Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar made aliyah to Israel in 1985, and had the distinction of being the first female rabbi in Jerusalem’s history. She has a distinguished career holding many positions of leadership and is the accomplished author of five books, God Whispers: Stories of the Soul, Lessons of the Heart, The Dance of the Dolphin (Our Dance with God), The Bridge to Forgiveness: Stories and Prayers for Finding God and Restoring Wholeness, Omer: A Counting, and Amen: Seeking Presence with Prayer, Poetry and Mindfulness Practice. She appears in numerous anthologies, including the Reform Movement’s Siddur, Mishkan T’filah and the Women’s Commentary, and is a noteworthy speaker and a spiritual guide. Rabbi Kedar is the Senior Rabbi of Congregation BJBE outside of Chicago. She and her husband, Ezra are the proud parents of Talia, Moti, Shiri, and Ilan and grandparents of Lihi, Maya, Eliyah, Emma, and Leo, all who live and work in Israel.