Rabbi Angela Buchdahl's memoir is bound to be a best-seller this fall. Buchdahl is a Korean-American who defied the odds & became a rabbi and cantor. She now serves at Central Synagogue in NYC and has emerged as a leading voice among Jewish professionals. Religious services streamed in particular on Friday nights are now watched worldwide, even in the post-pandemic environment. Her sermons are thoughtful, provocative, engaging and accessible to all, regardless of religious affiliation or level of observance. Her book tells her life's story. How did a child born to a Jewish American man and a Korean Buddhist mother become this highly respected leader in the Jewish community. "Heart of a Stranger" tells her story & intersperses it with teachings from the Jewish tradition. Like her sermons, this debut memoir is thoughtful, provocative, engaging and accessible to all.

Wonderful... Entertaining, engaging, informative, educational, spiritual, uplifting and more.
I was a bit hesitant to read the book when I first read about it. Thought it might not be what I have listed above as a memoir. . I am pleased to say it was that and much more. The memoir was very personal and gave me good look into Rabbi Angela's interesting life. She has a very interesting and engaging to tell with a lot for us to learn about being outside the expected norm. She lived the life she wanted and is a wonderful example to all.
The real plus and what made the book so very meaningful to me were her drash (mini sermons) at the end of each chapter. I learned so much and felt the spirit behind each Torah word and concept. Whether you are Jewish or not, there are great spiritual pieced to learn. I feel more whole after reading the book. There is so much there - really three books - first the interesting and engaging memoir; then the view of the events that happened, her experience with them and the spiritual lessons she draws from them; and last the wonderful drash and the spiritual / moral lessons they teach.
Get the book. Read it with a desire to be entertained and at the same time educated and uplifted. Keep your mind and soul open as you read it and you will come out the other end enlightened and elevated.
Todah Rabah Rabbi.

This was an excellent book. I am a Christian, but I have always been interested in Judaism. I might like to interview the author about the book and find out more about how she would like it covered. Done right, this could lead to a fascinating article.