Mark Golub, the founder and CEO of the Jewish Broadcasting Service, died on January 31, 2023, at the age of 77. He was a rabbi, a media entrepreneur, a television personality, and an educator. He created the first Russian-language television channel in America, RTN, and hosted a popular talk show called L’Chayim, where he interviewed prominent Jewish figures. He was also the rabbi of Chavurah Aytz Chayim in Stamford, Connecticut, and Chavurat Deevray Torah in Greenwich, Connecticut. He was remembered for his wit, his heart, his curiosity, and his passion for the Jewish story.
The Circumstances of His Death
According to an obituary distributed by the United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien, Golub died at Weill Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan. His death was ruled out as a natural case. He did not have any severe illness at the time of his death.
However, Golub had a history of heart problems. In 2021, he suffered a heart attack that damaged his left ventricle. He underwent a surgery to implant a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a mechanical pump that helps the heart pump blood. He also received a pacemaker and defibrillator to regulate his heartbeat.
Golub’s family and friends launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help cover his medical expenses and support his recovery. The fundraiser raised over $200,000 from more than 1,300 donors. Golub expressed his gratitude and optimism in a video message posted on the fundraiser page in December 2021. He said he was feeling better and looking forward to returning to his work at JBS.
Unfortunately, Golub’s condition worsened in January 2023. He was admitted to the hospital for complications related to his LVAD. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.
The Legacy of His Life
Golub was born in 1945 in New York City to Jewish parents Leo J. Golub and Rebecca Newman Golub. He grew up in Connecticut and attended Columbia College, where he was involved in Jewish activities and campus radio. He then studied at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion and became a rabbi in 1972.
Golub had a lifelong love for radio and television. He worked as the editorial director and director of public affairs for WMCA Radio in New York City. He also created Sh’ma Magazine, a journal of Jewish responsibility, with his mentor Eugene B. Borowitz.
In 1979, he founded Chavurah Aytz Chayim, a humanistic Jewish congregation in Stamford. He also launched L’Chayim, a talk show that featured discussions with Jewish leaders, scholars, artists, activists, and celebrities. The show was broadcast on various radio and television stations over the years.
In 1992, Golub established RTN, the first Russian-language television channel produced in America. The channel aimed to serve the Russian-speaking immigrants from the former Soviet Union who settled in the US. It offered news, entertainment, culture, and education programs.
In 2006, Golub founded JBS (formerly Shalom TV), a non-profit Jewish television network that reaches millions of viewers across the US and Canada. JBS offers a variety of programs that showcase Jewish culture, history, religion, values, and perspectives. JBS also covers major Jewish events and issues around the world.
Golub was also active in the Jewish community and interfaith dialogue. He served as the president of the Interfaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut and the vice president of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Jewish life and media
Golub was married twice and had five children and nine grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing softball and accordion. He was described by his family and friends as a visionary, a mentor, a friend, and a mensch.
Golub’s funeral service was held on February 2, 2023 at Temple Beth El in Stamford. It was livestreamed on Temple Beth El’s website and JBS’s channel. Many people paid tribute to Golub’s life and legacy online and offline.
Golub’s death is a great loss for the Jewish community and the media industry. He will be remembered for his dedication to informing, educating, and inspiring people through his work. May his memory be a blessing.