What happens when two young adults — both raised secular in Montreal — suddenly feel like something is missing? And what happens when one of them, at only 21, is diagnosed with a massive tumor and told she has Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
In this deeply moving episode of Stories of Hope, Amanda and Aaron share their intertwined journeys of loss, searching, healing, faith, and love. Their story begins with tragedy, continues across continents, leads them through Israel’s streets and hospital corridors, and ultimately brings them home — spiritually and literally.
Amanda opens up about losing her best friend in a tragic accident, years of anxiety, and the moment a cancer diagnosis led her not to bitterness but to profound clarity and connection with God. Aaron describes searching for meaning across Southeast Asia, only to discover that the spark he was chasing had been inside him all along. Their paths collided at exactly the right moment — with unmistakable signs that their meeting was divinely orchestrated.
Today, the two of them run an unofficial Chabad house for friends who are seeking warmth, Shabbos, community, and authenticity. Their home overflows with guests, music, and meaning.
You can contact Aaron and Amanda via email: sarahrivahspiro@gmail.com or connect via instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandadawnspiro
This episode is sponsored by:
► Colel Chabad Pushka App
The easiest way to give Tzedaka.
https://pushkapp.cc/soh
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►Pizza Biza
Delight your guests with our expansive menu and a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.
https://www.pizzabiza.com
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► ReKindle
This film presents the powerful, deeply personal accounts of two survivors of the Café Rimon double suicide bombing in Jerusalem.
This documentary is a tribute to the lives lost, the resilience of those who survived, and the enduring human capacity to rebuild—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Through Nochi Krohn’s and Ovadia Waxler’s story, viewers witness the lasting impact of terror and the extraordinary strength required to keep choosing life, day after day.
Exclusively available via Meaningful Minute Plus:
www.soh.plus