Rabbi Dr Kari Tuling, PhD, Interim Rabbi
A lifelong learner, Rabbi Dr. Kari Tuling received rabbinic ordin
ation in 2004 and a PhD in Jewish thought in 2013 from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati. She then went on to receive an executive master’s degree in nonprofit management from Spertus Institute’s distance program in 2022.
Rabbi Tuling has served as a solo rabbi for congregations in New York and Connecticut and as the interim rabbi for a multi-clergy team in Washington D.C.
Rabbi Tuling is an experienced teacher, a sought-after lecturer, and a published author, including a book titled Thinking About God: Jewish Views published by JPS/University of Nebraska Press.
Her interests include working with watercolor pencils, completing embroidery kits, taking walks in the woods, exploring new places with friends, and learning new recipes.
Rabbi Tuling lives in Hauppauge with her husband Tom and a large black-and-white cat named Justine.
Rabbi Beth H Klafter, RJE, Doctor of Divinity, Rabbi Emerita
Rabbi Beth Klafter joined the professional staff of Temple Beth David in 2006, serving for seven years as the Director of the Religious School. In 2013, she was named the Senior Rabbi of the congregation. In this role, she brought her passion for Jewish knowledge and experiences to the entire congregation. She welcomed all individuals and families into the congregational community.
Prior to her arrival at Temple Beth David, she had served two Reform congregations in Nassau County. Ordained at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in New York in 1988, she also received a Masters in Religious Education and a Masters in Hebrew Letters there. During her studies at Hebrew Union College, she also studied at New York University’s School of Education, and received her B.A. in Religious Studies from Brown University. Rabbi Klafter was awarded the title of Reform Jewish Educator by the National Association of Temple Educators in 1992. On May 2, 2013, she received her Doctor of Divinity honoris causa from Hebrew Union College in honor of her 25 years in the Rabbinate.
Rabbi Klafter retired for the fulltime congregational rabbinate in July 2026, and named Rabbi Emerita of Temple Beth David.
Rabbi Audrey Halpern, D.Min, Doctor of Divinity, Rabbi Emerita
Rabbi Audrey Halpern was called to the pulpit of Temple Beth David in 1988. She served here for nearly four decades. She received her undergraduate degree in Vocal Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. Her love of Judaism, music and psychology led her to Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. She became an invested Cantor and received her Masters Degree in 1987. She has also earned the title of Rabbi.
During her many years serving Temple Beth David, she developed an Adult Choir and a Junior Choir. She also offered various Adult Education classes, and she supervised the B’Mitzvah Program. While serving as Cantor and then Rabbi, her greatest passion was to serve the spiritual needs of members of the congregations. She officiated at all life cycle events. Rabbi Halpern counseled those facing particular challenges of illness and loss.
Rabbi Halpern retired for the fulltime congregational rabbinate in July 2026, and named Rabbi Emerita of Temple Beth David.
