Temple Micah in the nation’s capital recently bid farewell to Rabbi Daniel G. Zemel after his four decades of service. So, the Temple Micah community needed an experienced spiritual leader to serve the congregation for one year during its search for a senior rabbi.
Enter Rabbi Dr. Kari Tuling, who brings two decades of rabbinical experience and a background in change management. She will serve as Temple Micah’s interim rabbi until June 2026.
The rabbinical team unanimously supported hiring an interim rabbi in order to have space to fully celebrate Zemel’s long career and leadership without the distractions of simultaneously hiring and onboarding a new senior rabbi, according to a Temple Micah document of frequently asked questions about the interim rabbi. Having a temporary spiritual leader also allows the community to learn new concepts without making permanent staffing changes.
Tuling visited the Washington, D.C., synagogue in January to interview with the search committee and meet with the board of directors, an experience she said was positive.
“I thought it was a really good congregation; they do so many things,” Tuling said of Temple Micah. “They’re smart and engaged and interested, so … I had a very good first impression.”
The feeling was mutual.
“Rabbi Tuling made an immediate impression when, during her interview, she opened her teaching with a playful question: ‘Are blueberry bagels Jewish?’” Associate Rabbi Josh Beraha wrote in a statement emailed to Washington Jewish Week. “From that unexpected beginning, she led a rich and thoughtful discussion that showcased both her intellect and her ability to engage others in meaningful conversation.
“Alongside her depth of learning, especially in the field of theology, she brings a steady, even temperament. And best of all for our community, she has a joyful sense of humor!”
Tuling, who holds a master’s degree in Jewish professional studies, was ordained at Hebrew Union College in 2004, then earned her Ph.D. in Hebraic and cognate studies from HUC in 2013. For the past 13 years, she has served as the sole rabbi for two different congregations, Tuling said, as well as an adjunct professor at three universities, including HUC.
“We were impressed with her pulpit experience, intellectual prowess and management experience, especially as it pertains to change management,” a letter from President Rielle Miller Gabriel to the Temple Micah community read.
Coming to the District from Connecticut, Tuling will assume rabbinical duties shared by all of the rabbis, such as leading services, supporting congregants in lifecycle events, facilitating educational programs and providing pastoral care.
She will also offer guidance and support in the transitory period between Zemel’s June 30 retirement and the hiring of a new senior rabbi next summer, her primary reason for wanting to take on this role.
“Before I came here [to Temple Micah], I helped a congregation that had been in a lot of turmoil steady itself and get back on good footing,” Tuling added.
That Connecticut synagogue community had lost a “beloved rabbi” and needed some help with interpersonal interactions.
“I’ve spent eight years with them, helping them get back on course, and so they’re in a really good place now,” Tuling said.
Although Temple Micah is much larger and urban — something that might take a little getting used to for Tuling — she looks forward to working with the synagogue’s clergy members.
“This is a really great team, and so it’s really enjoyable and fun to be able to collaborate on services and education,” she said. “That’s the part I’m most excited about.”
Education is an aspect that’s important to Tuling, who authored the book “Thinking About God: Jewish Views.” Her love for learning is reflected in the Temple Micah community, where the interim rabbi is expected to “expose the community to new thinking” akin to a scholar-in-residence.
“I wrote a book about God, and there seem[s] to be an appetite for high-level God conversations, so that’s what I’m planning to do,” Tuling said. “[Temple] Micah has always been willing to engage deeply in ideas. It’s a community that likes sermons with footnotes, and so I hope to continue that tradition. They like a well-researched sermon.”
At Temple Micah, Tuling recently attended a “fascinating” Lunch & Learn program on immigration, affirming her appreciation for the community.
“[Community members] reach out and want to get to know you and ask questions,” she said. “They’re just active and engaged; it’s a lot to love.”
The Temple Micah community established an integration committee to help Tuling feel welcome in her new role — which she said has made the transition easy. The next step is selecting a senior rabbi. Miriam Grogan and Lauren Laitin of Temple Micah are co-leading the rabbinic search committee.
Tuling’s goal in the meantime? “To help them make this transition effectively so that the congregation is ready to collaborate with their new senior rabbi.”
