Michael Seidel (he/him) is a musical storyteller and service leader. He explores Jewish practice through contemplative rituals of original song for meditation, healing, and holidays. Michael’s music is inspired by American traditional music, liturgical and Torah chant, and a touch of musical theater. He has over twenty-five years of musical experience, from classical davening to avant-garde choral music, from opera to nigunim. For seventeen years, he built a career in the pastry arts— as pastry chef at two notable Seattle restaurants, and his own venture, The Troubadour Baker.
After attending the Building Singing Communities intensive with Joey Weisenberg in 2013, his musical talents found meaning and a home. He began participating in and leading singing circles, and brought meditational chanting into his service leading. Continually inspired by the discussions on the Judaism Unbound podcast, he has taken to heart the self-empowering ideas of being the creator of the spiritual experiences one is looking for. He has been honored to be guest shatz (service leader) at congregations in Seattle, Albuquerque and San Antonio.
He is a huge fan of science fiction (Star Trek, Farscape). The place he feels time doesn’t exist is the island of Kaua’i. He has a deep love of spices and Mediterranean cuisine. He loves drawing mandalas, photography, and succulents. He currently lives in San Antonio with his partner.