Downstairs, in the crowded lower level of NYC hotspot ACME this past Tuesday evening, partiers took photo booth-style pictures with friends, significant others, and potential new spouses holding signs that read “NJB” (Nice Jewish Boy), “Kiss Me I’m Jewish,” and “Shalom, Jew Feel Me?”
The event was a launch party for the latest Jewish dating app, “Tribe.”
After only just debuting July 15, founder Ari Ackerman claims Tribe is already the “most advanced app in the Jewish dating world.” Unlike its counterparts like JSwipe, Coffee Meets Bagel and Tinder, Tribe’s premise focuses on making sure its users, who can range anywhere from ages 18-60, actually go out on dates.
“It’s an app that will sort of eliminate dating apps,” said Ackerman.
When creating a profile, users are asked a wide range of questions, from Jewish identity to ideal first date. The app’s algorithm then uses technology to suggest potential matches. Like other dating apps, users “swipe” left for undesirables and right for a mensch or woman worth talking to.
With only the push of a button, Tribe consumers are able to ask their matches out on dates. The app recommends a destination based on users’ previously stated preferences and current location.
“I’m officially off Tinder, I’m officially switching to Tribe,” said Brett Hoffman, 22, a recent college graduate who attended the event.
Hoffman was not alone in his enthusiasm. Throughout the night, partygoers, who were mostly young professionals still in their work clothes (the event began at 7:30 p.m.), enthusiastically tweeted, instagrammed and facebooked their newfound appreciation for the app.
The open bar may have helped influence these social media posts. In accordance with the night’s apparent theme of Jewish puns, guests could sip on drinks such as the “M.O.T.” and the “Chai Five.”
Also accessible were napkins with the inscription, “here’s my number ___” and blue and white candies strewn throughout the space.
Even though a combination of the large turnout, small event space, and outside humidity created a sweaty evening, partygoers weren’t deterred.
“Besides the heat, I’m having a nice time,” said Danielle Nadav from Brooklyn, who said she does not use Jewish dating apps.
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Will she download Tribe?
“A lot of other people are doing it, too, so it makes it a fun new thing to try,” she said.
Though 29-year-old Isaac, who declined to give his last name, also wishes to download the app, he is unable to, as it is currently only available for Apple products. Still, he enjoyed the ambiance of the night.
“It’s a good vibe, good music, lots of attractive girls,” he said.
