Episode · Freakonomics Radio · 2026-08-12
Books mentioned on What if Being a Stranger Is Actually Your Superpower? | Better in Person
Angela Buchdahl was the first Asian American to be ordained as a rabbi, and now she is among the most influential rabbis in the world. She and Stephen Dubner talk about boundary-crossing, the aftermath of October 7, and whether you can be a good Jew without believing in God.
Stephen Dubner discussed Heart of a Stranger by Angela Buchdahl and The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Heart of a Stranger
Discussed“And now Buchdahl is a New York Times bestselling author. Her memoir is called Heart of a Stranger, an unlikely rabbi's story of faith, identity, and belonging.”
Where to get it
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The Sabbath
The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel is a profound theological exploration of time, sacred rest, and the spiritual dimensions of Judaism.
Discussed“I remember there's a book by Abraham Joshua Heschel called The Sabbath, where if I recall correctly, and I probably don't, he described how the Sabbath represents not the earth moving through time, but rather time going across the earth.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (1) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
Plugged Heart of a Stranger
“Well, it's not maybe a surprise that it's connected to the title of this book, The Heart of a Stranger.”