L'Chayim (Literally translated to To Life) is the longest continuously running talk show in the Jewish community and is currently seen nationally every Sunday on National Jewish Television at 3:00 PM. It is produced by the independent non-profit organization, Jewish Education in Media, Inc.
Background
L'Chayim premiered on WMCA Radio in New York City on February 2, 1979. Produced and hosted by JEM's executive director, Rabbi Mark S. Golub, L'Chayim is a Jewish combination of Nightline and Larry King Live featuring the issues, people and events of importance to the Jewish community. L'Chayim was one of the first Jewish programs to adopt a contemporary talk format and has always featured guests from every movement of Judaism which represent JEM's pluralistic approach to modern Jewish life.
In the early 1980s, L'Chayim was sponsored in Jewish communities by local Jewish federations. L'Chayim moved from WMCA to WOR Radio in New York City in the mid-1980s.
In 1990, L'Chayim premiered on television where it continues to air.
L'Chayim is also seen in Russian-language translation on the Russian Television Network of America, a channel devoted to the needs of immigrants from the former Soviet Union. L'Chayim interviews have been transcribed for print in Anglo-Jewish papers, and an interview with the late Isaac Bashevis Singer has been included in an anthology published by SUNY Press.