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In an episode that beautifully blends trailblazing with tradition, Jonah Platt sits down with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of New York’s Central Synagogue to discuss her powerful new book, Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Story of Faith, Identity and Belonging. Together, they explore what it means to live JEWISHLY today — drawing on timeless wisdom, personal reflection, and ancient storytelling.

From conversations about conversion and inclusion to reflections on optimism and belonging in a fractured world, Rabbi Buchdahl brings her signature depth and compassion to every topic. Much like her weekly sermons, streamed by millions around the globe every week, this discussion feels both timely and timeless, landing perfectly on the Jewish calendar as she reflects on the meaning of Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret.

At the heart of the episode — and of Rabbi Buchdahl’s book — lies a profound idea: that to be Jewish often means to feel like a stranger - usually a sentiment that feels isolating but when embraced can be inspiring, empathetic and purposeful. Don’t miss this thoughtful and uplifting episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt.

Connect with our guest

• Follow Rabbi Angela W. Buchdahl on Instagram
• Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi's Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging
• Who is Rabbi Angela W. Buchdahl?

Host & Production Team

Host: Jonah Platt; Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones, Story Producer Sean Leviashvili, Editors Diana DeCilio & Jacob Kindber, and Executive Assistant Jax Santiago of Rainbow Creative; Chief Business Officer Kenyon Laing, Executive Assistant Josie Rothschild; Research Associate Samantha Greenwald; Associate Producer Rachel Stern; YouTube Consultants - Zac Stein & Jason Al-Samarrie - Production Assistant, Charlie Zuker; Interns Sasha Nelson & Emma Webb; & Graphic Designer, Noah Bell

Mentioned In Episode

• Van Orden of Wisconsin Beats Cooke in 2024 Race
• Early Polls Indicate Rebecca Cooke & Derrick Van Orden Nearly Neck And Neck
• Rebecca Cooke Calls For US to Halt Arms To Israel
• What is the Foundation To Combat Antisemitism (FCAS) Currently Blue Square Alliance Against Hate?
• FCAS/Blue Square Alliance Ads
• Blue Square Alliance “When There Are No Words” Campaign
• FCAS/Blue Square Alliance Tom Brady & Snoop Dogg Ad
• Most Recent FCAS/Blue Square Alliance Ad
• Why Are Less People Smoking Today?
• Bill Maher’s Statements About Israel (Facebook)
• Bill Maher’s Statements About Israel (Instagram)
• Why & How Did Israel Fail To Deliver Aid in Gaza?
• Humanitarian Aid in Gaza: What’s Really Happening?
• UN Data Show Most Aid to Gaza Looted
• Stream Central Synagogue’s Services
• The Neighborhood at Central Synagogue - Remote/Streaming Membership
• Women in Judaism: A History of Women’s Ordination as Rabbis
• Sports History: Michael Jordan Didn’t Make His High School Basketball Team
• In the Spotlight with Abigail Pogrebin on JBS
• The History of the Female Rabbi
• Discover Temple Beth El—A Vibrant Jewish Community in the Heart of Tacoma
• Korean Women’s Association in Tacoma (Pioneered by Rabbi Buchdahl’s Mother)
• Are We Ashkenormative or Ashkefardic?
• Jewish Infighting Is a Gift to Antisemitism
• What is an Erev Rav? A Mixed Multitude Coming out of Egypt
• Diversity in the State of Israel
• Why Is Jewishness Matrilineal?
• Did Judaism Use to Practice Patrilineal Descent?
• Understanding Ezra & Judaism
• Zera: A Seed in the Garden
• The Dissolving of Marriages in Ezra 9-10 and Nehemiah 13 Revisited
• Jewish Federation on “The Surge” of Jewish Practice & Connection Post 10/7
• Why Jews Are Leaving The Fold
• Mashber: Hebrew Word for “Crisis”
• What is Kol Nidre?