In 2000, the Jewish Community Center of Western Monmouth in Manalapan began receiving a significant increase in phone calls and e-mail messages inquiring about Jewish singles events.

Such events soon became the JCC's most-requested activity, and the number of those who enjoy the events continues to grow, said Shelley Feingold of Marlboro, the facility's operations and outreach director.

"We got an equal number of calls from men and women in all age groups, and we soon realized these segments of the population were seriously underserved," said Feingold, who ran smaller-scale groups for singles and senior citizens when the JCC opened in 1994.

"By 2003, we realized that this kind of activity was really going to take off and that to make it work, we needed someone whose time would be devoted to developing this project," she said.

Armed with a strategic initiative funding grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Monmouth County, the JCC hired Bari Aronson of Marlboro as singles' group coordinator in 2003.

As a result, the JCC became one of the few Jewish community centers in the state to offer extensive programming for singles. Programming is offered for three age groups; 222 people take part in the 24-35 age group, 355 in the 35-55 age group, and 146 in the 50-plus group (the fastest-growing of the three).

Many group members live throughout Monmouth County, but others join in from as far away as Bergen and Somerset counties, according to Aronson.

As word continues to spread, more single Jewish men and women have expressed interest in the groups, according to Feingold, who has been adding at least five new names to the list of members every week for the past six months. As a result, she said, the number of members could double by 2008.

"I moved back to Monmouth County from Massachusetts in 2003, and I wanted to make connections with like-minded people," said Jay Weiner of Howell Township, a member of the 35-55 singles' group. "I've become an active member. I like spending a good few hours with others."

His career – he worked in the environmental resource field – and business-related travel have prevented him from becoming part of a committed relationship, Weiner said. Now, however, he has slowed his pace and finds that the singles' group has become an important part of his life.

"I've met some wonderful people at the singles' activities," Weiner said. "Now, many of us recognize each other and we consider each other as friends. And I've talked to people who are trying to establish a relationship for a second time, while others are trying to build a first-time relationship. I've learned a lot about life from these conversations."

He appreciates the efforts of Feingold and Aronson, but said he feels the members must assume some responsibility for the group's success.

The two JCC staffers "have been very committed to all of us," said Weiner, "but we need to support them and show our enthusiasm for the events and activities they plan for us. I think that's an important part of being in this group."

The locations of the events are scattered throughout the county to provide easy access. Members receive postal mailings and e-mail messages every six weeks that advise them of upcoming events, Aronson said.

The proximity of the events attracted a young woman from Freehold, who joined the 25-35 group in 2006.

"It's a good opportunity to meet people you probably wouldn't have a chance to meet any other way," said the woman, who requested that her name be withheld. "I'm also glad that we don't have to travel to New York or Philadelphia; there are so many things to do right here in Monmouth County. It's nice to have fun without commuting."

The initial planning group for the singles' project consisted of representatives from the Ruth Hyman JCC in Deal, the Freehold Jewish Center-Congregation Agudath Achim, and Congregation Ohev Shalom-Marlboro Jewish Center. The cost of the programming is now part of the Western Monmouth JCC's operating budget.

The group activities run the gamut and include bowling nights, movie nights, trips to local theater productions, cocktail get-togethers, and sit-down lunches and dinners in area restaurants.

Members have always had a strong say in the planned activities, and have suggested Sunday afternoons spent picking pumpkins and apples or watching sports events on television, evening gatherings to play the latest board games (Trivial Pursuit is still a favorite), and quiet times spent drinking coffee while engaged in thoughtful conversation, Aronson said. One event per month is scheduled for each of the three age groups.

"We plan different events each month so that there's always something to appeal to everyone," Aronson explained. "I think our formula is working; whenever any of the three groups gets together, there is never a lull in conversation."

Aronson, who is married and the mother of two preschool-age daughters, always has time to mix and mingle with singles' group members.

"I've seen the development of great friendships, as well as romance, among the members," she said. "It's a privilege to watch these terrific people meet, get to know each other, and establish relationships."

She recalled three such events that rank among her favorites. At a bowling event several years ago, a man and woman in the 25-35 group locked eyes across the bowling lanes; they were married two years later. A couple in the 55-plus group met at a planning meeting and are now sharing a home. And another couple in the 35-55 group met at a dance and plan to be married later this year.

Before coming to the JCC in 2003, Aronson spent 10 years in the marketing profession in New York City. After moving to Monmouth County, she coordinated marketing events for the federation and was also a volunteer at several fund-raisers at the JCC.

Aronson said she enjoys every minute on the job.

"The members of the singles' groups have a lot in common," she said. "Their religion is important to them, they have careers, and they want their social lives to be meaningful. Spending time with people who have the same interests is a good way to find fulfillment."

Marcia Rabinowicz of Aberdeen, a member of the 50-plus group who joined three years ago, echoes these sentiments.

"This singles' group is such a nice way to meet other Jewish people with common interests," she said. "You can meet people and know that you'll see them again. And if you're not ready to date, you can still have a nice time with them in a more low-key way. There's no pressure. But the commonality of the Jewish religion is an important aspect for me. I feel content when I'm among people I like who also share my religion."

Additional information about the singles' groups is available from the JCC at 732-683-9300.