Since our inception in Stamford, CT in 1971, Rabbi Mark S. Golub has served as the Chavurah's rabbi.  In 1972, he was ordained a Reform rabbi by the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in New York and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity by HUC-JIR in 1997 for his unique contribution to Jewish life through Jewish radio, television and film.

Rabbi Golub’s eclectic approach to the Jewish tradition reflects the diversity of his own family background.  His maternal grandfather was an Orthodox rabbi who received s’michah (rabbinic ordination) in the Musar Movement (Ethical Tradition of Judaism).  His paternal grandparents were pioneers in Jewish education in America through the Reform Movement and helped Dr. Mordecai Kaplan create Reconstructionist Judaism (Mark’s bar-mitzvah ceremony took place at the Reconstructionist S.A.J. synagogue in Manhattan).  And Mark grew up in a Conservative Jewish household which helped to create the first Conservative Synagogue in Trumbull, Connecticut.

Rabbi Golub (he is "Mark" to all of us) leads our Friday night services with song, laughter, and joy (as well as with an accordion).  His Friday night presentations of the Torah Sedra of the Week are based on the marvelous insights of the Midrash (rabbinic commentary to the Torah) that adds to our understanding of Jewish thought

Sunday Night Adult Study sessions are conducted by Rabbi Golub in the homes of Chavurah members.  Mark enriches our lives with classical rabbinic teachings, discussions of the contemporary Jewish experience in America, and dialogue focusing on current issues and opportunities facing Jews everywhere. 

Chavurah members also join Mark for Brunch and Shabbat Study in members’ homes -- consisting of readings of Talmudic and Midrashic passages as well as readings of contemporary Jewish rabbis and philosophers.  Currently, Rabbi Golub is presenting a survey of source material relating to the creation of the modern State of Israel.

Mark also teaches all of our children on Sunday mornings in a member’s home.  Classes include Hebrew study, Bar/Bat-Mitzvah preparation, and studies in Jewish ritual, culture and history.  Adults are also welcome to attend these classes and at least one parent must accompany his or her child.

Since 1979, Mark has also served as the Executive Director of Jewish Education in Media, Inc., the non-profit organization that produces the longest running Jewish program on the air today, L’Chayim.  As the program’s producer/host, Mark interviews the outstanding personalities on the world Jewish scene today. 

Mark also is the President of the Russian Television Network of America, a Russian-language channel for Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union.

L'Chayim Schedule on Cablevision

·        Sunday at 3:00 PM on national cable, Channel 77

·        Sunday at 5:30 PM on Fairfield County cable, Channel 84

·        Monday at 8:00 PM on Fairfield County cable, Channel 84