In the old-country, Jewish marriages were arranged by matchmakers. Perhaps the most famous Jewish matchmaker was Yenta. Yenta was the name of the matchmaker in Sholom Aleichem’s stories, several of which were collected into what became the musical “Fiddler on the Roof.” The word “yenta” has taken on negative connotations in the modern word, and it is usually used to describe a “busybody.”
I’d like to defend the good name of matchmakers. Being a busybody was part of the job. A matchmaker HAD to sneak around and ask a lot of questions because she was a detective — always looking for clues that would help her make the best match. In the Jewish tradition, it is also a mitzvah (good deed) to help make a successful match.
(from Matchmaker, Matchmaker — Fiddler on the Roof)
Hodel:
Well, somebody has to arrange the matches,
Young people can’t decide these things themselves.
Chava:
She might bring someone wonderful—-
Hodel:
Someone interesting—-
Chava:
And well off—-
Hodel:
And important—
Matchmaker, Matchmaker,
Make me a match,
Find me a find,
catch me a catch
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Look through your book,
And make me a perfect match
I’d like to revive the spirit of Yenta the Matchmaker right here on this blog — on these special days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Tomorrow, Thursday, will be a special day on “Citizen of the Month.” Tomorrow, we shall all become Yenta the Matchmakers.
I will be making blog matches between 10 pairs of bloggers. These are not romantic pairings. These are pairs of bloggers who I have never seen read each other’s material (I’ll check their blogrolls), but I think should give each other a try. Using an ancient technique passed down from my grandmother, I will try to match bloggers by their sensibilities and interests.
Recently I was successful in introducing Danny and Elisabeth to each other. At first glance, they have nothing in common. But a true matchmaker realizes that they are both brainy bloggers with a twisted sense of humor. Now they are on each other’s blogrolls.
This is not easy for me. I do have a jealous streak. I used to get upset when my “blogging friends” became friends with each other. One day, I’ll be reading Blogger X and I’ll be surprised to see my friend Blogger Y writing a comment. Before you know it, Blogger X and Blogger Y are taking a trip to Las Vegas together, without even sending me a postcard.
But the week before Yom Kippur is one of reflection and self-improvement. I’m going to fight my jealousy and spread the love. So, if I match you up with someone, give their blog a chance. I know matchmaking is not a perfect science.
Please join in tomorrow with some matchmaking of your own, maybe even mix and matching blogrolls. Are you the type who is always saying, “These two bloggers really need to read EACH OTHER!” If so, tomorrow is your chance to do a mitzvah by becoming a Yenta the Matchmaker for the day.
Update: The matches.
A Year Ago on Citizen of the Month: A Shanda (Yiddish for Shame) (I really get Jewish at this time of the year, don’t I?)
I’ve always loved the movie version of Fiddler on the Roof — especially the part where Hodel runs off with Starsky.
And you, as a yenta for bloggers? Perfect! Like others have mentioned, I’ve found some of the best people and blogs through your blog roll.
Ooh, fun! I should do this too — I’m responsible for a real-life marriage (two, actually), so maybe I’d be good at this too!!
what a fabulous idea!!!
Don’t know if I’d trade a whole blogroll, but a matchmaking between unlikely likely partners had such delicious potential.
Oooo, using the Blog-a-Sphere just like a BBG and/or BBB (translation Bnai Brith Girls/Boys) dance! Love the idea. You’re such a mensch.
N, is that what you tell your editor when she attempts to correct your mistakes?
Don’t sell me cat in the bag: you deliberately cut off your ass from the bed picture. How do I know it’s worth my showoffish lips?
neil, what a cool idea. i’m looking forward to seeing how this unfolds :0)
Oh Neil please please please match me up with someone! I’d like a new bloggy friend and someone outside my usual circle of erotically-focused folks and/or moms/moms of kids on the spectrum. Please!!!
Boy, are you going to be BUSY, Neil! Oh, and since you are the only truly authentic Jewish man I communicate with regularly–at present–did Seinfeld come up with the term “shiksappeal”, or is it an actual slang term in use by creative Jewish people?
Tatyana – I do say that to my editor, who if I know Sophia, she would have nixed this “Yenta” idea as boring and too similar to the “share my bed” one from last week. Look at me, Sophia, I’m blogging without an editor! Without a safety net! Soon, I’ll be skydiving (or at least driving a little over the speed limit).
