It’s a new year and the perfect time for a fresh perspective on dating. Enter Marry A Mensch: Timeless Jewish Wisdom for Today’s Single Woman, a new book by Mrs. Devorah Kigel. Having helped more than 300 women marry their soulmates in her 12 years as a professional dating coach, Mrs. Kigel has now made her actionable tips into an empowering resource for “dating with dignity.” An easy-to-read guide, the book intertwines personal anecdotes from her own dating journey with sensitive and practical advice for navigating dating.
“I wanted to write this book, after 20 years of teaching and mentoring, so women from diverse religious backgrounds can learn from the principles of respectful Jewish dating. It is my hope that by sharing the Jewish way of dating, more women will find their basherts,” Mrs. Kigel explained.
The Women’s Division of Emet Outreach was thrilled to welcome Mrs. Kigel for the first stop on her book tour. It was an especially meaningful evening, since Mrs. Kigel has been an integral part of Emet for over 17 years, both as an engaging women’s lecturer and an incredible Shabbos host. Along with her husband Rabbi Reuven Kigel, Emet’s Campus Director, Mrs. Kigel has opened her home in Passaic, New Jersey, so countless Emet students could experience the beauty of Shabbos. Now, it was Emet’s turn to host her. “The first place to start my book launch tour was with my Emet family! It meant so much to see so many people there supporting this labor of love,” Mrs. Kigel shared.
Held at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, the evening had the fun and relaxed feel of a girls’ night out and featured a DJ and buffet dinner. In a room that was stylishly decked out in the book’s signature colors, the audience was captivated by a discussion with Mrs. Kigel that was both humorous and educational. Elina Fattakhov, one of Mrs. Kigel’s first students at Emet, moderated the Q&A. Mrs. Kigel explained that her main goal in writing the book was “to give women hope and optimism and remind everyone that the real matchmaker is Hashem.” She also shared that when she started dating as a secular Jew, she realized the Jewish way of dating was “genius” and this in turn inspired her to become more observant and ultimately meet her husband. Guests were gifted a signed copy of the book, and everyone left feeling uplifted to approach their dating with more intention and optimism.
“I have had the privilege to hear Rebbetzin Kigel speak many times to our Emet Fellowship girls, and beyond, and I truly feel that she is one of the world’s leading experts on dating. I’m so excited for her to share her depth of wisdom with her new book,” said Mrs. Chava Fisher, Emet Assistant Campus Director.
Feedback has been wonderful, and readers have commented that the book speaks to this generation that is dealing with the unique challenges of dating respectfully in the digital era. Marry A Mensch has also been featured in Newsweek and gotten the endorsement of Tzipora Grodko, host of “Stories of Hope” on Meaningful Minute. Following the launch with Emet, Mrs. Kigel went on a book tour across the tri-state-area, Florida, and California. Her tour and speaking engagements will continue in November.
Marry A Mensch, published by Gefen Books, is available on Amazon. For more information or to contact Mrs. Kigel for speaking engagements visit devorahkigel.com and @devorahkigel on Instagram.
