THE MARRIAGE NEGOTIATOR

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7923, 30 January 1904, Page 3

THE MARRIAGE NEGOTIATOR-

A Curious Je wisla Cu3tom. An interesting figure in Jewish life, says the " London Leader," is the Shadehen*, or marriage negotiator, who is rapidly disappearing' from English Jewry. He still, however holds bis own in the East ±-nd ot London,' and pla-ys a prominent part in provincial communities. He is generally a man of some standing in the community, who indulges his penchant for match-mak-ing while visiting at the houses of his friends. The position attaching to the profession is but slightly less influential than that of the Rabbi himself. The Shadehen must, of course, be a man of tact and intelligence, with a profound knowledge 01 human nature. He is a welcome guest at every house, from the Warden's to the pooresb " schnorrer's." Entering a house where he has been informed that some fair Rachel dwells, he proceeds to assure the smiling mother: — "Nu ich will dein tochtec sein c' Shadehen — " Well, I'll be a Shadehen to your daughter," or some such phrase. If agreeable, be then has the delicate task of finding out what dowry the parents are willing to give, for every Jewish maiden is blessed with a "dot," "however poor the household. In fact, the status of the groom whom the Shadehen will produce is in exact proportions to the dowry suggested, so that parents are often prompted to name sums which they will have difficulty in realising. Some even go to v the length' of making a levy on their charitable co-religionists, as many times as there are daughters to provide for. The necessity of providing a suitable marriage. portion is recognised by one of the communal charities, which makes a special and exclusive feature of this branch of philanthropy. The father of the bride to-be finds the Shadchen's fee, which fluctuates with the dowry involved. The matter, therefore, is a. simple one for the parents, for all they need do is invite a Shadehen to come and see them, tell bim the amount with which they are willing to bless their daughter, and" leave the rest in his hands. He will find a suitable party, and, if the person chosen be acceptable to the parents, • the young couple one Saturday afternoon, with their respective relatives, both happen to call upon the Shadehen at about the same hour. Mutual introductions take place, and cake and wine are handed' round. Ib is only necessary to add here that in the majority of cases these Jewish marriages, although brought, about in this unromantic way, are proverbially happy and satisfactory. '