Nance – Oh, I’m only going to make ten matches. The rest is up to you. And I’ve never heard that expression outside of Seinfeld, so I don’t know if it is used. But , then again, I’m not really in with the hip Jewish clique.
Also, when you say that I am the only “truly authentic Jewish man” you deal with, are you making a reference to one of my beloved body parts, and was I drunk when we had this encounter? And was I any good?
How about if I just turn two bloggers into friends. That might be easier.
OOh what a fabulous inspired idea,perhaps you could spread it by obliging all those matched to do a match of their own on their blog. Goodness this idea could go truely global and all thanks to you. If you match me with some unfortunate, I’ll do the same
E.
C’mon, Neil, you’re going to High Holy Day services at the gay and lesbian synagogue, you are SO in with the hip Jewish clique.
What an absolutely fabulous idea!!
I actually found YOUR site through V-grrrl’s blogroll.
I don’t have a blogroll yet but I’d love it if you could find me a match. I’m curious who you would choose. So will you be my matchmaker?
How do you come up with so many awesome ideas, Neil? I’m excited to see the results of your little mixer tomorrow!
By the way, I tried the iced mocha blended at The Coffee Bean and I am in love! There’s even a drive thru near my house! yea!!
Neil, it is said that matches are made in heaven. Does that mean you’re G-d?
It is said in Judaism that if you manage to match up three couples who then marry, you gain a place in the world to come. That is your reward!
What do you get for matching up three sets of bloggers?
Of course, I will be forever grateful that you “introduced” me to Danny. But I have met quite a few bloggers who are now on my blogroll through your blog, Neil.
My aunt, a Catholic nun, always saw herself as the matchmaker who made my marriage possible, because she organized my one-year trip to the U.S., and I met my future husband during that trip.
I love by the way, the French word “entremetteuse,” which is the equivalent of “matchmaker” (most often used in the feminine form. “Entremetteur” is kind of rare – matchmakers are often women.)
I’m definitely looking forward to the results of this experiment – I hope everyone that participates promises to report back and post about it!
It is hard to find matchmakers these days, what with disposable lighters being so readily available.
That’s right. I went there.
I just blew your mind, didn’t I? LOL
how ironic – i had “matchmaker” in my head all day… and i was going to start MY post today w/ the lyrics… but then i read this….
it is SO MY TURN… sooooo..
make him funny
make him kind
make him single….
blog matcher blog matcher
match me a blog
find me a blog
catch me a blog
oh blog matcher blog matcher
scan your blog roll
And blog me a perfect match
Mrs. Doubfire is one of my Fav movies..with his Homage to Babs and Fiddler on the Roof…I did not know shiksa’s were considered HOT…I only knew that one boyfriends mom..said.”jokingly” that I was the definition of the word….I liked dating a jewish boy…I didn’t realize it was a rebellion..just fun….your post tomorrow should be interesting…I have found 2 new blogs from you…thanks!
i swear, i never had that idea before, but now i’ll have it in my head all the time i have a feeling.
One little time you pull out a thread and where does it stop? Where does it stop? Where does it stop?
I hope it doesn’t stop and that you come up with some wonder matches!
Mazel Tov
what a great idea! Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a (blog) match!
You’re so creative, Neil.
God, I’m so nervous–what blog persona to “wear” on a blind blog date? Do I go for the witty, fun comment or one that illustrates thoughtfulness and intellectual prowess? Do I show my vulnerable underbelly on a first blog date? I’m not GOOD at this after all these years.
Blog matches I’ve made through Citizen of the Month so far: Elisabeth and I regularly get together, Deezee totally rocks my world, and Nance and I share anti-social tendencies and wry comments. Wordgirl and I go way back. I think her site brought you to mine.
That all sounds exactly like my grandma
and my mother
and my great grandmother
and my auntie
and a few cousins
my great grandma wonders why I am not married at 24
my grandmother tries to match me up – but uses the paycheck as the sole deciding factor (forget the fact that he guy looks like a cross between a fish and gerbel. he is rich!)
so wanna try to make a better match?
Hey, Yenta,
Thanks for the match shout-out! I’m going right over and saying “hello” to my match.