Karolyn Benger

Karolyn Benger is a student at Yeshivat Maharat (2026). Previously, she was the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council in Phoenix and served as the Executive Director of the Jewish Interest Free Loan in Atlanta. She is a graduate of Emory University with a degree in Political Science and a specialization in the Middle East where she studied Arab and Islamist opposition groups in Egypt. Karolyn has taught at Emory University, Georgia Tech, and Emerson College. Her love of Judaism, combined with her love of teaching and social justice, led her to join Maharat. You can find her writings in the Arizona Republic, eJewish Philanthropy, Blue Avocado, The Times of Israel, and Bina. Karolyn is a board member of the Arizona Interfaith Movement, serving as the Vice President of Education. She also serves on the Jewish Advisory Board for the Phoenix Police Department, was 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.