Today we’d like to introduce you to David Behar
David, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Miami Sephardic Club is an international organization aimed at uniting Sephardic Jews across the world. We were featured in the hit Netflix series, Jewish Matchmaking, which debuted in May, 2023, alongside with our founder, David Behar. MSC was founded in 2021 in Miami by a diverse group of Young Sephardic Professionals who were looking to meet like-minded people. Our board today consists of approximately 50 professionals and 4 Sephardic rabbis.
MSC has held major events in Miami, which included a mix of religious focused events (shiurs, torah classes, etc.) and co-ed night events. Our night events have attracted crowds from 200 to 550+ people, including guests from Miami and other major world centers (Los Angeles, New York City, Mexico City, Panama City, etc.). Outside of Miami, we’ve held a number of events in New York and Los Angeles, as well as an international Shabbaton (weekend trip) to Panama. We attract a crowd of Traditional and Modern Orthodox Jews who are here to meet like-minded people.
We instill Sephardic values and preserve our heritage through educational articles, which can be found at www.miamisephardicclub.com. We also offer matchmaking services to the broader Jewish community (ages 23s+ – 60s) and we operate matchmaking events, online and in-person, through our Sephardic Speed Dating brand.
We’re excited to continue uniting the international Sephardic community worldwide.
David Behar founded the Club in 2021, out of need to connect with other young Sephardic professionals in the Miami area. David is a CPA with an undergraduate and masters degrees in Accounting from the University of Florida (UF) and he is a Miami native. He was featured on the hit Netflix show, Jewish Matchmaking, in 2022 (Episodes 1, 2, 3, and 5). David is a first generation American and comes from a Turkish background. His parents were both born in Cuba and grew up in Panama and New York respectively. David is active in his synagogue, Temple Moses, an Orthodox Turkish / Cuban congregation in Miami Beach, FL.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I started the business at 30, seven years into my career. It’s easily the most passionate and rewarding thing I’ve ever done. This journey has taken me across the U.S.—mainly Miami, New York, and LA—as well as to Latin America, Europe, and Israel. My club helped me step into a leadership role within my community and even led to a feature on Netflix, which expanded my reach internationally.”
For four years, I worked full-time in mergers and acquisitions industry while running the business on the side. Balancing my full-time career with my club was really difficult at times. Both normally would require full-time attention. Eventually, I took the leap and went out on my own. I’m really excited to focus on my business ventures moving forward.
Building Miami Sephardic Club has been a major personal and professional growth experience. It’s taught me so much about entrepreneurship—resilience, creativity, leadership. There were tough moments too. Some people tried to take advantage of me, which was probably the hardest part. Risking my own money on the business and events was also a challenge, and in the early days, I did lose money a few times.
Still, it’s been an amazing ride, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work with the Miami Sephardic Club started early. When I launched the organization in 2021, I became the first young person—under 30 and not a rabbi—to start a Jewish organization for young professionals. At the time, it was something truly unique.
My personal mission is to meet every Sephardic Jew in the world—all 4 million of them. That’s what sets me apart from others in this space. It’s a big goal, but one that resonates deeply with people of all ages. This isn’t just about events—it’s about our heritage, our lineage, and preserving the richness of every Sephardic culture. I’ve built a network of thousands and have helped introduce dozens of couples across the U.S. and internationally. This is a global community, and the mission is only growing.
Beyond the mission, I’m a hard worker—and I’ll outwork anyone in this space. I bring over 11 years of corporate experience, including a CPA background and strong business acumen, which give me an edge. I left a successful, high-paying career to dedicate myself fully to this organization. That same drive and passion continue to move it forward every day.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Be careful with who you deal with. When you attract a lot of attention, you attract bad characters. Know who your real friends are and know who your fake friends are. Also put in writing, or even better a contract, every time you enter any business relationship.
Pricing:
- Every event is priced differently, according to the costs and demand.
- Same thing with my individual matchmaking services offered.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.miamisephardicclub.com
- Instagram: @daviddbehar_ and @miamisephardicclub.com
