Deb Behrendt joined the Temple Chai staff as Shalom Center coordinator in 2021. Prior to that, Deb was a long-time educator, teaching English in high school and middle school.  She has been an active participant in Temple Chai activities since 2015 including volunteering as part of the Caring Community. 

Deb is currently in seminary school to become a Chaplain with her second master’s degree in theology at Chicago Theological Seminary. She has been an active member of the Jewish community for many years, serving in B’nai Brith, Hadassah, and is currently an active volunteer with Hospice of the Valley supporting their Shabbat Blessings program. Deb is passionate about supporting community and helping others.

Deb is an Arizona native and considers herself blessed to have much of her family close. Her mother, sister, and son all live in the greater Phoenix area and family gatherings happen often!
Deb holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in Educational Leadership.  She lives with her wife, Rachel and their dog Maddie in North Scottsdale.  In her spare time she loves to practice mindfulness, meditation and hosting game nights!

​Deb can be reached via email at dbehrendt@templechai.com.