The much-maligned and historic Jewish profession of schatchen or marriage broker is about to be legalized and organized. No longer will the umbrella-toting votary of Dan Cupid have to argue, plead, beg and cajole for his fee in a case which has resulted in a more or less happy match, for the schatchens have incorporated themselves as the Marriage Brokers’ Association of the United States and are about to appeal to the state legislature for legal standing.
In addition to being able to compel payment of fees, the legalization of the ancient profession will enable the schatchens to drive out unscrupulous match-makers and marriage brokers, who have often deceived the parties to a match.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.