A Transformative Conversation: A Musician and a Chabadnik Cross Paths in Adversity

While undergoing cancer treatments, musician Adam met a Chabad follower, sparking an extraordinary dialogue about unity and listening to each other.

Last week, musician Adam met a Chabad follower and shared this uplifting encounter on his Facebook page. "Last week, I was hospitalized for ongoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. All I wanted was for the treatment to go smoothly so I could go home and shave the lingering strands of hair (most of it already on the pillow after the first chemo). But life isn't a 'request show,' and I endured a particularly dreadful week, partially in intensive care. It took time to identify the source of my high fever, low blood pressure, and constant shivers from nowhere. Seven types of antibiotics coursed through me; I was poked and prodded until they identified and overcame a serious infection. The side effects were awful," Adam candidly shared.

"Anyone who knows me knows I'm a 24/7 news junkie," Adam continued, "During my hospitalization, given my condition, I couldn't keep up with current events and was disconnected from the world. But once I returned to it, I stepped out to get some fresh air and met a wonderful person— a Chabadnik from the Lubavitcher Rebbe's court, who was also receiving treatment in the oncology department. We talked. He shared stories about his life, and I about mine."

"For three hours, we were entranced by each other's life stories. Then, we parted ways amicably; I returned to my ward to get the medication and went to sleep pondering how such an encounter between the Chabadnik and I even happened. On Friday afternoon, I was discharged and immediately caught up on the 'news deficits' from the tumultuous week our wounded nation endured. All the suffering, the pain, and the needles I endured all week paled in comparison to the intense tightness and acute pain that pierced my soul. I'm not here to educate anyone but to ask that no matter what, wherever we find ourselves, especially during these challenging 'Between the Straits' times, remember that we're brothers; our strength is in our unity," Adam continued honestly.

"Try speaking positively, remember what we've been through as a people, think of the children, the spouses, the parents. Remember that with everything and despite everything, we are one people, Jews and Israelis. There's a way to maintain both identities and still live together for an optimistic future, and who needs this more than me. By the way, the conversation between the Chabadnik and me began with the topic: When are we discussing facts, and when are we discussing personal interpretation? Think about it," Adam concluded.