What exactly is Jewster?

Jewster is both an online Jewish dating site and a community philanthropy platform. Jewster’s singles community provides a more affordable and superior user experience than established Jewish dating sites. At the same time, all members allocate a significant portion of their subscription fee to one of a select group of Jewish organizations and ventures.

Why do we need another Jewish dating site?

The Jewish online dating scene is dominated by companies that are primarily focused on profits, leading to a poor user experience. They are also so expensive that over 81% of their members don't pay subscription fees and simply sit on the network as a static users, unable to communicate. There has to be a better way. Jewish dating should be by the community and for the community, in a manner that puts the user at the center. Jewster is here to help Jews connect and build Jewish community. Its affordable, nimble and committed to exemplary corporate and community citizenship.

How does Jewster support Jewish Organizations?

The Jewster community will provide tremendous value to Jewish organizational partners in three ways.

• Jewster’s ‘sticky philanthropy’ provides a constant stream of small donations as members allocate funds each and every month.
• Jewster helps connect members with Jewish organizations providing them with new donors.
• Jewster can promote Jewish organizational events to targeted demographics with unprecedented precision, ensuring more Jews participate in communal life.

Is Jewster free? Why not?

Jewster aims to be a fair site, not a free site. Without revenue we can't build a great product, or get good money behind good Jewish projects. A fee to get in the door also helps to keep out scammers, spammers and other low quality community members.

How much does it cost to use Jewster?

Jewster operates under a 'pay what you think it is worth to you' model. Our suggested contribution is $18 a month, with a minimum of $9.99. During our launch period all paid memberships are $30 for a three month membership. Of course, there are ways to enjoy Jewster for free by helping to build the community by sharing Jewster on Facebook or joining with friends.

How much money does the Jewster community give to organizational partners?

Jewster members allocate 20% of their membership fees to one of a selection of Jewish non profits and ventures.

How do you choose which organizations will receive money from the Jewster community?

We prefer to support innovative grass-roots projects which is why we've started with Hazon, PresenTense and Uri L'Tzedek. In future we hope to be able to offer seed funding to new ventures trying to get off the ground. We are also looking for partners who can help build the Jewster community.

How many members are currently on Jewster?

The number of members is constantly fluctuating, but we are proud to say it is increasing. We've had over 20,000 people post profiles on Jewster.

Who created Jewster?

Jewster has had a number of iterations over the years. The current version, as a dating/philanthropy platform is the vision of Aryeh Goldsmith and was relaunched together with Daniel Bloom after they met at a New York Jewish Tech Meetup earlier this year.

How many people are working on Jewster?

The Jewster team currently has a staff of five.

Where is Jewster based?

Jewster is primarily based in New York City, with staff and volunteers in Denver and Israel.

How can I find out more information?

Inquries can be directed to Daniel Bloom, Director of Business Development, at daniel@jewster.com

Does Jewster have a religious agenda?

Jewster aims to promote community engagement by matching members with relevant events and organizations. Jewster does not endorse any particular communal or personal expression of Jewish life.

Is Jewster geared towards any particular denomination?

Jewster is not affiliated with any particular denomination and our community spans the spectrum of Jewish affiliation. We seek to be an open and welcoming Jewish community.

Is Jewster geared towards any particular age?

Jewish is not geared to any single age group. We do require that all members be 18 years or older.