The project examines the Shabbat (Sabbath) dinner experience of religious Jewish men in prolonged singlehood out of an innovative approach to the phenomenon. As opposed to the common approach that considers singlehood as a problem in need of solution, this project approaches it as a legitimate and meaningful life period.
The research methods include contextual research, in-depth interviews, surveys and digital observations. The key insights are that single religious men perceive singlehood as a “medieval” time, an undesirable interim period in their lives, characterized by loneliness experienced most keenly on the Shabbat and the holidays.
The proposed solution – “Asicha” (Let’s Chat) – is a card game which encourages an open and multidimensional dialogue about singlehood during Shabbat dinners. The project is designed to transform the perception of singlehood from an interim stage to a valuable period in life, and to enrich social meetings. The project’s innovation lies in its unique approach that offers ways to positively deal with singleness, instead of seeing it as a problem that requires an immediate solution.
Mor, born and raised in Sderot, leads development and innovation processes for local authorities and organizations. With a BA in social work and education from the Hebrew University and an M.Des in industrial design from Bezalel, Mor combines design thinking tools with an empathetic approach to streamline and refine solutions in the projects she leads. An avid believer in the power of the periphery, Mor works to promote social change in Israel by leveraging the unique cultural capital of socio-geographical peripheral areas.