Simantov International Reviews: Best Jewish Matchmaking Service?

Jose Weber's Era of Global Expansion

Jose Weber took over the reins in 1985 after being successfully matched with his second wife by Kahn herself—a testament to the service's effectiveness that inspired his commitment to the business.

Under his leadership, Weber steered Simantov toward more global expansion, extending its operations across Europe. A significant milestone under Weber's leadership was successfully matchmaking the company's present owners, Bertrand and Rachel Stern, in 2015.

The Sterns Take Ownership

Rachel Stern shared their journey in an interview with Dating Advice, revealing, "After dating unsuccessfully for eight years, I was matched in just three months." 

Moved by the experience, the Sterns seized the opportunity to take over Simantov International when Weber sought new management. 

"We bid to take the ownership and finally won. That’s how I became owner and CEO,” Stern recalls. 

Having a background in business analytics and search engine optimization, Rachel lends her professional skills to further Simantov International's reach while honoring its traditional matchmaking roots. She regards her ongoing work as “an honor to give back what I got.”

Modern Day Shtetl

Today, Simantov International describes itself as “a modern day Jewish Matchmaker in an international Shtetl”, blending Jewish tradition with modern matchmaking techniques.

Global Presence: Simantov International is headquartered in London, with client representatives in cities across the globe like Tel Aviv, Paris, Madrid, Bruxelles, Frankfurt, Vienna, Zurich, New York, Panama City, Montreal, and Melbourne. 

Selective Client Acceptance

The company's clientele comprises Jewish singles seeking committed relationships, but Rachel Stern emphasizes the company's selectiveness in accepting applications.

As she explained, 

“Jewish people are traditional and want a family. We receive thousands of applications, but we choose the ones who are ready to commit to following our process.”

This screening approach means not everyone who applies will be accepted into the service.

Simantov International's approach combines traditional values with modern coaching methodologies and psychological expertise.

Traditional Human-Centered Matching

Simantov International adopts a traditional approach to matchmaking, prioritizing personal connections and a human touch over algorithm-driven processes.

Potential clients begin with an online inquiry, followed by an interview where membership and coaching program options are explored. If both parties agree it's a good fit, a confidential contract is signed outlining the terms and conditions of the service.

87% Success Rate Claim

According to Stern, Simantov's hands-on process results in an 87% success rate, a sentiment echoed on their website. However, this figure comes from the company itself rather than independent verification.

Quality Over Quantity Philosophy

Their focus is on quality over quantity, tailoring their searches to find the right match rather than guaranteeing a specific number of introductions. Potential matches are typically made within 4 to 6 weeks.

As Stern explained in an interview, "Once we take someone on board, we don’t give up."

She shares that this belief extends to all clients, even those who may consider themselves "too picky."

Match-Mentoring Coaching Program

Matchmaking packages include a "Match-Mentoring" feature designed to empower clients on their journey to self-improvement. Simantov collaborates with global specialists in various fields to support each client's journey.

Jo Hemmings - Behavioral Psychologist One of these specialists is Jo Hemmings, a Behavioral Psychologist and relationship coach who works with clients to facilitate the match mentoring sessions. Her expertise helps clients understand their relationship patterns and improve dating skills.

Dr. Terri Orbuch - "The Love Doctor" Another collaborating partner is Dr. Terri Orbuch, also known as "The Love Doctor." Dr. Orbuch is a therapist, speaker, author, and love expert based in New York. She's been working with Simantov to develop science-backed resources and course materials that encourage self-reflection.

According to Rachel Stern, this part of the matchmaking process is important for clients.

 "When individuals go through the material, they can reflect on it and know what they’re looking for in a partner.” 

Coaching as Essential Component

As Simantov's London-based senior matchmaker Karina Datashvili explained in an interview with Global Love Report, it's about more than just making a simple introduction:

 “I believe that I need to help my clients not to disrupt everything after just one conversation – it’s the reason why they need coaching.” 

This emphasis on coaching distinguishes Simantov from matchmakers focused solely on introductions without addressing clients' relationship readiness.

Review analysis shows limited but positive feedback across available platforms.

Google Reviews: 5.0 Stars from 3 Reviews

Simantov International has a perfect 5-star rating on Google based on 3 reviews—a small sample size that should be interpreted cautiously.

Success Stories

One client shared that she found someone special via the service, expressing gratitude for the successful match.

Another client said he met the woman who is now his wife through Simantov International, demonstrating the service's potential for creating lasting relationships.

Nicelocal Reviews: 4.3 Stars

Simantov International reviews on Nicelocal resulted in a 4.3 rating.

One review was a duplicate from the Google Business profile, with 3 other reviews contributing to the rating.

Positive Experiences

Two former Jewish matchmaking clients both reported positive experiences, praising the personalized attention and successful matching process.

Disputed Negative Review

The single negative reviewer shared they were unhappy with service experienced. However, a representative of Simantov International responded on the platform advising they were not able to verify that review as being from an actual client—suggesting either mistaken identity or potential fake review.

Limited Review Sample Caution

With only a handful of reviews across platforms, it's difficult to assess overall satisfaction patterns or identify common concerns. The predominantly positive feedback should be weighed against the extremely limited sample size.

