Dudu Fisher Shares Chabad Rebbe's Advice That Led to Broadway Breakthrough

Dudu Fisher, the Israeli singer, cantor, and actor, recounted in a podcast interview with Hadar Miller on Channel 7 how a meeting with the Lubavitcher Rebbe profoundly influenced his career trajectory. Fisher had been offered a lead role in a Broadway production but insisted to the producer that he would not perform on Shabbat or Jewish holidays. After five months of silence from the producer, Fisher shared his dilemma with the Rebbe, who encouraged him in Yiddish to "hold strong to your Judaism" and not be ashamed of his observance.

Shortly after the meeting, Fisher received a call from the producer in London apologizing for the delay, explaining that theater and actors' unions initially opposed a lead actor missing performances on Fridays and Saturdays. However, the producer invited Fisher to New York to see his dressing room and confirmed he was starting the role. Fisher said he cried for two days upon receiving the news.

In the interview, Fisher also reflected on his long journey, the choices shaping his path, and a sense of owing his Israeli audience. He announced a new show titled "Dudu Fisher With All My Soul," which revisits early Jewish music hits with new arrangements. Before his international musical theater fame, Fisher was a prominent voice in Jewish music, known for songs like "Eloki Neshama," "Rachem Na," and "Lev Tahor Bara Li Elokim." He noted it had been 30 years since he last performed many of those songs, but he feels it is time to bring them back to the stage.