Trust & Safety
Questions worth answering.
How we protect your data, choose matches, keep messaging safe, and run the community.
Data & privacy
Is my personal information safe?
Yes. We use industry-standard encryption, restrict internal access, and never sell, lend, rent, or otherwise distribute your personal data to advertisers, data brokers, or marketers. Your deeper questionnaire answers are stored privately and are never shown to other members by default.
Who can see my questionnaire answers?
Other members can only see the profile information you choose to make public. Deeper questionnaire answers — such as those about values, lifestyle, substance use, politics, and relationship preferences — stay hidden and are used only by our matching system.
What happens to my ID and verification documents?
ID uploads and reviewer notes are visible only to authorized reviewers during the approval process. They are not shared with other members and are stored securely.
Can I delete my account and data?
Yes. You can request account deletion at any time by contacting us. We will remove your profile, answers, messages, and uploaded media within a reasonable period, except where we are required to keep certain records by law.
Matching
How does Shalom choose my matches?
Our system looks at the qualities that matter most for a serious relationship — Jewish identity and values, family goals, communication style, lifestyle, and preferences — using both your public profile and your private questionnaire answers. You receive a limited number of thoughtful introductions with an explanation of why each person may be a good fit.
Will I be matched with someone I already passed on?
No. When you pass on a match, that decision is permanent. We will not resurface that person in your live matches or queue them again in the future.
Do other members see my compatibility score?
Compatibility insights are shared only between two matched members once there is mutual interest. They are not shown publicly or to unmatched members.
Messaging
Can anyone message me?
No. Messaging only opens after two members have mutually expressed interest in each other. Until then, your contact information and messages are not shared.
Are my messages private?
Messages are stored securely and are visible only to you and the person you are matched with. We do not scan messages for advertising purposes.
What if someone is inappropriate in chat?
You can end the conversation or contact us. We review reports of harassment, abuse, scams, or other harmful behavior and may remove members who violate our community expectations.
Safety & community
How does Shalom verify members?
Every member goes through a two-part review: a government-issued ID check and a photo review. This helps us confirm identity and keep the community safe, while still protecting your private details.
What should I do if I suspect a fake profile?
Please report it to us immediately. We investigate reports and remove accounts that do not meet our verification or community standards.
Does Shalom run background checks?
We do not perform criminal background checks. We rely on ID verification, photo review, member reports, and clear community guidelines to help maintain a trustworthy environment.
About Shalom
Who is behind this app?
This app was created by Joshua Hoffman, who has built two Jewish digital media platforms (IZZY and Future of Jewish). He is also the author of a few books about Israel and Judaism.
Is Shalom really free?
Yes. Shalom is completely free. There are no subscriptions, no hidden fees, and no ads. We believe everyone deserves access to thoughtful, intentional Jewish dating.
Who is Shalom for?
Shalom is for Jewish singles in and around Los Angeles who are serious about finding a meaningful relationship. Whether you are observant, secular, traditional, culturally Jewish, Israeli, Persian, Ashkenazi, Sephardi, or still discovering what Judaism means to you, Shalom is designed to understand the role Jewish life plays in the future you want.