Dating Outside Auspices of Shadchan
Question
What are the Jewish laws about dating someone you just met and became friendly with versus using a shadchan to find a spouse?
I am in college now. There is a Hillel on the campus, and I have dated a few Jewish girls I met in the Hillel. I want to get married someday. This is not just for fun. So far, I not clicked with any of them, and no one I know there seems like someone I want to marry, but I would not have known that unless I dated them.
My parents think what I am doing is wrong. They think it is forbidden to date anyone you are not matched up with through a shadchan. They were matched up by a shadchan themselves and they believe it is the only permissible way to meet one’s spouse.
The Hillel rabbi is not orthodox. I would like an answer from an orthodox rabbi.
Answers
It is somewhat difficult to answer your question as I do not know you personally and your background. My feeling is that you would be better served by asking a local Orthodox Rabbi who knows you and is familiar with your family dynamics.
Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team