Rabbi Mordechai Steintzag, known as Dr. Mark, was among the six victims killed in the terror attack at Jerusalem’s Ramot Junction on Monday. The 79-year-old cardiologist, who made aliyah to Israel from Pennsylvania 40 years ago, was a trailblazer in healthy baking, founding Dr. Mark’s Bakery in Beit Shemesh in 1993.
His breads, sold in major Israeli supermarkets, became a staple for health-conscious consumers. The bakery’s Instagram page mourned his loss: “For him, bread was not just food but a symbol of warmth, home, belonging and giving. Through bread, he connected people and offered comfort.”
Steintzag began baking healthy breads in his home kitchen, distributing them around his neighborhood by bicycle. As demand grew, he opened Dr. Mark’s Bakery, which has operated for over 30 years, producing preservative-free, whole-grain breads including spelt and sourdough.
His passion for healthy eating stemmed from his belief that poor nutrition caused many diseases, a conviction that drove him to create breads when none were available in Israel.
Nachman Greenwald, the bakery’s CEO, spoke to Ynet about Steintzag’s impact. “He was a man with a heart of gold, unmatched. He cared deeply that people ate healthily—it bothered him when they didn’t. He was among the first to make healthy breads,” according to Greenwald.
Greenwald noted that Steintzag, who retired a few years ago and sold the bakery to Greenwald’s father, remained involved, approving new bread recipes and fostering a family-like atmosphere.
“He cared for every worker, especially minorities, treating everyone like family,” Greenwald added. “We can’t believe he was murdered so tragically.”