How does ETM expect to influence the dating culture?
One person at a time. The problems in the world of shidduchim are largely the result of societal pressures. We seek to give chizzuk to those who wish for things to change but until now have been afraid to “stand out”. As it becomes easier for people to speak out about the issues, as individuals feel more comfortable doing things a little differently than the tried and untrue status quo, the culture of dating will slowly begin to change. Since the problems are more attitudinal than anything else, the solution consists of education and giving people the confidence to put these ideas into practice in their own lives. Q: You write that one should not “judge a person based on his family or his background”. How does this fit with the importance that Chazal place on yichus, upbringing, and family background as strong indicators of what that person is like? A: While these notions are certainly important, they should not be taken out of proportion. Every individual person is judged on his own m
