Heart of a Stranger

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

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.

Moving storytelling

Buchdahl is a wonderful storyteller with a gorgeous voice. The audiobook contains snippets of the author chanting prayers and songs. Her story of belonging and a path to Jewish identity helped me understand my own.

Amazing book!!!

I am SO grateful that I bought the Audible version of this book! It is inspirational and I am going to recommend it to everyone I know, Jew or non-Jew, that they read this version.
Todah Rabah, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl!!!
💙💯🇮🇱🙏🙏🙏🌈💯

I attend Central Synagogue on a regular basis and I am grateful to have heard Rabbi Angela's story.

I am amazed at how her life has been shaped by everything that occurred in each stage of her life. No matter what obstacles she faced she pursued her calling.

Wonderful

It’s worth the audio to hear her sing. Loved it! I will suggest it to others.

Fabulous

Brilliantly written, beautifully told. Rabbi Angela thank you for sharing your insights.
Your words inspire and instruct.