When we listen to another person intentionally and intently we can truly hear what they are saying. We create quite a connection and even establish empathy.
Such was the experience of Karolyn, while speaking on a panel about her faith, antisemitism, violence, and hate crimes. While speaking Karolyn saw several people in the audience nodding their heads in affirmation. After her talk, this group approached to thank her. They recognized what she was talking about. Surprisingly they are Muslims and Karolyn is Jewish. One would have thought that they have opposing beliefs, yet they shared moments of recognition. These were Golden Rule moments for Karolyn, and everyone gathered around her. They had such an animated conversation, which shows that when we open ourselves to the “other”, we also open possibilities for understanding and respect.
Karolyn Benger is experienced in presenting about religion and culture as she has taught in universities in Massachusetts and Georgia after she graduated with degrees in political science, and did research on the Middle East. Her love for teaching was equally shaped by her love for learning. Her parents supported her pursuits, including sending her to a Hebrew school at an early age. She applied herself and accomplished academic degrees that led her to the teaching profession as well as work in the non-profit world addressing issues of poverty, social justice, and community relations.
About six years ago, she received a particular calling. Having been asked questions for which she was able to respond with authority, she realized she could be a rabbi. This led her to make inquiries with Yeshiva Maharat in Riverdale, New York, the only global Orthodox school that trains women rabbis. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck distance learning became the only way to go. Karolyn is thus training from Phoenix together with future women rabbis from various countries of the world.
The biggest barrier to rabbinic education is the perception that women cannot be rabbis. Traditionally women’s role has been circumscribed: child-rearing and keeping the home. In traditional Judaism men and women are separate but equal; both were created in the image of God. In fact women are thought to have a greater degree of “binah” – intuition, understanding, and intelligence – than men. Notable in Hebrew history, women are not just the patriarchs but also the matriarchs who are superior in prophecy: Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.
It can be quite stressful fulfilling several roles, but Karolyn is blessed with a very supportive husband who also happens to be a rabbi – Michael Beyo. Rabbi Beyo has also become Karolyn’s life-long study partner (or chavruta). In June of 2026 Karolyn is scheduled to conclude her studies and will be ordained. Mazel tov!
Karolyn Benger is the Vice President of the Arizona Interfaith Movement Board of Directors for Faith Forums. Karolyn was the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council in Phoenix. She has taught at Emory University, Georgia Tech, and Emerson College and is passionate about interfaith dialogue, race relations, and community relations between Jews and non-Jews.
Dr. Albert Celoza
Golden Rule Moments
