parents of the girl. If they like each other and are willing to proceed, a meeting will eventually be arranged b
