shidduchcard

Guides

Quick answers about building your card, sharing it privately, and reference date ideas by area.

Your card

What is a Shidduch Card?

A living digital profile that replaces emailed PDFs and resumes. Update your card once and every active link shows the latest version. It is not a dating app or public directory. You share privately with people you choose.

See a complete sample on our example card.

How do I get started?

Most people finish a solid first draft in 10 to 15 minutes. You can skip sections and return anytime.

  • Add basics: name, age, height, location, community
  • Write your About and family summary
  • Upload at least one photo and add two references
  • Create your first access link (defaults to Limited Access)

Your dashboard shows Card Health, a completion checklist (not a score), so you know what to add before sharing.

What should I write in About?

Sound like you: personality, interests, values, and a glimpse of daily life. Aim for 300 to 800 characters. Avoid generic phrases that could describe anyone.

In "Looking for," describe values and lifestyle, not a rigid checklist of traits.

What goes in the family section?

Family summary (shown on Limited Access links): parents' names, sibling order, where parents live.

Sensitive details (Full Access only): parent phone numbers, addresses, extended family notes.

Example summary: "Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Sample (née Demo), Anytown. Middle of 3 siblings."

How many photos should I add?

You can upload up to five. One clear, recent primary photo is enough to start; a portrait plus a full-body shot gives families a fuller picture.

  • Modest attire, natural light, warm expression
  • Avoid group shots, heavy filters, or very old photos
  • Hidden on Limited Access links · shown on Full Access · hidden on Full profile, no photos
Who should I list as references?

Ask permission first. List at least two people who know you well and will speak honestly, such as friends, family friends, teachers, or mentors.

Include name, relationship, and contact info. Example: "Reference Example · family friend · WhatsApp 555-010-2000"

References appear on Full Access and Full profile, no photos links, not on Limited Access.

What about education, work, and background?

List one school or job per line. Add community, hashkafa, and lifestyle details that help families assess fit. Most of this appears on Limited links.

Clear and accurate beats overfilled. Update age, height, and location when something changes.

Sharing & privacy

How does private sharing work?

One card, a separate private access link for each recipient. You choose what they see, track when they view it, and revoke access anytime. Recipients need no account.

  • Go to Access → Create Access Link
  • Add a private recipient label (never shown to the viewer)
  • Choose visibility: Limited Access, Full Access, or Full profile, no photos
  • Optionally add a PIN and expiry date
  • Share the link via text, email, or WhatsApp
What are the visibility levels?

Every link has a visibility level you choose when creating it. New links default to Limited Access.

  • Limited Access: summary (about, education, family summary, background). No photos, references, last name, or contact details.
  • Full Access: everything, including photos, references, sensitive family details, and contact preferences.
  • Full profile, no photos: same as Full Access except photos stay hidden.
When should I use each visibility level?
  • Limited Access for new introductions and first looks
  • Full Access when a family or shadchan asks for photos and references
  • Full profile, no photos when full details are appropriate but images are not yet
  • Create a new link with a different level if circumstances change
How do PINs, expiry, and revocation work?
  • PIN: require a code to open the link. Share it separately from the URL
  • Expiry: the link stops working after the date you set
  • Revoke: turn off any link instantly from your Access dashboard
  • Reissue: generate a fresh URL if the old one was shared by mistake

For storage and encryption details, see our Security page.

Date plan formulas

Sample two-stop plans that pair a main spot with a backup. Use as inspiration only.

California - verify regionCA · 2 plans
Lobby + scenic backupShidduch-style / weather-safe

Ritz-Carlton Marina del ReyHuntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Good default when weather or conversation flow is uncertain

Activity + decompression2nd/3rd date

Topgolf El SegundoHuntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Use only if activity matches personality and noise tolerance

Los Angeles areaCA · 2 plans
Lobby + scenic backupShidduch-style / weather-safe

Beverly Wilshire Lobby / The Maybourne Beverly HillsGetty Center

Good default when weather or conversation flow is uncertain

Food + walk1st-3rd date

Yamashiro HollywoodGetty Center

Verify hours, hashgacha, and distance before publishing

South FloridaFL · 3 plans
Lobby + scenic backupShidduch-style / weather-safe

The Ritz-Carlton South BeachSouth Pointe Park

Good default when weather or conversation flow is uncertain

Food + walk1st-3rd date

Carmela'sSouth Pointe Park

Verify hours, hashgacha, and distance before publishing

Activity + decompression2nd/3rd date

Topgolf DoralSouth Pointe Park

Use only if activity matches personality and noise tolerance

Central Jersey / ShoreNJ · 3 plans
Lobby + scenic backupShidduch-style / weather-safe

