Rabbi Melinda Mersack, Director, JHub
"Rabbi Allison Vann embodies warmth, thougtfulness and openness. She is the kind of colleague with whom you can discuss the most challenging situations to gain support and sound advice, and is the kind of rabbi who creates safe spaces for everyone she serves. In our shared work, I've seen her nurture young professionals, support families navigating special needs and embrace interfaith couples exploring Jewish life. Working with her is a joy. I am always grateful for her wisdom and insight."
Len Podis, Professor Emeritus, Oberlin College
"Rabbi Allison Vann is the most inspiring spiritual leader and one of the most impactful teachers that I have known during many years of membership in a wide range of congregations, from Reform to Orthodox. As a congregational rabbi she has also provided heartfelt pastoral care and pursued Tikkun Olam- repairing the world- with an energetic spirit that has motivated many others to follow her example. During her tenure at Suburban Temple-Kol Ami, she emerged not only as a much-loved leader of the congregation, but as a guiding force in Cleveland's clerical community."
Jacob Kraus, Assistant Director, Campaigns at Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
"As a Jewish justice leader, Rabbi Vann played a key role in building a strong statewide organization. Whether our path forward was clear or uncertain, she remained grounded in the relationships with her community. Rabbi Vann's strategic thinking and bold vision for the future has helped secure victories for reproductive freedom, racial justice, and more."
Dave C. Aron, MD
"When you get right down to it, the three essential roles of a Rabbi are teaching, preaching and comforting, all the while knowing which one is needed when. Rabbi Vann excels at all of them and I have experienced each one, and at the right times too."
Elizabeth Stiles
"Rabbi Vann has the rare gift for guiding those who are still discovering their place in Jewish life, meeting uncertainty with compassion and an invitation to wrestle with a passage until it opens. Her Torah is grounded in deep textual knowledge and animated by the heart of the lion of Judah. She brings a rare ease and openness to her work, creating spaces where neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ Jews feel welcomed, valued and seen."
Scott Nogi
"Allison Vann has an exceptional ability to create safe, sacred spaces for people of all ages--places where learning naturally becomes self-discovery. Her skill in cultivating community and supporting personal and spiritual progress is something I deeply value."