“Heart of a Stranger” Book Launch with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl

Join us for an inspiring evening with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, the groundbreaking Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City and the first Asian American ordained as a rabbi and cantor. In conversation with renowned cultural journalist Sandee Brawarsky, Rabbi Buchdahl will share stories from her deeply personal new memoir, Heart of a Stranger—a moving reflection on identity, faith, leadership, and belonging.

Born to a Korean Buddhist mother and a Jewish American father, Rabbi Buchdahl writes candidly about her spiritual and personal evolution: navigating questions of identity, confronting racism and sexism, and rising to become one of the most admired religious voices in the world today. Her memoir offers a powerful message of empathy, resilience, and the healing power of community—resonating with people of all backgrounds in our increasingly complex world.

More About Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
Rabbi Angela Buchdahl is the first Asian American and the first woman to lead Central Synagogue in New York City—one of the largest and most influential Jewish congregations in the world. Through her work, Rabbi Buchdahl inspires others with her inclusive, heartfelt approach to worship and leadership. She has been featured on national news outlets like Today, NPR, and The Wall Street Journal, and has led prayers at the White House for two U.S. presidents. 

More About Sandee Brawarsky
Sandee Brawarsky is an award-winning journalist, editor, and author. She was the longtime culture editor of The New York Jewish Week, and her essays and reporting have appeared in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Hadassah Magazine, PBS.org, and other national outlets. She frequently curates and moderates public conversations for leading Jewish cultural institutions

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