Rabbi Angela Buchdahl

Angela Warnick 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.