The 2008 Chabad Telethon: Dancing For Hope

HOLLYWOOD, CA — “Even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. And each one of us has the chance — and the responsibility — to share the precious gift of hope with those in need. That’s been the ultimate message of the Telethon over the years,” said Rabbi Boruch Shlomo Cunin, head of West Coast Chabad.

Click Here for a Photo Gallery from the 2007 Chabad Telethon!

The thread of hope is woven throughout the 28-year history of the Chabad “To Life” Telethon. And thanks to generous viewer support, the broadcast has helped bring that gift to countless men, women, and children of all backgrounds. The 2008 Chabad “To Life” Telethon airs on Sunday, September 14 from 4:00 to 10:00 pm, PDT.

Broadcasting live from Hollywood, the show can be seen around the country on television and around the globe online at www.ToLife.com. More than 30 million households can watch the unique combination of celebrity guests and dancing rabbis — and when they do, they’ll see just the latest round of an ongoing celebration of giving.

“The Telethon started in response to a terrible event, and brought us new hope,” explained Rabbi Cunin. “To this day, the program provides a way to demonstrate our common humanity and fulfill the Rebbe’s vision of people working together to help one another.”

The first Telethon aired in 1980, after tragedy had struck Chabad of California. A devastating fire swept through the organization’s headquarters in Westwood, destroying the building and claiming the lives of three young men. To help recover from the disaster, a special event was planned: a live, televised fundraiser featuring actors, musicians, community leaders and concerned citizens. Joined by the rabbis of Chabad, the guests would ask for community support to help the organization rebuild.

Hosted by comedian Jan Murray and actor Carroll O’Connor, the Telethon was a hit. An overwhelming viewer response made the one-time event into an annual tradition that now serves as Chabad’s biggest fundraiser each year. And the image of the dancing rabbi — symbolizing the happiness felt when people perform good deeds — has become a pop culture icon.

The Telethon supports a network of over 200 Jewish community centers, as well as a broad range of nonsectarian programs providing educational and social services to the needy of all faiths. Last year’s broadcast generated more than $7 million, with donations ranging from a single dollar to tens of thousands.

“Whether it’s a child who needs an education, a senior who needs some companionship, or an addict who needs a second chance — there are so many in our community who face desperate need,” said Rabbi Cunin. “Chabad has always been blessed by caring and compassionate supporters, and we want the Telethon to inspire them to come together to dance, to sing, and to reach out to those less fortunate.”

A program that once featured Hollywood legends like Milton Berle, Sammy Davis Jr., and Bob Hope now hosts guests like Adam Sandler, Martin Sheen, Bob Dylan, and Whoopi Goldberg.

Last year’s show included actors Jon Voight and Elliott Gould, actress/singer Mare Winningham, comedian Shelley Berman, radio commentator Dennis Prager, Jewish community leaders John Fishel and Rabbi Marvin Hier, and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Mordechai Ben David, Gad Elbaz, Avraham Fried, The Yeshiva Boys Choir, and piano prodigy Ethan Bortnick provided musical performances.

The Chairpersons of the 2008 Chabad “To Life” Telethon are film producer Jerry Weintraub and attorney Marshall B. Grossman, both longtime friends and supporters of the organization.

The creative team joining Chabad for this year’s broadcast includes: Producer Chaim Marcus, principal of Marcus Advertising; Supervising Producer Tzvi Small, whose producer credits include The Grammy Awards and BET Awards; Creative Producer Daniel Wise, a playwright and producer who has contributed to Saturday Night Live and The Late Show with David Letterman; Segment Producer Abe Raphael; Director Barry Glazer, whose director credits range from American Bandstand to The Ellen DeGeneres Show; and Kevin Bright, Executive Producer of Friends and Joey.

This year’s program has also attracted a growing list of corporate sponsors; at press time, these supporters included The Beverly Hilton, Clear Channel, L.A. Movers, AAA Flag & Banner, Ralphs, Tiffen, PWP Industries, The Jewish Press, Mizmor Kosher Water, EYE Media, Israir Airlines, Flipswap, the Radisson Hotel LAX, and the Fish Grill. These partnerships help advance Chabad’s charitable work, and the Chabad Telethon encourages its viewers and supporters to patronize these generous businesses.

Telethon producers promise a diverse lineup of guests, resulting in another special mix of entertainment and spirituality that offers viewers a chance to do something good. By tuning in on September 14 and supporting Chabad’s grassroots efforts, Telethon donors can help people of all backgrounds — and can give hope to those who need it most.