Sara's World Reviews [Meet Jewish Matchmaker Sara Malamud!]

Jerusalem-based Jewish matchmaker Sara Malamud's Sara's World of Singles charges "several thousand dollars a year" for boutique matchmaking serving 15-20 active clients across North America including Modern Orthodox, Secular, Reform, and Conservative singles, with match sourcing from her database and collaborations with non-Orthodox matchmakers in cities like Chicago and Toronto.

Founded in 2001 after taking over World of Singles from its retiring owner, Malamud provides full profiles with photos for client approval, emphasizes intuition and energy-reading in her matching approach, and maintains a presence in 17 North American cities despite Jerusalem headquarters.

Key Insights:

• Estimated pricing: Sara Malamud charges "several thousand dollars a year" according to interviews, with final cost depending on matching criteria specificity, number of cities included in search, and contract length (pricing not disclosed online)
• Boutique client roster: Limits active clients to around 15-20 Jewish singles at any time, providing personalized attention across wide range of observance levels including Modern Orthodox, Secular, Reform, and Conservative
• Journey to matchmaking: Born in Argentina, moved to London, returned to Argentina as English tutor supervisor, made aliyah to Israel seeking Jewish connection, became matchmaker in 2001 after befriending and eventually taking over World of Singles from retiring owner
• Intuition-based approach: "Intuition plays a big role in matchmaking—at least it does for me. I have always been good at reading the energy of other people" and loves listening to clients' life stories during consultations
• North American presence: Headquartered in Jerusalem but works with clients throughout North America with presence in 17 cities including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, LA, Miami, NYC, San Diego, SF, Seattle, Scottsdale, Toronto, Vancouver, and DC
• Match sourcing methods: Pairs clients with Jewish singles from database plus candidates identified via collaborations with non-Orthodox Jewish matchmakers in cities like Chicago and Toronto
• Profile preview included: Clients see full profiles with photos of suggested matches and can approve or deny each one before meeting, though Malamud encourages in-person meetings over snap judgments
• Coaching integration: Includes dating coaching as part of matchmaking service, frequently sharing insights via social media on topics like staying calm, trusting intuition, and texting selectively

This Sara's World of Singles review dives into her approach to matchmaking, how she got started, what to expect if you sign up and more. Everything you need to decide if she's the right choice for you.

Our team of experts has reviewed 200+ matchmaking services. Our expertise comes from over 14 years of first hand industry experience, comprehensive research, client reviews, and a keen understanding of the matchmaking landscape.

Born and raised in Argentina, Sara Malamud journeyed to London as a young adult where she married her first husband. 

When that marriage ended, she moved back to her home country and pursued a career as an English tutor. The number of her students quickly expanded, ultimately leading her to hire more tutors and move into a supervisory capacity.

Finding Her Jewish Connection

But over time, Malamud found herself feeling drawn towards her Jewish roots. As she shared in an article she posted on LinkedIn, “It felt like something special and I longed to feel Jewishly connected.”

She decided it was time to make 'aliyah', and once in Israel she landed a position at a jewelry chain within the renowned King David Hotel. 

Settling into her new life, Malamud turned her focus to finding a husband - and unwittingly took the first step toward becoming a professional matchmaker. 

Becoming a Matchmaker

She enlisted the support of a local matchmaker, the owner of World of Singles. The two swiftly became friends, and Malamud ultimately joined forces with Carol to provide matchmaking services in Jerusalem. 

When her friend retired, Malamud took over the reins of World of Singles, including its member database, and expanded the business globally.

Over the years, Malamud has changed her branding several times, from "World of Singles" and “Sara’s World” to "Sara Malamud Jewish Matchmaker" and “A World of Jewish Singles.”

While the company is still headquartered in Jerusalem, Malamud also works with clients throughout North America, with a presence in these cities: 

Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Scottsdale, Toronto, Vancouver, and Washington DC.

Malamud has been matchmaking since 2001, and frequently passes along her insights into dating via social media. She also includes some coaching as part of her matchmaking service.

Here are 3 of her best dating tips!

A boutique matchmaker, Malamud limits her number of active clients to around 15-20 Jewish singles, which includes a wide range of observance levels, including Modern Orthodox, Secular, Reform, and Conservative.

The process begins with completing a confidential profile on her matchmaking website. You'll answer personal questions concerning your lifestyle, religious preferences, and relationship goals.

Malamud prescreens every potential client either in person, via phone, or video platform. The screening process involves gaining insights into your family values and lifestyle, and understanding your preferred criteria for a potential match.

During the complimentary consultation, you’ll also learn more about the service options, cost, contract details, etc.

Assuming the service seems like a good fit, you’ll sign the contract and the search begins.

Malamud's approach to matchmaking revolves around communication and intuition.

As she shared in her LinkedIn piece, 

“Intuition plays a big role in matchmaking - at least it does for me. I have always been good at reading the energy of other people. I’m social. I love to talk with people and I love listening to their stories. I’m fascinated and intrigued by the life stories I am privileged to hear during the initial consultation with a potential client.”

As a client, you can expect to see a full profile and photo of each suggested match. You've got the option to approve or deny each one. You’ll be paired with Jewish singles from her database, and candidates she’s identified via her collaboration with non-Orthodox Jewish matchmakers in cities such as Chicago, Toronto, and a few others.

When it comes to finding a client’s ideal match, she says the internet has made the matchmaking process more difficult, because singles tend to treat finding a potential partner like buying something online.

As she explains, 

“Now I send a photo and right away they say ‘she’s not my type’, or ‘I don’t like men with hair on their chest."

When you’re interested in a potential match, you’ll have a chance to speak with them before meeting in person. Malamud encourages her clients to then meet in person to see if there’s a connection. 

“I tell them ‘go and have a coffee together. What do you have to lose?’ When they’re on dating sites it’s like a dating catalog. They just keep scrolling down.”

Sara Malamud doesn't mention pricing on her website, however she has disclosed in an interview that her services run “several thousand dollars a year.”

Your final cost may depend on factors such as the specificity of your matching criteria, how many cities you’d like to include in the search, the length of your contract, and more.

For an idea of what your final cost might be, let’s take a quick peek at what a few other matchmaking services for Jewish singles charge.

Jewish Matchmaking Cost Comparison

Enamour has a global reach, working with Jewish singles all over the world. The matchmaking team selects highly compatible candidates from an “invite-only” database, and also utilizes recruitment tech and an extensive network of scouts. 

All potential matches are extensively vetted before being presented. Enamour packages start around $20,000 for a 6-month contract. 

Aleeza Ben Shalom is another matchmaker who may be on your radar. She’s been featured in Netflix's "Jewish Matchmaking" series, and has been connecting Jewish singles since 2012.

Based in Philadelphia, Aleeza Ben Shalom works with clients across the US. Her services range from $15,000 to $50,000+.

Like Enamour, VIDA Select has a global reach. VIDA’s matchmaking team has access to the largest source of Jewish singles there is, thanks to taking a modern approach to matchmaking. 

Rather than using a long-term contract, VIDA offers flexible pay-as-you-go service with some packages purchased on a monthly basis. Packages start at $1,595.

Clients can also opt for the "90-Day Match Guarantee" package, which includes at least 5 matches you personally approve for $5,750. Guaranteed results or the search continues at no additional cost.

On average, VIDA clients meet someone special within just 3 months of beginning the service. Intrigued? Go here to see if VIDA Select is right for you!