Rabbi Angela Buchdahl serves as the senior rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City and is the first woman to lead Central’s Reform congregation in its 180-year history.
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Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City; First Woman to Lead Its Congregation
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Rabbi Angela Buchdahl serves as the senior rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City and is the first woman to lead Central’s Reform congregation in its 180-year history. Buchdahl first joined Central Synagogue as senior cantor and was later chosen by the congregation to be senior rabbi.
Buchdahl was invested as a cantor and ordained as a rabbi by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York, where she was a Wexner Graduate Fellow. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies from Yale University. Buchdahl is the first Asian American to be ordained as a cantor or rabbi in North America. Prior to her service at Central Synagogue, she served as associate rabbi and cantor at Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, New York.
Buchdahl has been recognized for her innovations in leading worship, drawing large audiences both in Central Synagogue’s historic Main Sanctuary and through livestream and cable broadcast to viewers in more than 100 countries. Under her leadership, Central Synagogue has expanded its digital programming and community outreach.
Buchdahl has been featured in news outlets including Today Show, NPR, and PBS, and was listed as one of Newsweek’s “America’s 50 Most Influential Rabbis.” She serves on the boards of AJC, Asia Society, New York Board of Rabbis, and the Yale University President’s Council. Buchdahl is a prominent voice in national conversations about antisemitism, interfaith dialogue, and the evolving role of faith communities in public life.
Buchdahl is a frequent speaker at national conferences and forums, addressing topics such as leadership, diversity, and the future of American Judaism.
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Topics
Topics
Angela Buchdahl’s speaking topics include leadership, Jewish heritage, faith, and identity. Her recent talks focus on her new memoir, Heart of a Stranger, and themes from it, such as finding faith and belonging in a diverse world, and navigating complex modern issues like antisemitism and political polarization through empathy. She also speaks on Asian & Pacific Heritage and influential women.
- Identity and belonging: Discusses her personal journey as an American, Jewish, and Korean woman and how to find a sense of belonging, particularly in a diverse or polarized world.
- Faith and spirituality: Explores themes from her book, such as finding faith and joy in Judaism, the importance of empathy, and how ancient biblical ideas can guide modern life.
- Modern challenges: Addresses contemporary issues like antisemitism, the Israel-Hamas war, and political polarization, emphasizing the need for empathy, vigilance, and hope.
- Leadership: Focuses on leadership, often drawing from her experiences as the Senior Rabbi at Central Synagogue, the first Asian-American to lead a major U.S. congregation.
- Asian & Pacific Heritage: Shares insights from her background and experiences related to Asian and Pacific Islander heritage
Videos
Videos
Rabbi Angela Buchdahl talks faith, identity and her new memoir, "Heart of a Stranger"
BBYO IC 2022 Plenary Speaker: Rabbi Buchdahl
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