Karolyn Benger is a rabbinical student at Yeshivat Maharat (2026). She was the executive director of the Phoenix Jewish Community Relations Council and executive director of the Atlanta Jewish Interest Free Loan.
She graduated from Emory University with a degree in political science, specializing in the Middle East, and studying Arab and Islamist opposition groups in Egypt. Karolyn has taught at Emory University, Georgia Tech, and Emerson College and speaks regularly about Women in Judaism, Dynamic Changes in Jewish Law, Modern Day Challenges to Halacha, and much more. Her writing has been published in the Arizona Republic, eJewish Philanthropy, Ritualwell, Blue Avocado, The Times of Israel, and Bina.
Karolyn is a board member of the Arizona Interfaith Movement and a mentor in the Women’s Leadership Institute. Karolyn is a social justice activist working with diverse community members.