Singer and Creator Miro Kubani in an Inspiring Interview: 'The Light of Shabbat Drew Me In'

Miro Kubani performed on stage with top singers, he moved souls, uplifted people, brought joy to hearts, and now he is battling the severe cancer nesting in his body, threatening to halt his great joy. But Miro is not one to give up so easily. "I was in the big America, I saw what the world offered, but after discovering the world of repentance, Hashem, the holy Torah, I realize this is what keeps me happy," he says with characteristic determination.

Miro (Meir) Kubani (60) was born in Kerem HaTeimanim in Tel Aviv, a singer and creator both in Israel and abroad, having previously appeared on stage with leading singers, Deklon and Jacki Mica, and even did a duet with Deklon on one of his songs. He traveled to Los Angeles to build a career, dreaming of being Elvis Presley, but instead, Hashem showed him kindness and led him to Judaism. In 2010, Miro returned to Israel and began his journey of repentance. Yet, during the path to the Creator, he had to embark on a journey of life.

You mentioned you did a duet with Deklon. That's not a small feat, how did you manage?

"Honestly, even I didn't believe it myself. It happened entirely by chance. I was a huge fan of Deklon, and then, entirely by happenstance, I met him at the Carmel Market. I jokingly said to him: 'Deklon, maybe it's time we do a duet together?' I just blurted it out, with no real intention that he would take my words seriously, but the unbelievable happened. Deklon replied: 'Prepare a song, I'm in', I was in shock, I ran to the top composers and arrangers of the time, and composed the song that was very popular back then: 'Moments of Magic'. The lyrics were written by Doron Davidsko, and the tune by Ran Aviv. Those of us who are older still remember Menachem Pery from Reshet Gimel who played the song a lot.

"But the duet with Deklon wasn't the only thing, since then we've performed together in many shows, some even at charity evenings voluntarily, or in various religious circles".

When did you arrive in the United States?

"About thirty years ago when I was secular, I formed a band that performed on the main stages. We appeared a lot at various Chabad Houses. I had many performances with Pini Cohen, Yizhar Cohen's brother. But gradually, I lost interest in the mundane life, seeking more meaning in my life. I saw that there was no blessing in working on Shabbat, all the money I earned on Shabbat would disappear. I started keeping Shabbat, and the light of Shabbat drew me in, to know Hashem".

Miro continues to recount: "About a decade ago, I decided to return to my roots, in every sense, both to the land of Israel and to Hashem. Even in the United States, I wasn't completely disconnected, I was often at the Lubavitcher Rebbe's, of blessed memory, and I deeply loved Judaism, but it took me a long time to take steps in that direction. Today, thank God, I am already deeply in the right direction".

with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of blessed memory

Where did your first spark ignite?

"As I've mentioned, I performed a lot in the United States, including at Chabad Houses. As the Gemara says, one who enters a perfume shop is bound to be affected by the scent of the perfume. The Chabad Houses in the United States were my perfume shop, their scent clung to me, through the closeness and love they radiate to everyone who enters their gates, regardless of religion, race, or gender. Only one condition is required: to be a creation of the Holy One, blessed be He.

"After being 'perfumed' again and again, the spark within me turned into a flame, the flame became fire, and if you don't extinguish the fire - it continues to burn, to warm and illuminate endlessly, the soul of the Jew".

Miro is currently battling cancer, which attacked him about three years ago "in the middle of my great dreams, they discovered my cancer", he says with sorrow "but I am not a person who will now start crying about my condition. I am a singer in my soul, and joy is part of the success".

The Power of Joy

What gives you the strength to cope?

"What gives me strength is the desire to see people happy, that's my engine and fuel. When I see people downcast, a song of mine lifts them and makes them forget their gloom, and even a smile appears on their faces - I have no greater satisfaction than that".

Do the doctors realize they are dealing with a different kind of person?

"Truthfully, the doctor tried to discourage me, and every time he gives me hints from various directions. Once he said to me: 'Now what remains for you is to pray and enjoy life', as if he meant to say to me, there's no more point in trying to fight the cancer so at least enjoy life, what the prophet calls 'eat and drink for tomorrow we die'.

"It shook me, but I believe in joy and in music, which have the power to overcome everything, and thank God, as of today, I have a significant retreat from the disease. I hope it continues that way".

In a moment of openness, Miro shares about the treatments he has undergone over the past three years "I have undergone several surgeries, during which I was hospitalized for two months in a row, not seeing daylight. The surgeries are just part of a series of harsh chemotherapy treatments, and grueling radiations that penetrate the soul. After each series of such treatments, there are very severe side effects, not worthy of being put into writing, and after all that, I also need to remain sane...

"But I knew and constantly reminded myself, that I have a great asset with which I walk, it is my flag. I have joy in my heart, joy on my face, and nothing will break me".

During your battle, did you also perform on stage?

"In this area, unfortunately, I had a big setback. It's almost impossible to engage in anything else beyond the day-to-day battle with the disease, these days are not simple, and I would not wish anyone to go through them, because even after finishing the treatment in the morning or noon - there is no strength left to think about other things.

"But good people accompany me at every step and try to get me back on track, among them I must mention Haim Lichman, and also the creator Nadav Biton, who is currently writing and arranging a special song for me celebrating victory over the illness. With God's help, once I recover, I dream of doing a duet with Shlomi Shabbat, whom I love very much".

Miro wants to convey a message: "I want to tell anyone who is struggling, know that with faith, joy, and song, you can overcome anything, from experience. Be strong for yourself and for your family and friends, I will win, I will win, I promise everyone".