Chabad Rabbi and TV Producer to Be Honored for Unlikely Friendship

Malibu Shliach Rabbi Levi Cunin and the Emmy-winning television producer and director Kevin Bright will be jointly honored at the 3rd annual Jewish Media Awards at the Lincoln Center in New York City.

Rabbi Levi Cunin, Shliach of Chabad of Malibu, California and Kevin Bright, the Emmy-winning television producer and director, will be jointly honored at the 3rd annual Jewish Media Awards for their close friendship.

The two will receive the 2026 Chaverim Award Celebrating Jewish Unity at a ceremony on November 5 at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City.

The award recognizes Bright and Rabbi Cunin as examples of how Jews from different communities and levels of religious observance can develop deep friendships despite their differences.

“Even though our perspectives and backgrounds were very, very different when Levi and I met, we just hit it off immediately,” said Bright, who is best known for his work on NBC’s sitcom Friends. “Many people would think, ‘how can you have a relationship with an Orthodox rabbi? What do you have in common?’ And my answer would be: ‘everything.’”

Reflecting on the significance of their friendship, the honorees emphasized the importance of looking beyond external differences.

“The Jewish Media Awards celebrate great Jewish storytelling. Too often Jews are guilty of judging a book by its cover when it comes to Jews who practice differently than they do. Authentic storytelling can’t happen when judgement is in the way. I’m honored for us to be recognized by JITC so that we can encourage fellow Jews to get past the external differences that often keep us apart and get to see the humanity in one another. In a time of rising antisemitism, this is more important than ever.”

Also being honored at the ceremony is Donny Deutsch, the prominent advertising executive, television personality, and regular MSNBC Morning Joe commentator. Deutsch will receive the Lion of Israel Award in recognition of his steadfast public support for Israel.

Organized by the Jewish Institute for Television & Cinema (JITC) Hollywood Bureau, the Jewish Media Awards recognize entertainment industry leaders and productions that portray Jewish identity, culture, and values with authenticity and pride.

This year’s Keter Shem Tov Awards for Outstanding Jewish Representation in Media will recognize several television and film productions. Among them is Guns & Moses, whose main character is inspired by a Chabad Shliach.

The ceremony will also present All Star Awards recognizing observant Jews who have achieved success in entertainment and other public-facing fields. Honorees include Jordan Gorfinkel, former DC Comics editor and Batman franchise manager; jewelry designer and entrepreneur Freida Rothman; and Jacob Steinmetz, the first Orthodox Jew selected in the Major League Baseball draft.

“Stories shape how communities are understood,” said Allison Josephs, Founder and Executive Director of the JITC Hollywood Bureau, a division of Jew in the City. “The Jewish Media Awards celebrate creators and decision-makers who approach Jewish storytelling with authenticity and care, while encouraging the industry to continue investing in narratives that reflect the pride, richness, and diversity of Jewish life.”

Launched in 2022, the Jewish Media Awards seek to encourage more accurate and meaningful portrayals of Jewish life in film and television. The initiative follows research conducted by the JITC Hollywood Bureau in partnership with USC’s Norman Lear Center, which found that Jewish characters in contemporary television frequently conceal their Jewish identity or are portrayed through stereotypes.

The November 5 ceremony will bring together entertainment executives, producers, writers, performers, journalists, and community leaders to celebrate positive Jewish representation in media.

For event tickets and sponsorship inquiries, contact Tammy@jewinthecity.com. jitchollywoodbureau.org

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