Anglea Buchdahl has been leading one of NYC’s most influential Reform Judaism congregations since 2014.  Not only is she the first female leader of Central Synagogue in its more than 185-year history, but she is also changing the expectations around what it can look like to be a senior rabbi. 

In this episode, Rabbi Buchdahl joins Karen Finerman to discuss her memoir “Heart Of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi's Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging.” In it, she shares how her Buddhist Korean mother and Jewish American father shaped her outlook on life, faith, and God. She went on to become the first Asian American to be ordained as a rabbi. Building her career presented its own challenges: from navigating the realities of being a working mother to deciding when and how to pursue bigger opportunities.  Along the way, she even faced doubters who said she lacked the “gravitas.” She persevered and has established herself as a leading voice in the Reform Jewish community.  

💬 In this episode, we explore:

🔗 Visit Central Synagogue’s Website

🔗 Learn More about  “Heart Of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi's Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging”

📸 Follow Rabbi Angela Buchdahl On Instagram 

📸 Watch Rabbi Angela Buchdahl’s sermons on YouTube

📸 Follow the show on Instagram: @hsdipodcast

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