It is my sacred calling as a Rabbi to help others find the place of the sacred in their life, if they are searching, and to cherish what is sacred to those who have already found it.

By developing innovative programming, classes, and services focused on positive Jewish identity formation, while always being available for the one-on-one conversations, I guide lifelong-learners of all ages as they chart their spiritual journeys.

Rabbi Bender is the Rabbi of the Bnai Israel Congregation in Wilmington, North Carolina. Previously the Assistant Rabbi and Youth Director of Temple Sholom in Greenwich Connecticut (2016-2020), she has more than ten years of teaching experience in various Jewish settings and is passionate about helping individuals connect to their unique Jewish identities.

Rabbi Bender was born and raised in Southern New Jersey. She earned a BA in Anthropology with two minors in Near Eastern, Judaic Studies and Gender Studies from Brandeis University. After Brandeis, she spent two years studying Rabbinic Literature at Drisha as a Music Fellow in the Artist Beit Midrash program. She received Rabbinic Ordination and an MA in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Rabbi Bender loves being a part of the Bnai Israel community, along with her wife, Emily, and dog, Isaiah.