Sofiev-Leviev’s Sold-Out Tu B’Av Event Brought Together 180 Singles to Build the Next-Gen of Jewish Families
NEW YORK, NY — Continuing her successful series of matchmaking events for Jewish singles, Chagit Sofiev-Leviev, President of the Bukharian Jewish Congress of the USA and Canada, hosted a sold-out Tu B’Av gathering for nearly 180 attendees at the Leviev Group headquarters rooftop on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
The event is part of an ongoing matchmaking initiative led by Sofiev-Leviev, with gatherings designed to serve different age groups within the Jewish singles community. Each event in the series has reached capacity, reflecting the tremendous demand for meaningful opportunities for Jewish singles to meet. More importantly, the gatherings have resulted in numerous introductions and ongoing connections and even weddings.
“This is exactly why we do these events,” said Sofiev-Leviev. “Of course, we hope people meet someone at the event itself, but the impact goes far beyond one evening. To already have seen a wedding come from these efforts is incredibly special, and it reminds us what this is really about — helping people find their partner and build a Jewish home.”
Central to the initiative is Sofiev-Leviev’s partnership with a dedicated group of community matchmakers, who work alongside her to facilitate introductions and ensure that the impact of each gathering continues long after the event itself. The matchmakers volunteer their time and perform this work without compensation, driven by their commitment to helping Jewish singles find their partners and build families.
One of the most important outcomes of the matchmaking series has been the opportunity for singles to personally meet and connect with these matchmakers. By establishing those relationships, matchmakers can remain in touch with attendees, get to know them better and continue considering potential matches for them weeks and months afterward.
During the evening, Sofiev-Leviev took the opportunity to introduce and recognize the matchmakers before the crowd, highlighting the tremendous work they do for Jewish singles and the community.
The participating matchmakers included Natalie and Shlomi Shlomo, Riki Hafisov, Adina Fatakov, Angela Gavrielov, Chagit Kaikov, Daniella Linker, Elizabeth Kariyev, Esther Yagudaev, Marina Nisanov, Nelya Isakov, Rusana Boruchow, Shira Ibragimova and Tammy Fuzailov.
“Our matchmakers do incredible work, much of it quietly and behind the scenes,” said Sofiev-Leviev. “They give their time and energy completely voluntarily, asking for nothing in return. They are truly my partners in this initiative, and I wanted to take the opportunity to recognize them publicly and make sure our singles know who they are. A matchmaker may meet someone here and think of the right person for them that evening, weeks later or even months later. That is why the impact goes far beyond one event.”
Rabbi Vaknin addressed the attendees with an uplifting and inspiring message about relationships, faith and the importance of building a Jewish home.
In her own remarks, Sofiev-Leviev spoke about the purpose behind the matchmaking initiative and thanked her husband, Gavriel Sofiev, whom she described as her partner in everything she does and a constant source of support behind her community work.
“ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISIONS WE MAKE IN LIFE IS WHOM WE CHOOSE TO MARRY”— SOFIEV-LEVIEV
“One of the most important decisions we make in life is whom we choose to marry,” Sofiev-Leviev told the attendees. “I was blessed to marry someone who supports me, believes in what I do and is truly my partner in everything. My greatest hope is that everyone here finds that person with whom they can build their own Jewish home.”
The elegant rooftop setting overlooking Manhattan provided a warm and welcoming environment intentionally designed to encourage conversation and meaningful introductions. Guests enjoyed freshly prepared sushi, pizza made on site, a full bar and a special “Matok” dessert presentation.
Even a sudden summer storm became part of the evening’s story, briefly bringing everyone indoors and creating an unexpected icebreaker. Once the skies cleared, guests returned to the rooftop and the evening continued — a fitting reminder that while we can plan the setting and create the opportunities, ultimately everything is in Hashem’s hands.
For Sofiev-Leviev, the matchmaking series is ultimately about something much larger than any single gathering: strengthening Jewish continuity and helping create the next generation of Jewish families.
“We can bring people together, create the opportunity, make the introductions and connect them with wonderful matchmakers,” said Sofiev-Leviev. “But ultimately, we know that every shidduch is in Hashem’s hands.”
With this year’s sold-out Tu B’Av gathering complete, the matchmaking continues, as the matchmakers remain connected with attendees and work on potential introductions long after the evening itself.
“The event may be over, but the real work continues,” Sofiev-Leviev added. “I can’t wait to hear about the shidduchim that come from the connections made here — and, Baruch Hashem, to celebrate many more weddings in the future.”