Ocean Place Resort & SpaLake Shenandoah

Good default when weather or conversation flow is uncertain

Food + walk1st-3rd date

Estreia RestaurantLake Shenandoah

Verify hours, hashgacha, and distance before publishing

Activity + decompression2nd/3rd date

iPlay AmericaLake Shenandoah

Use only if activity matches personality and noise tolerance

New Jersey - verify regionNJ · 2 plans
Lobby + scenic backupShidduch-style / weather-safe

NoHu Rooftop Bar & RestaurantManasquan Reservoir

Good default when weather or conversation flow is uncertain

Activity + decompression2nd/3rd date

Jenkinson's Aquarium / BoardwalkManasquan Reservoir

Use only if activity matches personality and noise tolerance

North Jersey / NYC accessNJ · 3 plans
Lobby + scenic backupShidduch-style / weather-safe

W HobokenLiberty State Park

Good default when weather or conversation flow is uncertain

Food + walk1st-3rd date

Chopstix TeaneckLiberty State Park

Verify hours, hashgacha, and distance before publishing

Activity + decompression2nd/3rd date

American DreamLiberty State Park

Use only if activity matches personality and noise tolerance

Long IslandNY · 1 plans
Activity + decompression2nd/3rd date

Dave & Buster's Long IslandAllegria Hotel

Use only if activity matches personality and noise tolerance

NYC - BrooklynNY · 2 plans
Lobby + scenic backupShidduch-style / weather-safe

1 Hotel Brooklyn BridgeDUMBO Park

Good default when weather or conversation flow is uncertain

Activity + decompression2nd/3rd date

The Brooklyn StrategistDUMBO Park

Use only if activity matches personality and noise tolerance

NYC - ManhattanNY · 2 plans
Lobby + scenic backupShidduch-style / weather-safe

Conrad New York DowntownSouth Street Seaport Museum / Seaport

Good default when weather or conversation flow is uncertain

Activity + decompression2nd/3rd date

Randall's Island Park Miniature Golf CourseSouth Street Seaport Museum / Seaport

Use only if activity matches personality and noise tolerance

NYC - QueensNY · 1 plans
Lobby + scenic backupShidduch-style / weather-safe

TWA HotelNoguchi Museum

Good default when weather or conversation flow is uncertain

NYC / Tri-StateNY · 2 plans
Lobby + scenic backupShidduch-style / weather-safe

Hyatt Regency GreenwichBattery ParkBrookfield PlaceOculus

Good default when weather or conversation flow is uncertain

Activity + decompression2nd/3rd date

Sip & PlayBattery ParkBrookfield PlaceOculus

Use only if activity matches personality and noise tolerance

Date spots

Ideas for 2nd and 3rd dates, grouped by metro. Each listing links to Google Maps; many also link to an official website when we have one. Spots marked maps only have no website on file.

NYC / Tri-StateNY · 116 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Bar / Lounge

  • 230 Fifth2nd-3rd date

    NYC - Manhattan · Manhattan

    Rooftop lounge; can be noisy; good views.

    Website

  • Black Rabbit2nd-3rd date

    NYC - Brooklyn · Brooklyn

    Quiet neighborhood bar; bar setting.

    Website

  • Common Ground Bar2nd-3rd dateMaps only

    NYC - Manhattan · Manhattan

    maps link only — confirm hours, vibe, and kosher fit before visiting

    Chill lounge; verify noise and crowd.

  • NYC - Manhattan · Manhattan

    Touristy/romantic; can be pricey.

    Website

  • Haven Rooftop2nd-3rd date

    NYC - Manhattan · Manhattan

    Rooftop; verify noise/crowd.

    Website

  • Please Don't Tell2nd-3rd date

    NYC - Manhattan · Manhattan

    Hidden/speakeasy; wait likely; secret entrance.

    Website

  • North Jersey / NYC access · Jersey City

    Views; bar-heavy; verify vibe.

