Jewish Social Singles of the Carolinas was organized six months ago to offer individuals over the age of 45 who were born Jewish, converted to Judaism, or have a reasonable connection to Judaism, an easy and safe way to connect for fun activities. The group uses the free Meetup. com app to publicize its upcoming events and to communicate. Organizers Roy Weinberger and Robin Spivock have been more than gratified with the response to date.

The group has already hosted more than 15 events, including walking, biking, and kayaking outings; music concerts; museum visits; community service activities; a Shabbat in the park with The Ruach, and the most popular (not surprisingly) — monthly dinners and brunches. Membership has grown to approximately 70 men and women, and attendance per event has varied between three and 15. We have more than six events currently scheduled or in the planning stage, including a Chanukah get-together.

Some events that are coming up are: A Special Evening with Rhiannon Giddens and the Charlotte Symphony, Candlelight with The Charlotte Strings — A Tribute to Adele, brunch at Optimist Hall, a morning walk on the greenway, dinner out, and more. We love getting ideas from our members.

Why did we start the group? Because when you are of a certain age, single, and have friends who are married, you tend to be a “third wheel.” It’s hard to find friends in today’s world, especially friends who are like-minded and interested in the same things as you. That’s why Jewish Social Singles of the Carolinas just makes sense. We are bringing singles together — to have other singles to go out with, to do the things you want, and to never be a “third wheel.”

We would love to have you join us on this journey, so check us out. Now that COVID is on the wane, it’s clearly time to get out, do some fun things, and make new friends. Joining Jewish Social Singles is simple. Just register on Meetup.com and sign up for Jewish Social Singles of the Carolinas. We’ll ask you to answer a few simple questions online to confirm you’re a reasonable fit for the group and your membership will then likely be quickly approved. Jewish Social Singles charges no dues, but if we host events that charge an admission fee, you will be responsible for those.

Photo Caption: Members of JSS volunteering at Promising Pages, a non-profit organization that supplies new and donated books free of charge to teachers and families living in Charlotte area “book deserts”