Rabbi Michael R. Zedek is our Senior Rabbi. Previously he was the chief executive officer of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati (JFC). During his tenure, the Federation received national awards for innovative fundraising and programming. Prior to his service at the JFC, Rabbi Zedek was the senior rabbi of Temple B'nai Jehudah in Kansas City, Missouri where he served for many years.

A dedicated community activist, scholar and teacher, he received numerous awards including a Fulbright-Hays Grant. He was also named a National Conference of Christian and Jews community honoree.

Want to read Rabbi Zedek's 2009 / 5770 High Holy Day sermons? Download them here. Erev Rosh Hashanah, Rosh Hashanah morning, Erev Yom Kippur.

E-mail Rabbi Zedek: RabbiZedek@emanuelcong.org

Congregational Cantor Michelle Drucker Friedman has been at Emanuel for over ten years. She teaches Hebrew, leads worship, and prepares students for their B'nai Mitzvah. She inspires all with her enthusiasm and love of Torah. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Syracuse University, and studied voice at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. She is currently working on a Masters of Science in Jewish Studies from Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, and is currently serving as Vice President of the Chicago/Milwaukee Association of Cantors.

E-mail Michelle Drucker Friedman: CantorFriedman@emanuelcong.org

Alison Siegel, Director of Education, comes to Emanuel with over ten years of experience in Reform Jewish education. Previously she served as Director of Youth and Informal Education at Temple Chai in Long Grove, Illinois. She also spent several years on the staff of URJ camps, including Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute.

Alison holds a Master's of Business Administration degree from Boston University, where she completed dual concentrations in "Public and Nonprofit Management" and "Strategy and Business Analysis." She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from the University of Illinois.

We welcome her experience and guidance to our Religious School and congregation. Email Alison Siegel at: alisonsiegel@emanuelcong.org

Rabbi Emeritus Herman E. Schaalman has served Emanuel for more than fifty years. An internationally known leader of Reform Judaism, he is a respected member of the interdenominational religious leadership in Chicago. Beloved by the Congregation, he continues to strengthen and serve Emanuel through teaching, community involvement and participation in worship services.

Rabbi Schaalman's interview in Faith in Conversation.

Hineni: Here I Am by Rabbi Herman Schaalman
Hineni: Here I Am is a powerful and articulate book setting forth the theological and personal wisdom accumulated by one of America's foremost Reform rabbis, our own Rabbi Emeritus Herman E. Schaalman, during a distinguished career spanning more than a half-century.
The book is available in the Emanuel office for a suggested minimum contribution of $36 to the Torah Writing Project.

Sara Beth Salzman, Synagogue Director, joined Emanuel Congregation in February, 2009. Before moving to Chicago, she worked in West Palm Beach, Florida as the Assistant Director of the Mandel Center for Excellence in Leadership at the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.

Sara Beth graduated from the University of Michigan with a Masters Degree in Social Work focusing on non-profit management and a Graduate Certificate in Jewish Communal Service. She is enjoying Chicago and proud to be part of Emanuel Congregation.

Email Sara Beth Salzman: sblevine@emanuelcong.org

Ruthie Seidner, Music Director, teaches music in the Religious School, leads our Junior Choir, assists in worship, and touches all with her song leading and spirit.

E-mail Ruthie Seidner at RSeidner@emanuelcong.org.