    Website

  • Shael Lounge2nd-3rd dateMaps only

    NYC - Manhattan · Manhattan

    maps link only — confirm hours, vibe, and kosher fit before visiting

    Romantic rooftop; bar-heavy; verify current vibe.

  • NYC - Manhattan · Manhattan

    Multiple seating areas; easy indoor option.

    Website

  • The Campbell2nd-3rd date

    NYC - Manhattan · Manhattan

    Grand Central lounge; classy, but bar setting.

    Website

  • The Press Lounge2nd-3rd dateMaps only

    NYC - Manhattan · Manhattan

    maps link only — confirm hours, vibe, and kosher fit before visiting

    Upscale rooftop views; likely bar-forward.

  • Zombie Hut2nd-3rd dateMaps only

    NYC - Brooklyn · Brooklyn

    maps link only — confirm hours, vibe, and kosher fit before visiting

    Board games but bar atmosphere; only if appropriate.

Walk

Walk Route

Activity

Seasonal Activity

Museum / Gallery

Place

NJ / Tri-StateNJ · 42 spots

Hotel Lobby

Hotel / Waterfront

Walk

  • Central Jersey / Shore · Asbury Park

    Seasonal; more public/crowded.

    Website

  • Cattus Island County Park2nd-3rd dateMaps only

    New Jersey - verify region · Toms River

    maps link only — confirm hours, vibe, and kosher fit before visiting

    Scenic casual walk.

  • Deep Cut Gardens2nd-3rd date

    New Jersey - verify region · Middletown

    Garden/walk date; scenic.

    Website

  • North Jersey / NYC access · Englewood

    Quiet nature walk.

    Website

  • New Jersey - verify region · Long Valley

    Quiet/scenic; good if outdoorsy.

    Website

  • North Jersey / NYC access · Hoboken

    maps link only — confirm hours, vibe, and kosher fit before visiting

    Easy skyline walk; pair with hotel lobby.

  • Liberty State Park2nd-3rd dateMaps only

    North Jersey / NYC access · Jersey City

    maps link only — confirm hours, vibe, and kosher fit before visiting

    Big skyline/waterfront walk; good daytime/sunset.

  • New Jersey - verify region · Howell

    Quiet scenic walk.

    Website

  • New Jersey - verify region · Ringwood

    Scenic, quieter, travel-heavy.

    Website

  • Thompson Park2nd-3rd date

    New Jersey - verify region · Lincroft

    Park/walk option.

    Website

  • Windward Beach Park2nd-3rd dateMaps only

    New Jersey - verify region · Brick

    maps link only — confirm hours, vibe, and kosher fit before visiting

    Waterfront/scenic. Waterfront park; good around Lakewood/shore.

Waterfront Walk

  • Hoboken Waterfront Walkway1st-3rd flexibleMaps only

    North Jersey / NYC access · Hoboken

    maps link only — confirm hours, vibe, and kosher fit before visiting

    Very strong skyline walk; pair with kosher nearby if needed.

Activity

Museum

Garden

Kosher Restaurant

Our kosher restaurant list is not complete. To see what is open and near you, check Jewgo.

  • Chopstix Teaneck1st-3rd flexible

    North Jersey / NYC access · Teaneck

    Kosher Asian option; better casual than quiet serious.

    Website

  • Estreia Restaurant1st-3rd flexible

    Central Jersey / Shore · Lakewood

    Upscale Lakewood kosher dinner; verify reservation/hours.

    Website

Boardwalk / Waterfront

  • Pier Village1st-3rd flexible

    Central Jersey / Shore · Long Branch

    Boardwalk with food/shops; strong shore date option.

    Website

Aquarium / Boardwalk

  • Jenkinson's Aquarium1st-3rd flexible

    New Jersey - verify region · Point Pleasant Beach

    Aquarium + boardwalk; can be crowded/seasonal.

    Website

Park

Horseback Riding

  • Echo Lake Stables1st-3rd flexibleMaps only

    New Jersey - verify region · Newfoundland

    maps link only — confirm hours, vibe, and kosher fit before visiting

    Romantic/unique but not first-date standard; verify availability/tznius comfort.

Activity / Arcade

Activity / Billiards

  • Players Billiards1st-3rd flexible

    New Jersey - verify region · Eatontown

    Mekomos-listed billiards option; verify crowd/noise.

