Jerry Weintraub, the iconic entertainment promoter and philanthropist who for more than 30 years volunteered his time and professional expertise as producer of Chabad of California’s annual telethon, passed away July 6 in Santa Barbara, Calif. He was 77 years old.

Born in the Bronx, N.Y., to Rose (Bass) and Samuel Weintraub, he entered “show biz” shortly after serving in the U.S. Air Force. He made his mark on the entertainment industry by innovating large stadium concerts, going on to manage an impressive string of successful live-music productions and films that were box-office hits.

A proud and involved Jew who described himself as “spiritual,” Weintraub championed a number of humanitarian and educational causes, both in his home state of California and abroad.

He was well-known for Chabad of California’s annual telethon, which he produced and chaired since 1980—work that he said gave him more satisfaction than the Hollywood hits he produced.

Weintraub ascribed his inspiration for his philanthropic work and personal spirituality to the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—whom he had met on a number of occasions. “I do not go a day without thinking about the Rebbe,” he said.

“Jerry was a dear and personal friend,” recalls Rabbi Levi Cunin, who co-directs Chabad of Malibu with his wife, Sarah, “[who] served as an inspiration to me and many others. It was less than three weeks ago, on the 21st anniversary of the Rebbe’s passing, that Jerry joined us at Chabad of Malibu for a Shabbat dinner to share his amazing personal experiences with the Rebbe.”

The Rebbe, left, and worshippers at 770 Eastern Parkway look on as Jerry Weintraub, right, is given the honor of "hagbah," raising the Torah scroll at the completion of the midweek reading.
The Rebbe, left, and worshippers at 770 Eastern Parkway look on as Jerry Weintraub, right, is given the honor of "hagbah," raising the Torah scroll at the completion of the midweek reading.