Being Jewish with Jonah Platt Bullsh*t Behavior & Central Synagogue’s Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
8 snips
Oct 14, 2025 
Rabbi Angela W. Buchdahl, the first Asian American rabbi and author of Heart of a Stranger, joins Jonah to delve into her unique journey of faith, identity, and belonging. They explore the challenges of feeling like an outsider and how embracing that feeling can lead to empathy. Rabbi Buchdahl reflects on growing up with multiple identities, the lessons from her community-oriented mother, and the importance of inclusion in Judaism. Their conversation also touches on the meaning of rituals today, significantly highlighting how to connect with others while navigating the complexities of communal identity.
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Call Out Normalized Hypocrisy
- Jonah Platt calls out normalized public hypocrisy that excuses anti-Jewish double standards and performative responses.
- He argues creating social consequences and clear vocabulary are required to stop bystander and performative behaviors.
Speak Up, Don’t Post An Icon
- If you witness anti-Jewish hate, say something and give people the words to respond instead of encouraging performative silence.
- Demand concrete actions beyond posting an icon and teach bystander vocabulary to counter violence.
Jewish Peoplehood Was Always Diverse
- Rabbi Angela Buchdahl frames the Jewish commandment to love the stranger as central to her life and work.
- She emphasizes many Jews fail this ideal, especially in modern American contexts that police who 'counts' as Jewish.
