Jewish Chicago Magazine
Lianna Mendelson
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In the two years since Lianna joined Temple Jeremiah in Northfield as a cantor, she has already become a dynamic force in Jewish life.
She has created opportunities that bring diverse groups together, such as hosting the Afro-Semitic Experience and partnering with the New Trier Multifaith Alliance for an annual Thanksgiving service to unite neighbors of different faiths.
Lianna also invests in the next generation by mentoring teens, connecting them to opportunities like Songleader Boot Camp, and spending time at OSRUI engaging youth from across the region.
“[She] exemplifies Jewish values through her deep commitment to community, learning, and care for others,” shared a colleague. “Grounded in chesed (loving kindness) and hakarat hatov (gratitude), she approaches her work with empathy, presence, and a genuine desire to meet people where they are. Whether offering pastoral support, guiding b’nai mitzvah students, or connecting with families, she listens with intention and responds with compassion.”
Age: 31
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Primary gig: Cantor at Temple Jeremiah, Northfield
On the side: Fiber artist, cat mom, indoor gardener, wanna-be opera singer
Describe yourself in 10 words or less: Life-long learner, teacher, crafter, explorer, singer, pray-er, connector
Your best piece of advice: Be yourself! I know it’s cheesy advice—but if you approach things with a sense of authenticity and the ability to really care about what you’re doing, it is so much easier to bring people along with you. I am so lucky to be in a community that loves who I am, and I am so lucky to bring the things I love to the community. I have organized opera field trips, crafting experiences, and taught history classes, which are all things that I am passionate about, and the joy that I feel enables other people to be excited, too.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully, in 10 years, I will be seeing the kids I am currently mentoring launch into the world as amazing young adults, and be watching a new group of kids grow up!
Is there anything else you’d like the community to know about you? I made the sweater I’m wearing in my headshot!