properties
CINDY LEVEN
City: Huntington Woods
Kudos: Helping Jewish
Singles Connect
• debt
consolidation
for playing matchmaker, and I wanted
to see more singles marrying into the
faith. I've personally introduced about
40 couples that have gotten married.
The first one was 30 years ago, and
they are still married to this day. The
online dating services provide great
opportunities for 20- and 30-year-
olds, but I still think the best way to
meet people, especially if you're older,
is through a personal introduction or
at a synagogue service or event.
Cindy Leven believes that there's a "besh-
ert"for everyone, and she made it her
business to help Jewish singles find theirs.
For more than 10 years, Cindy has given
of her time and resources to provide a
variety of social activities, such as dances,
brunches, movie outings and Shabbat
services for Jewish singles older than 40.
She is constantly working with synagogues
and other organizations to find new ways
of helping single people connect with one
another in an environment that incorpo-
rates Judaism and spirituality.
She was executive director of the Isaac
Agree Downtown Synagogue in Detroit
for five years and has served as a volun-
teer consultant for many local synagogues
and temples. By profession, Cindy is a
graphic artist who has exhibited in gal-
leries throughout Michigan. She teaches
art to students in kindergarten through
high school at the Oakland
International Academy in Farmington
Hills.
What are some of the biggest
challenges you face?
"Our synagogues offer very little
programming, such as Friday night
services or dances, geared to singles 40
and older, many of whom are unaffili-
ated. I try to use the synagogues as a
venue for bringing the forgotten single
back into the Jewish community, but
there needs to be more outreach. I
believe it's important for single people
to attend synagogue-related pro-
grams."
What are your plans for the future?
"I plan to continue doing more of
the same. My next endeavor will be a
Friday night service on April 15,
called "Swing on Shabbat," at
Congregation Chaye Olam in
Bloomfield Township at 7:30 p.m.
After the service, the JCC
What prompted you to become
involve in organizing activities for
local singles?
"I always felt I had a given talent
• pay off
credit cards
• pay off
land contracts
• pay delinquen
taxes
• no income
verification -
Cindy Leven
Detroit Israeli Folk Dance Co-op will
be giving lessons. It will be a great
opportunity for singles in their 30s
through 60s to come together and
embrace being Jewish."
—Ronelle Grier, special writer
REPORT A DOER...
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