    Website

Kosher Cafe

Our kosher restaurant list is not complete. To see what is open and near you, check Jewgo.

Lake / Park

  • Lake Shenandoah County Park1st-3rd flexibleMaps only

    Central Jersey / Shore · Lakewood

    maps link only — confirm hours, vibe, and kosher fit before visiting

    Local Lakewood-area walking option.

Nature / Farm

  • Duke FarmsFlexible

    New Jersey - verify region · Hillsborough

    Large scenic grounds/trails; strong daytime option.

    Website

Sculpture Park

Walk / Museum

Zoo / Park

South FloridaFL · 42 spots

Hotel Lobby

Walk

Activity

  • Dania Pointe2nd-3rd date

    South Florida · Dania Beach

    Outdoor plaza/activity/food-adjacent; easy casual date.

    Website

  • Topgolf Doral2nd-3rd dateMaps only

    South Florida · Doral

    maps link only — confirm hours, vibe, and kosher fit before visiting

    Good activity date; can be loud.

  • Xtreme Action Park2nd-3rd date

    South Florida · Fort Lauderdale

    Indoor activity; better later date.

    Website

Museum

Garden

Kosher Restaurant

Our kosher restaurant list is not complete. To see what is open and near you, check Jewgo.

  • Carmela's2nd-3rd date

    South Florida · Boca Raton

    Kosher dairy; pairs well with Mizner Park or Boca Museum. Verify hours/hashgacha.

    Website

  • Harbour Grill1st-3rd flexible

    South Florida · Miami Beach

    Classic Surfside/Miami Beach kosher steakhouse option; verify hours/hashgacha.

    Website

  • Neya Restaurant1st-3rd flexible

    South Florida · Surfside

    Upscale kosher Surfside option; strong later-date fit.

    Website

  • South Florida · Hollywood

    Glatt/kosher Mediterranean; pair with Hollywood Beach Broadwalk.

    Website

  • Soho Asian Bar & Grill1st-3rd flexible

    South Florida · Aventura

    Kosher meat Asian/grill; late-night/Sat-night potential, verify hours.

    Website

  • Zak the Baker1st-3rd flexible

    South Florida · Miami

    Good casual daytime kosher cafe/bakery; not a quiet formal date.

    Website

  • Zuka Miami1st-3rd flexible

    South Florida · Hollywood

    ORB-listed kosher option in Hollywood; verify hours/hashgacha.

    Website

Mall / Walk

  • Aventura Mall2nd-3rd date

    South Florida · Aventura

    Bad-weather indoor walk; kosher nearby in broader area.

    Website

Shopping / Walk

  • Bal Harbour Shops2nd-3rd date

    South Florida · Bal Harbour

    Upscale open-air walk; better as add-on than full date.

    Website

  • Brickell City Centre1st-3rd flexibleMaps only

    South Florida · Miami

    maps link only — confirm hours, vibe, and kosher fit before visiting

    Good polished indoor/outdoor walk; can feel busy.

Park

Beach / Park

Hotel Lobby / Beach Walk

Museum / Garden

Nature Center

Park / Beach

Park / Waterfront

Walk / Shopping

Walk / Art

Walk / Garden

Walk / Nature

Los Angeles areaCA · 37 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Hotel Lobby

Hotel Lobby / Rooftop

Walk

Activity

Museum

Museum / View

  • Getty Center2nd-3rd date

    Los Angeles area · Los Angeles

    Top-tier museum/views; daytime; parking paid.

    Website

Garden

Kosher Restaurant

Our kosher restaurant list is not complete. To see what is open and near you, check Jewgo.

  • Jeff's Table1st-3rd flexible

    Los Angeles area · Pico-Robertson

    Kosher Connect calls out as good for date night; verify hours.

    Website

  • Shiloh's Bistro & Garden1st-3rd flexible

    Los Angeles area · Pico-Robertson

    Steakhouse-style kosher date-night option; verify reservation.

    Website

Shopping / Walk

Mini Golf

Activity / Walk

Aquarium / Walk

Estate / Park

Garden / Walk

Hotel Lounge

  • Mondrian Los Angeles1st-3rd flexible

    Los Angeles area · West Hollywood

    SDG listing; parking noted nearby. Verify current crowd/noise.

