Lessons in Empathy From an Unlikely Rabbi: Angela Buchdahl

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl has emerged as a transformative voice in modern religious leadership, breaking barriers as the first woman and first Asian American to be ordained as a rabbi in North America and later leading Manhattan’s historic Central Synagogue. Her journey—from a Korean immigrant mother and a Jewish father to becoming one of the most influential rabbis in the United States—challenges long-standing norms in Jewish institutions and offers profound lessons in empathy, inclusion, and spiritual renewal. Buchdahl’s story is not just personal; it reflects broader shifts within religious communities grappling with racial, gender, and cultural diversity.

Her appointment as senior rabbi at Central Synagogue in 2014 marked a turning point in American Jewish life. As the largest and one of the most prominent Reform synagogues in the country, Central Synagogue has, under her leadership, become a model for how religious institutions can embrace change while remaining rooted in tradition. Buchdahl’s approach—rooted in deep listening and authentic storytelling—has helped foster a sense of belonging among congregants from diverse backgrounds, including many who felt marginalized in traditional Jewish spaces. This shift is particularly significant at a time when many religious institutions are wrestling with declining membership and the need to remain relevant in increasingly pluralistic societies.

Buchdahl’s advocacy for empathy extends beyond her congregation. She has been a vocal advocate for refugees, LGBTQ+ rights, and interfaith families, positioning Central Synagogue as a leader in social justice within the Jewish world. Her 2020 memoir, *This Is My Beloved: A Story of Faith, Family, and Transformation*, further amplified her message, reaching audiences beyond religious circles. In a period marked by political polarization and social fragmentation, her emphasis on shared humanity resonates widely, offering a counter-narrative to divisive rhetoric.

Recent events have underscored the urgency of Buchdahl’s message. Rising antisemitism in the U.S. and globally, coupled with ongoing debates over racial justice and gender equity within religious institutions, have highlighted the need for leaders who can bridge divides. Buchdahl’s work at Central Synagogue—where she has overseen record-high engagement even during the pandemic—demonstrates that spiritual communities can thrive when they prioritize inclusivity. As religious institutions worldwide face existential questions about their future, her leadership serves as a compelling case study in how tradition and transformation can coexist.