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Jan 8, 2026, 11:02 AM

A New King Arose

This coming Shabbat we will read about the rise of anew king "who did not know Joseph.” Last week we observed the inauguration of a new Mayor in New York. Are there similarities between the two? The new Pharaoh in...

Nov 27, 2025, 11:26 PM

Mamdani Strikes Out

Presented with the opportunity to show that he plans to make good on his pledge to stand with Jewish New Yorkers to combat “the scourge of antisemitism,” Zohran Mamdani failed miserably. We now have even more reason to fear...

Nov 25, 2025, 10:17 PM

Is success our ruin?

Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the election for Mayor was a devastating blow to the Jewish community of New York City. Yet it is in part our success through the years that sowed the seeds that made his victory possible. The...

Nov 5, 2025, 10:17 PM

Jerusalem as the Center of the World: The Foundation Stone

The scene must have been awe inspiring. The Kohen Gadol – High Priest –on Yom Kippur seeking Kapara– Atonement – for the Jewish people intoned the name of G-d that is otherwise not pronounced. As the throngs of people...

Nov 4, 2025, 5:24 PM

New York: The Day After

By the time this appears, you may know the result of the election for Mayor. But even before the results are in and viewing the situation from thousands of miles away, there are already some observations I want to...

Jul 7, 2025, 10:24 PM

Vienna 1897, New York 2025?

A city that was a center of culture, finance, and political power. with a large and thriving Jewish community elected an antisemitic mayor. The impact on two residents of that city would change the Jewish world forever. What are...

Jul 1, 2025, 12:02 AM

New York City: What went wrong?

Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the New York Democratic Primary was not about anti-Semitism but about generational change. That should give us even more cause for concern. Mamdani campaigned on a platform of making New York more affordable. His ideas such...

Jun 26, 2025, 7:12 PM

New York, New York Revised

A spoof with a very serious message for the Jews of my hometown: Start spreading the news, we’re leaving today We’re no longer part of it, New York, New York For wandering Jews it’s time to stray Anti-Semitism has reached the heart of...

Jun 16, 2025, 4:46 PM

Zohran Mamdani in his own words

Early voting has already started in the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City. The winner is likely to become the city's next mayor. Although there are several other candidates, the polls show that it is essentially a two...

May 29, 2025, 4:50 PM

Bringing the First Fruits: The Hulda Steps

The Hulda Steps leading to the Double Gate. Our ancestors walked on these very steps when they brought the First Fruits to the Temple. Photo by author

In a few days, we will once again figuratively stand before Mt. Sinai to receive the Torah, as we celebrate the holiday of Shavuot. The Torah, in Numbers 28:26, also describes this holy day as Yom HaBikurim – the Day...

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About Me

Manny Behar was a senior aide to New York City public officials and the long time Executive Director of the Queens Jewish Community Council. He is currently a tour guide in Jerusalem.

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