Alan Edelman is a native of Kansas City. He received his bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Education from the University of Kansas, spending his junior year at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

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, where his 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 with the 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.

He began serving as Executive Director of the Central Agency for Jewish Education of Greater Kansas City (CAJE), a committee of the Jewish Federation, in July 1982. In October 1994, his 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 inter-faith and multi-cultural programming. He has served as guest theologian in many churches, universities and seminaries. He has also served on the board of directors for the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education and Notre Dame de Sion School of Kansas City and currently serves as the Jewish Director of the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council. Alan is also active in the pursuit of peace between Israelis and Palestinians.