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Heart of a Stranger

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

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About this listen

 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. Judaism Spirituality Women Middle East
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Most relevant
I loved listening to this deeply moving autobiography. Rabbi Buchdahl’s life story is truly fascinating—filled with courage, strength, and grace. She offers thoughtful insights into the life of a rabbi and the challenges faced by Jews from diverse backgrounds. She shares powerful lessons about identity, faith, and resilience. The narration is excellent, and her beautiful singing adds a wonderfully personal touch that makes the experience even more special.

Fascinating biography with lots of important lessons

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I adore this book for so many reasons, but most of all because of the light, love, and passion that you find in the story. I bought the physical book for my father and the audio version for myself, but will have him listen to the beautiful songs available.

Inspiring and extraordinary

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