“THIS is What a Rabbi Does?”

   When asked by a congregant if my cousin, Rabbi Gustav Buchdahl, is a relative of Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of Central Synagogue (NYC), I wrote back, “No, not at all, but I have a story about them.” It will give you an idea of the way my family thinks, the evil we foment…

   More than twenty years ago Angela Buchdahl was ordained a Cantor and then a couple of years later, after returning to Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, was ordained a Rabbi. 

   At one of those ordination services, my cousin was invited to attend by someone also being ordained. He sashayed down the aisle of Temple Emanuel of NYC where ordination ceremonies have been conducted for decades. He saw a pew “Reserved for Rabbi Buchdahl.” Well, as only he would do, he parked himself in one of those seats. A very nice person came over and said, “Excuse me, sir, but these seats are reserved for Rabbi Buchdahl’s family.” His response? “Yes, I know,” and he didn’t move. Someone else pleaded the case and again he stayed put. Finally, when he sensed a move would be the better part of valor, he arose. But before he moved away, he took out a business card and showed it to Angela’s party.  Their eyes opened wide; they had a good laugh. He returned to his own seat.

  Trust me when I tell you there are numerous tales similar to this one in his role as a part-time help and information worker for Travelers Aid at the Thurgood Marshall Baltimore – Washington airport. He was always an airport enthusiast and when he retired this was an ideal pastime.

  His mother, my aunt, also pulled these stunts.