Heart of a Stranger

An Unlikely Rabbi's Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging

By: Angela Buchdahl

Narrated by: Angela Buchdahl

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

“A story that begs to be told. . . engrossing.” —The Washington Post

From the first Asian American to be ordained as a rabbi, a stirring account of one woman’s journey from feeling like an outsider to becoming one of the most admired religious leaders in the world

Angela Buchdahl was born in Seoul, the daughter of a Korean Buddhist mother and Jewish American father. Profoundly spiritual from a young age, by sixteen she felt the first stirrings to become a rabbi. Despite the naysayers and periods of self-doubt—Would a mixed-race woman ever be seen as authentically Jewish or chosen to lead a congregation?—she stayed the course, which took her first to Yale, then to rabbinical school, and finally to the pulpit of one of the largest, most influential congregations in the world.

Today, Angela Buchdahl inspires Jews and non-Jews alike with her invigorating, joyful approach to worship and her belief in the power of faith, gratitude, and responsibility for one another, regardless of religion. She does not shy away from difficult topics, from racism within the Jewish community and the sexism she confronted when she aspired to the top job to rising antisemitism today. Buchdahl teaches how these challenges, which can make one feel like a stranger, can ultimately be the source of our greatest empathy and strength.

Angela Buchdahl has gone from outsider to officiant, from feeling estranged to feeling embraced—and she's emerged with a deep conviction that we are all bound to a larger whole and mission. She has written a book that is both memoir and spiritual guide for everyday living, which is exactly what so many of us crave right now.

Amazing story

The narrative is excellent and the book is spell binding - a very worthwhile read- A real page turner!

Her voice

Rabbi Buchdahls voice is magnificent. This is a beautiful story and I am grateful that she shared it

Insightful, transformative

Every word spoken brought forth a lifetime of wisdom and experience of our shared humanity.

Outstanding Biography

Enjoyed all of it from beginning to end. Rabbi Buchdahl is an inspiration. Her words and music are powerful. A Must Read!

Exquisite words to live by for all

Whether you are Jewish and not this book offers words to make your life richer.