What if Being a Stranger Is Actually Your Superpower? | Better in Person

Angela Buchdahl, a prominent rabbi at New York City’s Central Synagogue, navigates the complexities of identity, faith, and leadership in a polarized world. Her memoir, *Heart of a Stranger*, reflects on her experience as a biracial Korean American and the challenges of balancing tradition with contemporary societal demands. Central to her philosophy is the "business of awe," which emphasizes finding moral beauty in everyday human actions, even amidst tragedies like the Coleyville synagogue hostage crisis. She advocates for moving beyond binary thinking by engaging in "Havruta"—the practice of studying with a partner to reach a third, shared perspective. By framing Judaism as a wisdom literature that fosters empathy and resilience, she encourages individuals to embrace their status as "strangers" to build bridges across ideological divides rather than retreating into echo chambers.