Totally Unexpected!
Totally Unexpected!
Chavie Bruk
Aleeza Ben Shalom's Story: Does Dating Really Have To Be This Hard?
2 hour 24 minutes Posted Sep 8, 2025 at 9:00 am.
Jewish Matchmaking show on Netflix
Nefesh B’Nefesh
Aleeza’s Company MarriageMindedMentor.com
Erin & Sara Foster’s podcast: The World’s First Podcast
Indian Matchmaking show on Netflix
Aleeza’s new book: Matchmaker Matchmaker
Elisheva Liss interview about sex-ed in the Orthodox-Jewish community
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2:24:31
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Show notes
Chavie sits down with Aleeza to explore her spiritual journey into Orthodox Judaism, embracing kosher, Shabbat, and modest dress as a student and tells the story of how she met her husband. Aleeza reflects on how quickly it all happened, joking that “fast is my slowest speed,” while sharing how her family needed time to adjust. She opens up about her lifelong dream to move her family to Israel and the Covid-era saga that unfolded when her family finally made Aliyah. Chavie asks Aleeza how she landed her Netflix series, Jewish Matchmaking, and what drew her into the world of matchmaking in the first place. Together, they discuss the role of self-awareness and personal growth in finding a life partner, they explore whether there really is a ‘shidduch crisis’ in the Orthodox community, and the universal challenges of dating, no matter the person's religious background.
 
Aleeza Ben Shalom is a renowned relationship coach and matchmaker, best known as the star of Netflix’s hit series Jewish Matchmaking. She hosts the popular Matchmaker, Matchmaker podcast, where she shares insights and experiences to guide people on their journey to find love. Aleeza has trained more than 450 matchmakers and coaches and is now spearheading the Jewish Matchmaking Movement in partnership with World Mizrahi, a global initiative to create meaningful connections within the Jewish community. For Aleeza, fostering relationships isn’t just a career it is her calling and her passion.
 
Referenced On the Pod
 
Stay in touch with Aleeza! MarriageMindedMentor.com@aleezabenshalom on Instagram Aleeza’s Podcast, Matchmaker Matchmaker 
 
Stay in touch with Chavie!
@chaviebruk on Instagram
www.totallyunexpected.blog
 
Today’s episode is dedicated by Max Coen, a family friend who has devoted his life to Eretz Yisroel. Max is dedicating this episode to Mrs. Chavie and Rabbi Chaim Bruk as a proud partner in their work in Montana and beyond.
 
Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].