Faces of Chabad: Amanda Spiro

“I grew up in a very well-to-do home. From a young age, I was searching—I just didn’t know what I was looking for. When I was 17, my best friend passed away in a car accident. I sought help from every professional, but nothing truly helped. It was a very dark period for me. I went on the March of the Living and then on Birthright, and that’s when I was first introduced to Chassidus. That’s really where I slowly started exploring and learning.

I was diagnosed with cancer at 21. A huge part of my identity had been based on how I looked. I was a model, very focused on appearances. Then suddenly, all of that was stripped away. I lost my hair from chemo, I was bloated from steroids—I was unrecognizable. That forced me to connect to something deeper, to my inner beauty. That became a journey in itself. I began to keep Shabbos, and really appreciated the idea of unplugging. By 22 I was doing everything a religious Jew does, to the extent that I knew. And I always say I’m still on the journey. 

I reconnected with my husband Aaron at a wedding, we knew each other from childhood, and we got married a year later.

Shlichus felt like a dream for another lifetime. I knew how challenging it was. But we decided early on that we would simply open our home and do what Shluchim do. Then, during COVID, my husband began visiting Trois-Rivieres, and one thing led to another. We realized there was a real need, and soon we became the Shluchim to Trois-Rivieres. There are moments when I realize I won’t be with my family, and that can be emotional. But I remind myself that this is exactly where I’m meant to be.

My journey helps me relate to people. When I say, “I’ve been there—I went to college, I partied,” it breaks down barriers, it creates a sense of connection. I tell my story all around the world. It exposes me to so many different communities and Shluchim. I learn so much from them—I benefit even more than the people I’m speaking to.

I would tell my younger self: don’t take life or people so seriously. The only thing to truly take seriously is your relationship with Hashem. Everything else is part of the journey.”

– Rebbetzin Amanda Spiro, Trois Riveres, Canada

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