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In 2000, the Jewish Community Center of Western Monmouth in Manalapan began receiving a significant number of inquiries from men and women in all age groups who were interested in Jewish singles events.

The result was the formation of a Jewish singles group, and as the number of participants continues to grow, the center's singles group has become a "role model" for several other Jewish singles groups in New Jersey and other states, according to David Posner, vice president of community services for the JCC Association in New York.

"The ability of the JCCWM to reach out and engage Jewish young adults and singles, a population that is historically underserved, is a credit to this JCC," Posner said. "They have been creative, agile, and current."

The JCCWM is one of the few JCCs in the state to offer extensive programming for singles, and the number of participants has significantly increased in recent years, said Shelley Feingold of Marlboro, the facility's operations and outreach director. The center offers programming for three age groups: there are 241 people in the 24-35 age group, up from 222 in 2007; 523 members in the 35-55 age group, up from 355; and 292 members in the 50-plus group, up from 146 members.

"It's extremely flattering to know our program is considered to be a role model, and that a JCC 'without walls' provides programs that bigger JCCs don't," said Feingold.

In 2003, a strategic initiative funding (SPIF) grant from the Jewish Federation of Monmouth County enabled the JCCWM, a beneficiary agency of the federation, to hire Bari Aronson of Marlboro as singles group coordinator.

"I think the growth of the program is partly because many young Jewish single college graduates move back home after graduation," Aronson said. "The current economy has made it difficult for graduates to move to major cities and live on their own, so there has been an increase in the young Jewish population in Monmouth County."

And the chance to meet other unmarried people who share the same religion and age bracket has been the main attraction, according to Feingold.

"I moved to Monmouth County in 2003, and I wanted to make connections with like-minded people," said a Howell Township resident in the 35-55 singles group. "I've met great people at the singles activities, and we've become friends. 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."

Postal mailings, press releases, email messages, and postings on the JCCWM Web site advise group members of upcoming events, said Aronson, who lives in Marlboro with her husband and two young children. The locations of the events are scattered throughout the county, in order to provide members with easy access, she added.

The proximity of the events appealed to a woman from Freehold in the 24-35 group.

"When I found out that there were activities for Jewish singles here in Monmouth County, I thought I should give it a shot," she said. "It's a good way to meet people you probably wouldn't have a chance to meet any other way. I'm also glad that we don't have to travel to New York or Philadelphia, because there are so many things to do in Monmouth County. It's nice to have fun without commuting."

The initial planning group for the singles group project consisted of representatives from the Ruth Hyman JCC in Deal, the Freehold Jewish Center, and the Marlboro Jewish Center; the SPIF grant was used to bring an infusion of funds for the purpose of planning and enacting specific programming for Jewish singles, Feingold said.

Group activities run the gamut and include bowling nights; movie nights; trips to local theater productions; barbecues, cocktail get-togethers; and sit-down lunches and dinners in area restaurants. Recently, the JCCWM began working with counselors from the county's Jewish Family and Children's Service to conduct discussion groups for singles on a variety of topics, including life after divorce, dating after divorce, dating after the loss of a spouse, and being single in a couples' world.

Members have always had a strong say in the planned activities, and have suggested Sunday afternoons spent pumpkin and apple picking or watching sports events on television; evenings spent playing the latest board games; and quiet times spent drinking coffee while engaged in thoughtful conversation, Aronson said.

"We plan different events each month so that there's always something to appeal to everyone," Aronson explained. "The formula is working; whenever any of the groups get together, there is never a lull in conversation. It's a privilege to watch these terrific people meet, get to know each other, and establish friendships.

"The members of the singles groups have a lot in common," she added. "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."

An Aberdeen resident in the 50-plus group echoed those sentiments. "This is a nice way to meet other Jewish people with common interests," she said. "And if you're not ready to date, you can still have a nice time 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 can be found on www.jccwm.org, or by calling the center office at (732) 683-9300.