Title: 1) Rabbi Emeritus; 2) Rabbi Emeritus; 3) Rabbi-in-Residence
Company: 1) The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah; 2) Emanuel Congregation; 3) Saint Paul School of Theology
Location: Overland Park, Missouri, United States
Michael Zedek, DD, Rabbi Emeritus at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, and Emanuel Congregation and Rabbi-in-Residence at Saint Paul School of Theology, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in Religious Services.
Currently serving as rabbi emeritus at both The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, in the Greater Kansas City area of Missouri and Emanuel Congregation in Chicago, Illinois, where he served from 1974 to 2000, Dr. Zedek has devoted his career to fostering meaningful connections and building bridges across diverse communities. Since then, he has been a rabbi-in-residence at Saint Paul School of Theology, a United Methodist seminary in Kansas City, since 2022. In this capacity, he teaches courses and leads a Torah study class every Saturday morning. Dr. Zedek’s role at the seminary is particularly significant to him as it allows him to help shape future thought leaders within a predominantly Christian academic environment and further his commitment to interfaith understanding.
During Dr. Zedek’s tenure at Emanuel Congregation in Chicago, he revitalized the congregation by doubling its size and strengthening its sense of community. Having maintained a close relationship with the retired rabbi who inspired him to accept the position, he also continued leading the congregation’s Torah study class, a tradition he upheld for five decades. Earlier in his career, Dr. Zedek taught at Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, broadening his experience as an educator.
In addition to his congregational leadership and teaching roles, Dr. Zedek is an accomplished author. His publications include “PEOPLE ARE LIKE . . .: Stories for Young Readers & Readers Who Wish to Stay Young,” a book focused on empathy and compassion whose proceeds support scholarships for children in need in the Greater Kansas City area. Other works include “Taking Miracles Seriously: A Journey to Everyday Spirituality” and contributions to projects such as “The 5 Minute Story Hour,” where he continues to collaborate with young technology enthusiasts by featuring short videos aimed at sharing stories that promote compassion. Furthermore, Dr. Zedek has become a sought-after speaker who has notably delivered TED Talks on transformational ideas and the concept of “Four Beautifuls,” expanding his reach beyond traditional religious settings.
Dr. Zedek’s professional journey has been marked by a deep belief in the importance of community building and interfaith dialogue. For nearly 30 years, he co-hosted “Religion on the Line,” a radio program that brought together leaders from Jewish, Christian and Muslim backgrounds. This long-standing collaboration modeled mutual respect and understanding despite differing viewpoints and remains one of his proudest accomplishments. Dr. Zedek’s involvement with an interfaith group that unites Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders further underscored his dedication to bridging divides.
Dr. Zedek’s educational background laid the foundation for his multifaceted career. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in religion and English, with highest honors, from Hamilton College, followed by a Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters and a Doctor of Divinity from Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion. Additionally, Dr. Zedek holds a Doctor of Humane Letters from Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. He has been certified as a rabbi since 1974.
Dr. Zedek has been an active member of several distinguished organizations, including the World Union for Progressive Judaism. As part of his affiliation, he contributed teachings internationally with assignments in South Africa, Hong Kong, Morocco, the Soviet Union, Italy and France. Beyond professional commitments, Dr. Zedek is deeply involved in civic affairs and advocacy for environmental causes, animal rights and education for children. He frequently volunteers time supporting various initiatives that reflect his values of compassion and social responsibility.
Throughout his career, Dr. Zedek has received numerous accolades recognizing his service and impact. Among these were a Community Service Award from The Salvation Army. While in college, he received The Captain Gerald FitzGerald Dale Award from Hamilton College. He also received a Fulbright-Hays Program Grant.
The origins of Dr. Zedek’s vocation trace back to his early experiences teaching English and writing to primarily African American students at a Syracuse University branch campus during a pivotal era known as the Black Revolution. His approach emphasized self-respect and authenticity, principles that continue to inform his work today. A Danforth Fellowship offered through Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion, set him on the path toward rabbinical leadership after being identified as a promising candidate by their admissions director.
Dr. Zedek attributes much of his success to a lifelong desire to make a difference by nurturing meaningful relationships, a conviction shaped by being an only child who valued connection both personally and altruistically. He regards each day as an opportunity not only to inspire others but also to be enriched by those he encounters while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Looking ahead, Dr. Zedek continues to pursue creative projects that align with his mission of fostering empathy and understanding among people of all backgrounds. He is currently working on a manuscript titled “Living, Loving, Losing: A Journey Through Mortality and Grief.” Dr. Zedek’s enduring legacy is defined by bridge-building across faiths and communities, along with tireless advocacy for education, justice and human connection within society at large.
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