Lizzi Jill Honeyrose Heydemann

Lizzi Heydemann is the epitome of a young, Jewish leader who is making a difference in the lives of young Jews in Chicago.

Described as "one of the most dynamic and cutting edge young rabbis in the country" by Brian Abrahams, a lay leader in one of her initiatives, Heydemann is the founder of Mishkan Chicago, a vibrant, spiritual community that uses an unconventional approach-including music jams and house parties-to unite young Jews of all affiliations. Inspired by her experiences in Israel and at a progressive minyan in Los Angeles, Heydemann has found a way to re-energize old traditions and make young people excited about Judaism.

A motivated go-getter and do-gooder, Heydemann is also involved in a variety of national Jewish organizations, including Rabbis without Borders. "She is very cause-driven and will pitch-in on everything from hunger to homelessness to a Jewish event on ending violence against women," Abrahams said. "So … she might go from a large Chicago Federation event to a small meditation workshop to a Chicago Board of Rabbis session on prayer to a project to help the hungry and then finish the day with a percussion-infused Jewish music jam in her backyard."

Name:
Lizzi Jill Honeyrose Heydemann

Age:
31

Pays the bills:
Rabbi

On the side:
Rabbi

Describe yourself in 10 words or less:
inspired, musical, vegetarian, running, rollerblading, rocked out Jewess

Celebrity doppelganger:
Natalie Merchant, Minnie Driver

How do you Jew in Chicago?
Mishkan Chicago, and Aitz Hayim Center for Jewish Life

Passions:
Creating community built around musically inspired prayer, intellectually honest study, social justice, and being social.

How do you give back?
My life's work is giving back.

Fill in the blank: If time and money were limitless, I would:
be doing exactly what I'm doing. Seriously.

Chicago's Jewish community in 10 years:
A beacon of spirituality.

Me in 10 years:
Doing what I'm doing- bigger, better, and with kids.