Isaac Osipovicz is the president of Beth Tikvah Chai singles.

Myer Dorn interviews a client for his introduction service.

Miriam Chinsky compiles the singles column in the "Canadian Jewish News."

Joe Black, Graphic Artists

Jewish Center-Valley Director Michael Silverman talks about singles programs.

Winnipeg, Vancouver and Buffalo,
N.Y. Dorfman has no partners, and
he said he feels a great respon-
sibility. The group lives or dies _
under the merits of my programs."
Seeking intellectual stimula-
tion? Then check out Beth Tikvah
Chai (35 and up). Directed by Isaac
Osipovicz, a former journalist and
leader of the Jewish community in
Uruguay, Beth Tikvah Chai leans
heavily toward lectures and panel
discussions on topical Jewish is-
sues, but leaves room for socializ-,
ing as well.
Although it meets at the
synagogue, the group gets no fund-
ing from it, but out of goodwill
makes frequent donations. Accord-
ing to Osipovicz, the relationship
between the synagogue and the
group is "excellent." The group
meets every other Sunday at the
synagogue, except when it has a
member-only function in a private
home. Osipovicz is president of the
group, and six other officers sit
with him on the board.
Osipovicz said the group was
formed because there was no such
group to serve Jewish singles 35
and up in the Willowdale area.

Now it's the only one to serve the
35 and up in all of the Jewish
community." There is an $18 mem-
bership fee, and only persons who
pay the fee are entited to be on the
mailing list. But it's not so easy to
become a member.
After a single has visited a few
times, Osipovicz follows up with a
phone call or a letter. Next, he in-
vites the single to join the group,
but reminds them that sponsorship
is necessary, and offers himself and
other members as sponsors. Then,
when a single decides to join,
he/she must complete an applica-
tion. Upon approval by the board
and payment of dues, the single is
a member. However, singles can
come to any Beth Tikvah Chai
event without being a member, un-
less it is a designated member-only
event, when only those who have
paid their dues are eligible to
attend.
Osipovicz said groups like his
are necessary for Jewish singles to
meet each other. "If you really
want to have a relationship or meet
other Jews, where can you meet
except at Jewish activities."
In May, there will be readings

of Sholem Aleichem stories and a
dance. A brunch and barbecue are
planned for June and a night at the
races is scheduled for July.
Some who would rather be
more discreet about the way they
want to meet other Jewish singles
can look into two introduction serv-
ices: Jewish Dateline, operated by
Debbie Cowitz, or by appointment
with Myer Dorn, executive vice
president of Shaarei Shomayim
Congregation.
Cowitz, the mother of four,
aims her operation - at persons
21-70, and out-of-towners are wel-
come. The fee is $100 (Canadian)
per year. Cowitz can't guarantee
how many names a person can get,
but adds "you get as many as you
can."
Funded in part by the Toronto
Jewish Congress (the equivalent of
Detroit's Jewish Welfare Federa-
tion), the service has about 500
names in the active file. Most of
the clients are in their 20s and 30s.
Since its inception three years ago,
eight marriages and six "long-term
couples" have resulted.
Director of the service who
bills herself as a singles consultant,

Cowitz has a degree in adult educa-
tion and worked for the Toronto
Jewish community's Jewish Family
Service for ten years, primarily
planning programs for singles.
Cowitz said it is necessary to be
married to direct the service.. "(A
married person) can be more objec-
tive."
She admonishes her clients not
to look at Jewish Dateline as "the
Last Chance Saloon." Rather, she
would like them to regard it as an-
other option for meeting people.
Cowitz says that some clients use
the service as their only means of
meeting people, some too busy in
careers to meet potential dates
through traditional means: bars
and parties.
Currently, Cowitz is seeing an
influx of Orthodox male clients.
She said she hopes more Orthodox
women will avail themselves of the
service.
Dorn, on the other hand, re-
ceives no fee for playing match-
maker. it is just part of his regular
duties at Shaarei Shomayim. His
service is aimed at people of all
ages, but, like Cowitz, finds most of

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