For Christians, Christmas Eve is filled with excitement, waiting for Santa, perhaps attending midnight Mass or breaking bread with family and friends. But for young Jewish people, the night is like any other, unless you attend MATZOBALL® at One11BocaRaton, Dec. 24 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
If you haven’t heard, it’s one of the most important events for single Jewish people. In fact, many happily-ever-afters have started at MATZOBALL®. The pandemic put the event into the virtual sphere in 2020, but MATZOBALL® is officially back as an in-person event as it celebrates its 35th year.
It was started by Andrew Rudnick in 1987 in Boston. Two years later, it was being held in Boston, New York and Boca Raton. By 1990, MATZOBALL® was in Chicago, Washington DC and Los Angeles. It’s become an American-Jewish tradition, almost a rite of passage for many young people of the Jewish faith.
According to Rudnick, the first event started with about 2,000 people. Since then, tens of thousands have attended the events across the country. People today tell stories about their parents, aunts or uncles having met their spouse at a MATZOBALL®.
This year, the event will be held in seven cities including Miami Beach and Boca Raton. Attendees must be 21 or older. While most who go are in their 30s, if you are as young as you feel, then don’t let that stop you from a fun night out. If you don’t meet the person of your dreams that night, there’s also a virtual speed dating event the following day.
Visit matzoball.org.