Rolling through life: Speeding Tickets & Dating on Wheels
This summer, I traded the hustle of New York City for the quiet of the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts. My days consisted of working remotely, networking, and job hunting, while my nights were spent binge-watching Netflix and editing my Hinge profile. By the end of two months, I was stir-crazy. I missed the East Village energy, needed some space from my parents, and craved a return to the city life.
Soon, I packed up my car, said goodbye to the Berkshires, and headed back to New York. On my first night back, I attended a Jewish speed dating event on the Upper West Side at the JCC (Jewish Community Center). I’d been on the JCC email list since my NYU days, and this event caught my eye. With so much of our social lives online, I figured face-to-face interaction might offer a refreshing change, even if it did mean navigating the complexities of dating with a disability.
When I arrived at the event, I was surprised by how well-organized it was. The JCC had set up a rooftop space with snacks, wine, and a relaxed vibe. I met a quirky guy in the elevator who jokingly misunderstood my question about his "spectrum" as referring to the autism spectrum, which made me laugh. We both shared a chuckle before heading to the rooftop.
The event itself was structured but fun. Thirty men and thirty women sat across from each other in rows of foldable chairs. Each pair had two and a half minutes to chat before moving to the next person. A "Jewish geography" question like, “What was the theme of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah?” was added to the mix, and at the end, everyone submitted their sheets to indicate who they were interested in.
As someone who uses a wheelchair, I wasn’t sure how I’d be perceived, but I was pleasantly surprised by how people responded. Some women were curious, others seemed impressed I showed up at all, and many were neutral about my disability, focusing more on the conversation. I made a few women laugh with jokes about Jewish culture and shared stories about my job selling chocolate and my post-college life. It felt great to connect with people on a deeper level, beyond the surface of online profiles.
One memorable moment was when a guy in his twenties, wearing a Star of David necklace straight out of American Hustle, offered to walk me back to my apartment. He was outgoing and friendly, and we spent the walk chatting about the event, discussing what worked and what didn’t. That night, I felt good about my experience—meeting new people, having some fun, and boosting my confidence.
Would I do speed dating again? Maybe. I’m not sure if I’ll find a match right away, but I believe in putting myself out there in creative ways. Finding love as a wheelchair user can be challenging, but it’s about making connections, whether in person or online. Apps like Hinge and Dateability help focus more on personality, which is key when physical appearance isn't the whole story.
In the end, the famous saying holds some truth: "There’s someone for everyone." Speed dating, online apps, and events like this one might not always lead to a perfect match, but they do offer opportunities to meet new people and make meaningful connections—wheelchair or not.
