Miami Beach Jewish communal leader and Pardes Board member since 2019 takes on new leadership role as organization prepares for major expansion
JERUSALEM, October 2026 — The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies has named Karen Rivo of Miami Beach, Florida, Chair of its North American Board of Directors. Rivo, who has served on the Pardes Board since 2019, brings decades of experience in Jewish communal leadership and a longstanding personal connection to the Jerusalem-based institution.
Rivo was first introduced to Pardes through her daughter Jessica, who spent three years in its programs for Jewish educators. She and her spouse, Marc, later attended Pardes Learning Seminars, where she developed a love for havruta, the traditional practice of studying Jewish texts in pairs.
“Karen knows Pardes from so many different perspectives: as a parent, a learner, a supporter, and a Board member,” said Rabbi Leon Morris, President of Pardes. “She understands what makes this place special and how our work has transformed the diaspora communities worldwide. I’m thrilled to have her leading our North American Board as we look toward the future.”
Rivo has held leadership positions in both Jewish communal and civic organizations. She served on the North American Board of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), where she founded and chaired its Israel Leadership Network, and was President of Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach. She has also chaired the City of Miami Beach’s General Obligation Bond Oversight Committee.
“In a post-October 7 world, Pardes provides students from all backgrounds the opportunity to learn together, and strengthen their Jewish literacy, identity, and pride”, said Rivo. “Pardes deepens the bonds between our Jewish communities in North America and Israel. Pardes prepares rabbis, Jewish educators, and communal leaders with Torah learning, leadership skills, vision and courage to help today’s youth, young families, synagogues and communities to thrive. Helping Pardes fulfill this mission isn’t just rewarding—it’s urgent.”
Rivo takes on the role as Pardes prepares for one of the biggest transitions in its more than 50-year history. Construction is underway on Beit Karen, a new 54,000-square-foot campus in Jerusalem named in memory of Karen Shapira, z”l. The building will provide space for significantly more students, a 250-seat auditorium, expanded classrooms, and new opportunities for public programming and educational innovation.
As North American Board Chair, Rivo will work with Pardes leadership and fellow Board members to strengthen the organization’s North American community, support its growth, and help expand access to Pardes learning.
A retired registered nurse, Rivo holds a master’s degree in Health Administration from the University of North Carolina. She and Marc are dual citizens of the United States and Israel. They have two adult daughters, Jessica and Julie, and three granddaughters.
About the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies
Founded in Jerusalem in 1972, the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies is an open, inclusive Jewish learning community that brings people of diverse backgrounds together to study Jewish texts and explore their relevance to contemporary life. Through immersive programs in Jerusalem, professional development for educators, and online learning opportunities, Pardes reaches learners around the world. Its approach emphasizes rigorous text study, havruta learning, multiple perspectives, and constructive dialogue.
Media Contact
Simone Katz
Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies
simonek@pardes.org
www.pardes.org.il