Falling ‘inluv’ with matchmaking

For generations, matchmaking was relegated to the most observant Jewish communities. However, as exemplified by the wildly popular Jewish Matchmaking series on Netflix, the demand for matchmaking services in pluralistic Jewish communities is rising.

Ushering this traditional practice into the modern age is inluv–a new matchmaking startup that adds a welcome alternative to dating apps (and swiping fatigue) on the Chicago Jewish dating scene. inluv, the brainchild of 24-year-old Talia Aloush, delivers comprehensive dating services for people of all ages and orientations. Aloush’s background in social work played a key role in establishing inluv, of which she is CEO & Founder.

Formally launching this fall, inluv aims to create an affordable, personalized experience that helps clients build healthy relationships–and to make dating fun again.

Members of inluv, a pluralistic Jewish matchmaking service, complete an online form, and select a membership tier. Members are guaranteed a certain number of dates per month, depending on their tier of service.

Matches are curated using both AI and a client’s matchmaker, who arranges a first date based on clients’ shared interests and dietary restrictions. The inluv teams plans the date, and the clients always meet for the first time in a public space. After the date, clients may connect with an inluv matchmaker to discuss the date, and explore how to move forward. The service also offers dating coaching, and even vetted mental health and sexual health therapists for those who choose it.

Creating a safe space for people to be vulnerable and loved for who they are is of the utmost importance to Aloush. “We want to create a place where people can be in a romantic relationship but also fall in love with themselves,” she explained. “You don’t see any matchmaking companies taking a holistic approach that includes mental health. How can you be successful in your relationships if you don’t know how to love you?”

inluv is one of the few matchmaking services catering to both straight and LGBTQ+ Jews. “It’s about finding a partner and building a relationship that nourishes the self,” said Rivka Yeker, inluv LGBTQIA+ Matchmaking Team Consultant. “For me, creating space for people on the LGBTQ+ spectrum means encouraging people to center connection, playfulness, freedom, and choice,” they said. “There is no one way to discover or experience love.”

“Before the pandemic, matchmaking was not a consideration in the non-Orthodox community,” said Rebecca Joey Schwab, ChiTribe Executive Director & Co-Founder, inluv Matchmaking Team Consultant. “Now, it is a thing that any Jew of any pluralistic identity would do… People are looking to marry Jewish, and it shouldn’t be that hard.”

For the many ways in which inluv is innovating, they still make space for tradition. Even in the pluralistic community, Jewish matchmaking can be a family matter, so inluv allows parents to set up a dating profile for their child. Of course, the client must verify their information and consent to dates.

In addition to matchmaking, inluv will begin hosting singles events this winter–including pop-ups and a The Bachelor -style comedy show.

“Take the next step and put yourself out there in a new way,” Aloush encouraged.”inluv is a comfortable space to be vulnerable–and we’ll be there to support you every step of the way.”

To learn more, visit inluv.io, or follow inluv on Instagram @inluvmatch.

Jenna Cohen is a development professional and freelance writer living in Chicago.