Jewish Matchmaking

Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking: The Star Who Doesn’t Own a TV—and Other Behind-the-Scenes Quirks

Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking (2023) has turned Aleeza Ben Shalom into an unlikely reality TV star, but the irony? She doesn’t even own a television. The American-Israeli matchmaker, whose career has already led to over 200 marriages, stepped into the spotlight for the streaming giant’s dating series, which follows her efforts to pair Jewish singles in the U.S. and Israel . Yet despite her newfound fame, latestnetflix.com maintains, Ben Shalom’s relationship with the medium remains… complicated.

The Matchmaker Who Skips the Screen

Ben Shalom’s aversion to TV isn’t just a quirky footnote—it’s a full-blown lifestyle. In a profile for the Jewish Journal, she revealed she doesn’t own a television, a detail that feels almost surreal given her role in a Netflix series . It’s unclear whether she binge-watched the show on a borrowed device or skipped it entirely, but the disconnect between her real-life habits and her on-screen persona adds a layer of intrigue. After all, how does a matchmaker who doesn’t watch TV navigate the expectations of a reality dating show?

Her career, however, is no joke. Ben Shalom has spent years as a relationship coach and author, specializing in helping Jewish singles find love—a role that now extends to a global audience thanks to Netflix . But while her professional credentials are well-documented, the series itself has drawn mixed reactions, particularly for its handling of Judaism.

Judaism on the Backburner?

Critics have noted that Jewish Matchmaking often sidelines religious discussions, despite its cultural premise. A review in The Forward pointed out that Judaism “rarely comes up” in the series, and when it does, the show fails to explain key traditions or beliefs . This has left some viewers scratching their heads: if the show isn’t deeply exploring Jewish identity, what is it about?

Ben Shalom herself has spoken about the challenges of balancing entertainment with authenticity. In an interview with The Times of Israel, she discussed the pressures of reality TV, though specifics about her experience on Jewish Matchmaking remain vague . The series’ tone seems to prioritize drama and romance over religious or cultural depth, a choice that may appeal to broader audiences but risks alienating those seeking a more nuanced portrayal of Jewish dating.

The Reality Behind the Matches

Beyond the screen, Ben Shalom’s track record is impressive. She’s introduced over 200 couples who later married, a statistic that lends credibility to her matchmaking prowess . But how much of that success translates to the show’s format? Reality TV thrives on conflict and cliffhangers, and Jewish Matchmaking is no exception. Whether the series’ matches will stand the test of time—or even make it to the altar—remains to be seen.

For now, the biggest mystery might be Ben Shalom herself. A matchmaker who doesn’t watch TV, a star of a Jewish-themed show that barely discusses Judaism, and a professional whose real-world results far outshine her on-screen drama. If Jewish Matchmaking has a lesson, it’s that reality TV rarely reflects reality—and sometimes, the most interesting stories happen off-camera.