Karolyn Benger is a Rabbinical student at Yeshivah Maharat (2026) and former Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council in Phoenix. Karolyn has taught Middle East Politics at Emory University, Georgia Tech, and Emerson College. She was a board member of the Arizona Interfaith Movement, a member of the Valley Interfaith Project’s 3rd Monseigneur Ryle Public Policy Faith Leader Institute, and a mentor in the Women’s Leadership Institute. She has served on the Human Relations Commission for the city of Phoenix and Arizona Jewish Life magazine named her among the Top 10 change makers for Tikkun Olam. Her writings can be found in the Arizona Republic, eJewish Philanthropy, Blue Avocado, The Times of Israel, and Ritualwell.