Alan Edelman

Alan attended the Jewish Theological Seminary, New York City, where he received his Master’s Degree in Jewish Education.  He also holds a Master’s Degree in Education Policy and Leadership from the University of Kansas.  Alan’s research focused on restructuring the congregational religious school by integrating informal and family activities into the educational program.

From 1977-1980 he served as Educational Director, Congregation Beth Shalom in Kansas City.

Alan then spent two years as Regional Director of Central States/Provinces Region of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, consulting with congregations as well as coordinating regional youth activities.

On July 1, 1982 he began serving as Executive Director of the Central Agency for Jewish Education of Greater Kansas City (CAJE), a committee of the Jewish Federation.

On October 1, 1994, Alan’s responsibilities with the Jewish Federation were expanded to include community planning, human resource development, identity and engagement, and Israel/Overseas, assuming the role of Associate Executive Director until his retirement in June 2017.

Alan has served on a number of local, regional and continental advisory committees. 

His volunteer efforts are focused on interfaith and multi-cultural programming.  Alan has served as guest theologian in many churches, universities and seminaries.  He is also active in the pursuit of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. He previously served on the board of directors of Notre Dame de Sion School of Kansas City, Avodah, and EmberHope. He currently serves as the Jewish Director and Chair of the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council as well as a member of the board of directors of the Center for Practical Bioethics, Midwest Center for Holocaust Education, JCRB|AJCHeart to Heart International, The Schechter Institute and The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning

Alan and his wife, Debbie Sosland-Edelman, have three children, Alex, Katja, and Jonathan and on June 14, 2014, another child came into his life when his daughter married Ari Fine. Katja and Ari made Alan a proud grandfather when Noa Dorit joined the family in August of 2017, followed by Kobi Zev in December of 2019 and Rahm Navo in June of 2021.