Speed dating has become the hottest type of dating for the people on the go.

Speed dating is an organized type of matchmaking, which allows a person to meet a wide array of new people at one time. It is believed to have been started by Rabbi Yaacov Deyo of Aish HaTorah, so that young Jewish singles, who lived in large cities could meet other Jewish singles. The term SpeedDating® when referred to as one word, actually is a registered trademark held by the Aish HaTorah.

The first event of this round robin dating was staged by Rabbi Deyo and his students in 1998, at Pete’s Café in Beverly Hills, California. During 1999 the Rabbi further perfected his discovery and offered (as it remains today) 7 dates for 7 minutes. Rabbi Deyo was pleased with his efforts since many Jewish relationships and marriages came from his program.

How trends are made

A year later, in 2000, the concept of speed dating had gained tremendous popularity. Television shows like Sex and the City, which seemed to play a major role in how young business people should handle themselves, provided glimpses into the speed dating world. The entire concept has now made its way into the movie industry. System Forty Eight, Ltd., a production company out of Ireland, is releasing a movie titled, Speed Dating starring Hugh O’Conor as a man obsessed with the event. Release date is scheduled for February 14, 2007.

How it works

Men and women choose scheduled events with a speed dating organizer. The organizer groups ages as well as overseeing that everyone is legitimate, plus keeps track of scorecards, etc. Depending on the organizer, the dates will last from 3 to 8 minutes. At the end of the determined time, the coordinator rings a bell as a signal to move (usually the men) to the next date. Contact information is not given out during the dating process so as to relieve any stress of having to accept or reject a certain person. At the end of the event, each person hands in a scorecard with the people they would like to see again; along with their contact information. The organizer then forwards any information to couples who made a match.

Speed dating has gained such popularity in the UK, online services are now available. A dater can open an account, track their dates, and discover whether they’ve made a match, simply by clicking a mouse. Registration for upcoming events can also be made online with a credit card.

Posted by admin on February 26th, 2007
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