Jewish Social Singles of the Carolinas: Growing Strong

September 2023

by Laura Zagoria

Picture this: You’re single in Charlotte. You might have recently moved here from New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Seattle, LA, Ukraine, or Israel, or perhaps you’ve been living in North or South Carolina for quite some time. You’ve lived a little and maybe even had a long-term marriage. Whether you’ve never married or are a veteran of marriage, one thing’s for sure — you’re Jewish, and you enjoy spending time with other Jewish people, and engaging in fun activities. Well, guess what? Jewish Social Singles of the Carolinas (JSSOC) is here for you!

Roy Weinberger and Robin Spivock, the organizers of JSSOC, plan enjoyable outings for the group three or four times a month, promoting them in the private JSSOC group on the Meetup app. The activities range from laid-back Sunday brunches at Amelie’s to attending theater shows by Theatre Charlotte or Davidson Community Players, from kayaking adventures on the Catawba River to shag dancing or attending “Bark in the Park” events with your furry friend. You’ll enjoy diverse dining experiences at Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, Italian, and German restaurants, explore museums like the Mint Museum (which recently featured the Picasso exhibit), celebrate Purim and Hanukkah together, and join lively services with The Ruach. The JSSOC atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, with plenty of options to cater to your preferences.

Created last year, JSSOC is a diverse group, now boasting more than 125 members. Some are regular attendees, while others join events occasionally due to work commitments or retirement. There are individuals who grew up in traditional Jewish households and others who converted after marriage. Some members are “Jewish-adjacent,” having been married to a Jewish spouse and raised their children in the Jewish faith. The essence of the group is captured in its name: Jewish, Social, Single, and Carolinas. So, don’t hesitate –come on in, the water’s fine!

For Roy Weinberger, the greatest reward comes from witnessing members interact, smile, and have a blast doing fun activities in each other’s company. For Robin Spivock, the joy lies in observing how friendships have evolved within the group. People who were once strangers have become close friends, helping each other, shopping together, and arranging one-on-one meet-ups. The common thread among all members is their Jewish background, and seeing everyone enjoying events and forming connections brings immense satisfaction to both Roy and Robin.

Upcoming plans for JSSOC include a day trip to Lake Lure, a barbecue event at Freedom Park, and a gathering to attend a performance by Pentatonix at PNC Music Pavilion. What’s holding you back? Take a step outside your comfort zone and forge new friendships. Join Jewish Social Singles of the Carolinas for enjoyable experiences, cultural enrichment, and heartwarming camaraderie. You’ll be glad you did!

Our events are announced via the Meetup.com service. There is no cost to join Meetup or Jewish Social Singles. Meetup.com is an app that allows individuals, groups, or organizations to set up affinity groups and interact with individuals sharing similar interests. To join JSS, go to Meetup. com on your desktop or laptop or install the Meetup.com app on your phone. Search for Jewish Social Singles of the Carolinas, fill out a short, friendly questionnaire to determine eligibility (it’s easy), and request to join the group. Your request will be quickly accepted, and you will be on your way to new adventures with new friends. If by chance you do experience difficulties, you can contact rspivock@gmail.com or royweinberger@comporium.net.