New book launched! PEOPLE ARE LIKE . . . Stories for Young Readers & Readers Who Wish to Stay Young

“People Are Like …” redwood trees? Dogs? Porcupines, even?

Rabbi Michael Zedek shares how in a refreshing, humorous style that connects with young readers and their families. The Brooklyn-born master storyteller has been a featured speaker globally, including TEDx.

His natural wit and generational wisdom will engage children and adults in this slim volume full of memorable life lessons.

The whimsical illustrations add magical notes to complement the content. “People Are Like …” will inspire meaningful conversation to remind us that we still have room and time to grow no matter our age. Michael’s collection of tales plants seeds for character-building and self-discovery that teach us to reflect on what we can learn from the mundane moments too often overlooked.

You can order Rabbi Zedek’s book through Amazon.com/


Author of Taking Miracles Seriously

Miracles are possible.

An accomplished storyteller with a refreshing, humorous voice, Rabbi Zedek draws on a range of materials including biblical tales, Indian and Japanese folklore, the works of St. Augustine, Einstein, Isaac Bashevis Singer, and Groucho Marx to take readers on a truly original search for spiritual sustenance in everyday life.

Readers will learn how to identify and appreciate the miraculous in an often mundane world; how to take God seriously when much of the intellectual world doesn’t; and how to make the most out of underutilized spiritual resources such as poetry and prayer.

Heartfelt and amusing, Taking Miracles Seriously is a master course on how to craft an enriched and enriching spiritual life.

Roman Catholic Church in Kansas City Featuring Taking Miracles Seriously

Visitation Church in Kansas City, MO is honored to feature Rabbi Michael Zedek’s Taking Miracles Seriously: A Journey to Everyday Spirituality as our parish book of the year. We look forward to incorporating the wisdom and wit of his book into our church’s adult education programming this year, and we are excited to offer our parishioners the opportunity to participate in engaging conversations with this Kansas City legend and pillar of the Jewish community.

Read reviews about Taking Miracles Seriously.

Rabbi Zedek discussed his book on the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast hosted by Rabbi Richard Address. Watch the interview here.

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About Rabbi Zedek

Rabbi Michael Zedek is Rabbi Emeritus of two great congregations: Temple B’nai Jehudah in greater Kansas City and Emanuel Congregation of Chicago.

A dedicated community activist, scholar, and teacher, Rabbi Zedek has presented in venues around the world, including South Africa, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Israel, Poland, and Russia. 

A regular presenter at Rancho La Puerta (the oldest and, perhaps, best known spirituality retreat center in North America) ,he currently serves as Rabbi-in-Residence at St. Paul School of Theology (United Methodist).

He has received numerous awards, including a Fulbright-Hays Grant and a Danforth Graduate Fellowship for outstanding teaching.