HEART OF A STRANGER An Unlikely Rabbi's Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging

Angela Buchdahl, senior rabbi at one of the most influential Reform synagogues in the country, tells her story with the same energetic, approachable delivery she employs in her public speaking. Her path to the rabbinate was anything but usual; Buchdahl was born in Seoul, South Korea, to an Asian Buddhist mother and a white Jewish father. Each biographical chapter of the audiobook ends with a related teaching from a Jewish text that introduces listeners to Jewish history and beliefs. The Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, is addressed, although her thoughts have evolved since writing this book. Ordained a cantor before becoming a rabbi, Buchdahl intersperses music from Jewish tradition, and her lovely singing voice is a special treat in this outstanding production. S.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2025]