Rabbi Kellner

Rabbi Rick Kellner

Rabbi Rick Kellner comes to Beth Tikvah from Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles, with a wealth of experience across a wide berth of responsibilities. His educational background has provided a rich grounding for things Jewish and Talmudic, as well as knowledge and yearning for building relationships and innovative programming. He is a hands-on rabbi with techy skills having created a High Holy Day Family Machzor (prayer book), and has integrated Visual T’filah using an LCD Projector and other technologies into family, religious school and holiday celebrations.

Being part of a summer camp experience largely influenced Rabbi Kellner’s Jewish education—both as a camper and, later, as an Education Director at the URJ Eisner Camp in Massachusetts. In his latter role, Rabbi Rick wrote and implemented curriculum for the 3rd – 7th grader campers, and he directed all prayer and ritual experiences at camp, among other tasks. He attended the State University of New York, Albany, where he received a BA and the distinctions of Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa, among other honors. While at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles, CA, Rabbi Kellner received his Masters of Arts in both Hebrew Letters and Jewish Education, along with his Rabbinic Ordination. He also interned for two years at the vibrant and innovative congregation of Leo Baeck Temple in Los Angeles, whose emphasis is on community building, social action, and creative prayer experience.

Rabbi Rick states, “At its core, a synagogue is a second home . . . A temple is a community where adults and children feel comfortable going to learn, to pray, to celebrate and to see the world differently. Meaningful connections and relationships provide the foundation for that home. As a rabbi, I look forward to providing leadership, building these sacred relationships with members of all ages, and collaborating with lay leaders and other staff members to build a home that is a sacred community where all can come to find meaning in their lives.”

Rabbi Kellner's wife, Debra, is a Jewish Educator in our community. They have two beautiful daughters, Zoe and Shira.

Rabbi Huber

Rabbi Emeritus Gary Huber

Rabbi Gary A. Huber has served Beth Tikvah as spiritual leader since 1983 and became Rabbi Emeritus in August 2011. He received his BA in Biblical Languages and Literature from the University of Michigan (summa cum laude). He received his MA in Hebrew Literature from the Hebrew Union College and was ordained a rabbi in 1978. While in seminary, Rabbi Huber received the B'nai Zion Medal for Excellence in Hebrew Studies, the Lazurus Prize for Academic Excellence and the Youngerman Prize for Excellence in Preaching.

Rabbi Huber joined Congregation Beth Tikvah as our rabbi in 1983. In 2003 Rabbi Huber was honored at the Hebrew Union College with the Doctor of Divinity degree. His primary scholarly interests focus on Biblical literature and modern philosophy and theology.

Rabbi Huber has served as Chaplain to Patients at Missouri State Psychiatric Hospital as well as several psychiatric hospitals in Columbus. He has served on the Boards of many Jewish and communal agencies and institutions, including Hillel Foundation at Ohio State, Jewish Family Service and the Columbus Jewish Federation. Rabbi Huber has authored several essays, a guide to Jewish mourning practice and three curricula for adult Jewish learning.

Rabbi Huber's passions are teaching, singing and American history. Rabbi Huber and his wife, Marsha, have 2 children and 3 grandchildren