Understanding the investment required helps you budget appropriately and compare alternatives.

Three-Tier Package Structure

Simantov International offers 3 levels of packages, allowing potential clients to choose which option suits them best.

Discovery Package - Passive Profile The Discovery Package is meant to "test the waters," as their website explains. It does not include any active matchmaking. Instead, at this level your profile will be "searchable" for clients and the matchmaking team, meaning you may get matched with those who purchase a more expensive package.

Important Note: With the Discovery Package, there's no guarantee you'll ever meet anyone. Your profile sits passively until someone purchasing a higher-tier package happens to match your criteria.

Cosmopolitan Package - Local Active Search If you want a matchmaker actively searching for compatible Jewish singles for you to meet, you'll need to purchase a Cosmopolitan or Premiere Package. The Cosmopolitan Package includes a local search conducted by the matchmaking team.

Premiere Package - International Search The Premiere Package includes an international search conducted by a senior matchmaker, expanding your potential match pool beyond your local area to Simantov's global network.

Match-Mentoring Included

All 3 packages include at least one "Match Mentoring" session, which is dating coaching aimed at helping you make a good first impression. Higher-tier packages likely include more coaching sessions.

Undisclosed Pricing

When it comes to cost, that's revealed during your initial consultation. Like many matchmaking services, Simantov International doesn't disclose pricing on their website.

However, to get you in the ballpark of what you can likely expect to spend, let's examine what other services offering Jewish matchmaking charge.

Aleeza Ben Shalom - Marriage Minded Mentor

Known for her featured role in Netflix's "Jewish Matchmaking," Aleeza Ben Shalom offers packages ranging in price between $15,000 and $50,000. Her company, Marriage Minded Mentor, is based in Philadelphia but she works with clients across the US and Israel.

To learn more, check out our Aleeza Ben Shalom reviews.

Enamour

While not exclusively for Jewish singles, Enamour offers white glove matchmaking for those seeking a tailored experience. The matchmaking team maintains a highly curated database of singles that's invitation-only, and also works with an extensive network of scouts.

Enamour's reach is global, and your personal matchmaker will use a blend of psychology, AI, and old-fashioned intuition to identify and screen truly relationship-worthy matches for you to meet.

Enamour's matchmaking packages begin around $20,000.

VIDA Select

VIDA Select is another matchmaking service worth considering. By taking a modern approach, VIDA's matchmakers are able to leverage the single largest source of eligible Jewish singles available.

Flexible Matchmaking packages start at $1,595 monthly with no long-term commitment. Work with expert matchmakers at your own pace while maintaining complete control over your dating journey.

The Accelerated Success Program gives you 5+ hand-selected matches you personally approve in 90 days for $5,750—guaranteed results or our work continues at no extra cost. For professionals ready to make their love life as successful as the rest of their lives.

82% of our clients meet someone special in just 3 months—because expertise, when applied to love, creates the same results it creates everywhere else.

Intrigued? Learn more about VIDA here!

Several factors beyond the limited positive reviews should inform your decision about whether this global Jewish matchmaker meets your needs.

The Global Jewish Network Advantage

Simantov International's nearly 50-year history and presence across Europe, North America, and Australia creates a substantial network for Jewish singles willing to consider international matches. If you're open to relocating or dating across borders, this global reach provides significant value.

Ideal for International Dating If:

• You're willing to travel for the right match
• You have multiple residences or travel frequently
• You're open to relocating for a serious relationship
• You value access to Jewish singles across continents
• You want matches from a truly international pool

The Coaching Component

The included Match-Mentoring with behavioral psychologist Jo Hemmings and Dr. Terri Orbuch adds value beyond simple introductions. If you recognize you need relationship coaching alongside matchmaking, this comprehensive approach may justify the investment.

Coaching Valuable If:

• You struggle with first impressions or dating anxiety
• You want to understand your relationship patterns
• You're open to self-reflection and personal growth
• You value science-backed relationship guidance
• You need help clarifying what you're truly seeking

Limited Review Concerns

With only 3 Google reviews and a handful on Nicelocal, there's insufficient data to assess satisfaction patterns, common complaints, or success rates beyond the company's own 87% claim. This lack of feedback makes the initial consultation experience crucial for your decision.

Key Decision Factors

Choose Simantov International If:

• You prioritize working with a nearly 50-year-old Jewish matchmaking institution
• The 87% success rate claim resonates with you
• You value the traditional Shadchanit approach modernized
• Global reach across Europe, North America, and Australia appeals to you
• You want Match-Mentoring coaching included
• The selective acceptance process feels like quality assurance
• You're comfortable with undisclosed pricing revealed during consultation

Consider Alternatives If:

• You prefer transparent pricing before investing time in consultations
• Limited reviews (only 3 on Google) concern you
• You want month-to-month flexibility over annual packages
• You prefer seeing more extensive client feedback before committing
• The Discovery Package's passive approach doesn't appeal
• You want guaranteed number of introductions rather than quality-focused approach
• You prefer services with hundreds of verified reviews