    Website

Library / Gardens

Museum / Outdoor Art

Museum / Scenic

  • Getty Villa1st-3rd flexible

    Los Angeles area · Pacific Palisades

    Great architecture/gardens; reservations/parking required.

    Website

Rooftop / View

  • Perch LAFlexible

    Los Angeles area · Downtown LA

    Pretty view, but bar-forward; frum comfort check required.

    Website

Scenic Restaurant / View

  • Yamashiro Hollywood1st-3rd flexible

    Los Angeles area · Hollywood Hills

    Not kosher restaurant; SDG suggests buying drink for view. Verify comfort.

    Website

Scenic Walk

State Park

View / Walk

Walk / Entertainment

Walk / Ocean View

Bay AreaCA · 5 spots

Walk

Museum

Walk / View

San Diego areaCA · 3 spots

Walk

  • Coronado Ferry Landing / Beach2nd-3rd dateMaps only

    San Diego area · San Diego

    maps link only — confirm hours, vibe, and kosher fit before visiting

    Scenic, relaxed, travel-friendly.

  • La Jolla Cove2nd-3rd date

    San Diego area · San Diego

    Scenic ocean walk; parking/crowds vary.

    Website

Park / Museum

  • Balboa Park2nd-3rd date

    San Diego area · San Diego

    Museums, gardens, walking; good day date.

    Website

Las Vegas areaNV · 6 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Walk / scenic

Houston areaTX · 6 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Walk / scenic

Museum / Gallery

Kosher Restaurant

Our kosher restaurant list is not complete. To see what is open and near you, check Jewgo.

Dallas / DFW areaTX · 6 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Walk / scenic

  • Klyde Warren Park2nd-3rd date

    Downtown Dallas · Downtown Dallas

    Outdoor park over the highway; pair with nearby lobby if weather turns.

    Website

Museum / Gallery

Mall / Walk

  • NorthPark Center2nd-3rd date

    North Dallas · North Dallas

    Large indoor walk; kosher options in broader DFW via Jewgo.

    Website

Philadelphia areaPA · 6 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Walk / scenic

Museum / Gallery

Kosher Restaurant

Our kosher restaurant list is not complete. To see what is open and near you, check Jewgo.

  • Milk + Honey Cafe1st-3rd flexible

    Main Line · Lower Merion

    Kosher dairy cafe on the Main Line; verify hours and hashgacha.

    Website

Mall / Walk

  • Main Line / KOP · King of Prussia

    Large indoor mall walk; useful bad-weather backup in Main Line area.

    Website

Chicago areaIL · 6 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Walk / scenic

  • Millennium Park2nd-3rd date

    Downtown Chicago · Loop

    Outdoor landmark walk; pair with nearby lobby in cold weather.

    Website

  • Navy Pier2nd-3rd date

    Navy Pier area · Streeterville

    Waterfront walk; can be crowded on weekends.

    Website

Museum / Gallery

Kosher Restaurant

Our kosher restaurant list is not complete. To see what is open and near you, check Jewgo.

  • Shallots1st-3rd flexible

    West Rogers Park · West Rogers Park

    Kosher fine dining; reservation recommended.

    Website

Baltimore areaMD · 5 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Walk / scenic

Museum / Gallery

DC areaMD · 5 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Walk / scenic

Museum / Gallery

Cleveland areaOH · 3 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Museum / Gallery

Mall / Walk

  • Crocker Park2nd-3rd date

    West Side / Beachwood corridor · Westlake

    Outdoor walkable district near west-side Jewish communities.

    Website

Detroit areaMI · 3 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Museum / Gallery

Mall / Walk

Phoenix areaAZ · 3 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Walk / scenic

Boston areaMA · 4 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Walk / scenic

  • Back Bay · Back Bay

    Classic outdoor walk; pair with nearby hotel lobby.

    Website

  • Coolidge Corner Walk2nd-3rd dateMaps only

    Brookline / Coolidge Corner · Brookline

    Walkable kosher-adjacent neighborhood; verify specific stops on Jewgo.

Museum / Gallery

Atlanta areaGA · 4 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Walk / scenic

Museum / Gallery

Mall / Walk

Pittsburgh areaPA · 3 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Walk / scenic

Museum / Gallery

Denver areaCO · 2 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Walk / scenic

Seattle areaWA · 3 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Walk / scenic

St. Louis areaMO · 2 spots

Hotel / Lounge

Museum / Gallery