Manny Behar

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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...

May 23, 2025, 5:34 PM

The Vision Becomes Reality: The Western Wall

The Western Wall today. Only he bottom seven courses are from the Second Temple era. (Photo by author)

While Americans observe Memorial Day this coming weekend, we in Israel will celebrate Jerusalem Reunification Day. Tens of thousands will march through the streets of Jerusalem, waving flags and singing songs, on their way to the Kotel Hamaravi –...

May 15, 2025, 11:49 AM

Beware the false messiah

There were many people in our community who celebrated Donald Trump’s return to the White House as if it were the coming of the Messiah. The adulation is misplaced. President Trump has done some good things for Israel and...

Apr 4, 2025, 12:24 AM

When Leaders Err

The Torah’s wording in describing the sin offering to be brought by a leader indicates that it is inevitable that leaders will make mistakes, and we are fortunate when we have leaders who take accountability for them. In this week’s...

Dec 6, 2023, 12:42 PM

The stakes are high at Hillcrest High School

Last week, a large group of students vandalized their own school trying to attack a Jewish teacher who attended the rally for Israel in Washington DC. Some public officials like Mayor Eric Adams and Attorney General Tish James condemned...

Nov 21, 2023, 6:39 PM

Climbing Jacob’s Ladder

This week’s Torah reading begins with the story of Jacob’s dream of the ladder ascending to heaven and the angels going up and down. At the end of the dream, G-d speaks to him. It is a promise to...

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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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