Meet Max Cohen, or as his 200,000 adoring fans—who probably also know all the lyrics to Jewish camp songs—call him, Murray Hill Boy. This 24-year-old maestro of social media is taking the internet by storm with delightful parodies of Jewish life, showcasing everything from the art of ordering bagels like a pro to the chaotic charm of a color war at Jewish camp. Spoiler alert: it’s messier than you’d think.
His sketches hit home, especially those featuring the characters you never knew you needed until they showed up at a bar in Manhattan’s Murray Hill. Think of recent Big 10 graduates desperately trying to impress on a first date by playing Jewish geography, or finance bros lamenting how “swamped” they are—trust me, it’s not a real job if you can’t fund a $15 avocado toast.
Cohen’s experience in Murray Hill, a haven for post-grad millennials with more degrees than life skills, offers an authentic backdrop for his humor. Since moving from Long Island to the Midtown East district after graduating from Tulane University in 2022, he absorbed the quintessential atmosphere of a neighborhood that’s like a frat house, but with more sushi bars and less dignity. Who knew “adulthood” could smell so much like stale beer and desperation?
Upon his arrival, Cohen took stock of the local talent—a bizarre mix of suburban Jewish elites who all seem to know someone with a cousin in real estate. Between his paralegal gig and hopping around trendy bars on weekends, he realized how ripe the Murray Hill scene was for comedy, not unlike fruit that’s teetering on the edge of being overripe. In January 2024, he took the plunge: posting his first TikTok as Murray Hill Boy, evoking more laughs than your last family dinner discussion about marriage.
@murrayhillboy
if you saw me walking around 3rd Ave in a Murray Hill University sweatshirt today, no you didn’t #murrayhill #jewish #sleepawaycamp #nyc #nycbars #20something #frat #sorority #collegetour #tourguide
♬ original sound – Max Cohen
Cohen aptly inhabits this persona—not to be confused with an actual college graduate who knows how to fold fitted sheets—by gleefully poking fun at the locals. In an interview while noshing on matzah ball soup, he jokingly stated that “Murray Hill Boy” signifies his nuanced New York identity without the need for a complicated backstory. Just don’t ask him about his Bar Mitzvah; it’s still an emotional topic.
However, it wasn’t all giggles and fame when Cohen transitioned from legal paperwork to witty repartees. While training to become an attorney (dreams of courtroom drama dancing in his head), he found himself trapped in a creative black hole. His friends, perhaps tired of hearing him quote law textbooks, urged him to jump onto TikTok. “You’re funnier than my last breakup,” they practically shouted. Cohen was skeptical, finding the platform “cringy”—a sentiment felt by every adult trying to decode a TikTok dance trend.
Against all odds, Cohen’s comedic talent broke through, proving that even the most mundane can sparkle with humor, like that old Shabbat candlestick set you never want to throw away. He ditched the paralegal life once he managed to monetize his TikTok. “I made my first cent from TikTok in May, and I quit my job at the end of June,” he shared, mirroring every Jewish parent’s worst nightmare, complete with a side of matzah ball soup for good measure.
@murrayhillboy
of course his roommate, his bid to a frat, and a chabad donation are all secured within minutes of getting in #college #collegedecision #collegerejection #umich #big10 #longisland #jewish #longislandmom #murrayhill #sleepawaycamp
♬ original sound – Max Cohen
Interestingly, Cohen’s journey took a deeper turn post-October 7, as he addressed the sensitive topic of Jewish identity amidst rising antisemitism. He humorously dodges negative comments but finds himself more perplexed by his fellow Jews questioning the appropriateness of his comedic lens. Spoiler: the answer is always, “There’s always room for Jewish joy.”
And while he may portray exaggerated Jewish stereotypes, it’s all rooted in love for the culture that shaped him—his family, friends, and yes, even the overzealous Jewish mothers who DM him like eager matchmakers. “I strive to put Jewish people in a positive light,” he quips, “because let’s face it; if I can make a joke about brisket, we’re all winning a little.”
Now, Cohen’s fame has attracted the attention of none other than Jewish mothers—his self-proclaimed most passionate fan base. “They’re powerful women with the kind of confidence I aspire to,” he jokes. And while the real-life Lisa Cohen (his mom) is nothing like the outrageous character she inspired, he still revels in the comedy gold that comes from her forays into suburban life.
In the end, it turns out this TikTok star, who flippantly referred to himself as “single, 6 feet tall” at the interview’s close, is paving a new path for Jewish representation online. So if you’re sick of uncomfortable family dinners and awkward shiva gatherings, tune into Murray Hill Boy—you might find the humor that’ll make your next visit home a little more bearable.
