Heart of a Stranger

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

De: Angela Buchdahl

Narrado por: 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.

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.

It was true inspirational book

The whole book it was so amazing couldn’t stop listening. Great book took me 2 days to read

You Changed My Life

I loved your spirit, your honesty, your love of all things Jewish. I understand my own dreams and yearnings immensely and as I told my family, friends, congregation and dear Rabbi on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of my own Bat Mitzvah this past September, I am and always will be proud and grateful for being a Jew among Jews. Thank you, Rabbi

Outstanding Biography

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

Insightful, transformative

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

Amazing!!! An absolute most read!!!

I don’t k ow where to begin… this is a gorgeous books. I’m going to listen to it again and again.
Listen to it NOW!!!

A beautiful Memoir

This is an absolutely beautiful memoir that details Rabbi Angela Buchdahl's journey to who she is today. Surprisingly, the book seems to call out certain similarities in my own journey into Judaism and the path that now calls me. Well done, and well narrated!

Her voice

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

Amazing story

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

A beautifully written and performed work

This book is not only thought provoking and inspiring, but it is beautifully read (and sung) by the author. Angela is a truly remarkable woman.