Meet the Rabbi

Rabbi Rick Kellner has served as the senior rabbi and spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Tikvah since July of 2011.

Rabbi Kellner was ordained a Rabbi from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Los Angeles campus in 2007 where he also earned a Masters in Jewish Education and Hebrew Letters. Rabbi Rick, as he is known by many of our youngest members, came to Beth Tikvah in 2011 and has brought a passion for Jewish learning, Jewish identity, and Jewish pride. On Shabbat morning, you can find Rabbi Kellner facilitating Torah study and engaging with B’nai Mitzvah students during the Shabbat morning service. On Shabbat evenings, Rabbi Kellner loves to partner with the music team to create a meaningful, joyful, and contemplative Shabbat prayer experience.

During the week, Rabbi Kellner partners with members of our congregation to strategize about ways to create community and connections within the congregation. You can find him teaching adult education classes, our 10th grade confirmation class, and being silly with the preschoolers.

Rabbi Kellner is passionate about Israel and has spent much time since the October 7th attacks teaching about Israel and finding opportunities for the community to connect with Israel. With the rise of antisemitism, Rabbi Kellner has been a leading voice to combat antisemitism and partner in the interfaith community to advocate for Holocaust Education. Additionally, Rabbi Kellner believes in the dignity of every human being and works to support those who are marginalized. Locally, he has been a leader in the B.R.E.A.D. organization and has also served on the core team as a founding member of RAC-OH, the Reform Movement’s social justice arm in Ohio. Rabbi Kellner has also served on the board of Jewish Family Services and has been president of the Columbus Board of Rabbis.

In the national Reform Movement, Rabbi Kellner currently serves as President Elect of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. Prior to this he served on the board as Vice President of Program and Member Support. He has also served as chair of Continuing Rabbinic Education as well as the Annual Convention Committee.

Rabbi Kellner is a Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude graduate of the University at Albany where he studied Spanish and Secondary Education. Prior to moving to Columbus, Rabbi Kellner served as Associate Rabbi at Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles. Rabbi Kellner lives in the Worthington area with his wife Debra, and daughters, Zoe and Shira. He is an avid sports fan, loves to run, enjoys spending time with his family.

Rabbi Emeritus: Gary Huber

(1983 – 2011)