About Rabbi Ranon Teller
Rabbi Ranon Teller is a highly respected spiritual leader known for his deep passion for Jewish music, education, and community. With a unique blend of television writing, music, and rabbinic leadership, he has transformed how his congregation engages with worship, education, and community involvement as the senior rabbi at Congregation Birth Shalom in Houston. He has led the charge in revitalizing prayer services, fostering membership engagement, and building strong connections within the Jewish community.
Early Life and Education
Rabbi Ranon, the second of three children born to a distinguished family, grew up in a home steeped in Orthodox Judaism's practices. His early education occurred at Orthodox Day School before attending Skokie Yeshiva High School in Chicago. His journey continued in Israel, where he dedicated himself to advanced Talmud study, Jewish philosophy, and sacred texts at an Orthodox yeshiva. However, questions began to arise during his time there that would ultimately guide him toward a different spiritual path.
Secular Career Beginnings
By the end of his time in Israel, Rabbi Teller had become disillusioned with the rigid orthodoxy of his religious studies. He returned to Chicago and began pursuing secular interests, including creative writing. He earned a degree in television writing at Columbia College Chicago and worked in the television industry, producing a Sunday morning news program. During this period, he also developed a love for blues music and played in a rhythm and blues band, immersing himself in the rich musical culture of Chicago.
Rediscovering Judaism
Despite his secular pursuits, Ranon Teller's connection to Judaism remained a significant part of his life. In 1996, he returned to Israel, exploring alternative ways to practice Judaism beyond the orthodoxy he had known. He studied contemporary Chasidic music and the teachings of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, which led him to rediscover his calling for Jewish leadership. This experience solidified his decision to pursue a career in Jewish education and rabbinics.
The Road to Becoming a Rabbi
Ranon's passion for Jewish learning and teaching intensified as he studied Jewish education and rabbinic studies at the University of Judaism, now the American Jewish University. His dedication to his studies earned him an Honorary Doctorate in 2022 and several academic accolades, including the Fingerhut School of Education Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Chancellor's Award for Academic Excellence. In 2002, he was ordained as Rabbi Ranon Teller, beginning his impactful leadership journey.
Early Career and Leadership in St. Louis
Rabbi Teller's first pulpit role was at Congregation B'nai Amoona in St. Louis, where he served as associate rabbi from 2002 to 2005. During this time, he was called upon to provide vision and stability as the congregation navigated senior leadership turnover. He introduced innovative prayer services and engaged young families, establishing himself as a forward-thinking leader.
Moving to Houston
In 2005, Rabbi Ranon moved to Houston to become the senior rabbi at Congregation Brith Shalom. His warm, personable, and diplomatic approach quickly garnered the trust of his congregation. Over the next two decades, he helped the synagogue grow by creating meaningful, musical prayer services and spearheading major fundraising initiatives, including securing a $1.5 million endowment and a $5 million donation for building renovations.
Rabbi Teller's Community Involvement
Beyond his spiritual duties, Rabbi Teller has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. He has worked with organizations like the Houston Food Bank, SEARCH Homeless Services, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston to support those in need. His work has extended to various social service initiatives, including collaborations with Alexander Jewish Family Service, showcasing his dedication to improving the broader community.
Family Life
At home, Ranon Teller is a devoted husband to Vicki Teller and a proud father to four children: Ariella, Maya, Jake, and Nava. Nava has shown a keen interest in following in her father's footsteps and pursuing a career in rabbinic leadership. The family also shares their home with a beloved dog named Jessie Afikoman, making their family life meaningful and joyful.
Hobbies and Interests
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Rabbi Teller has a variety of interests that enrich his life. He continues to play blues and folk guitar, enjoys song-leading, and finds joy in the art of juggling and magic. He also has a deep connection to nature, regularly hiking and backpacking, where he finds spiritual fulfillment. His written work, including articles for Kolot magazine and the Jewish Journal, along with his co-authorship of the book Peaceful Bones, reflects his commitment to sharing his insights with the broader Jewish community.
Rabbi Ranon Teller's journey has been deep introspection, transformation, and dedication to the Jewish community. His diverse experiences—from television writing to leading musical prayer services—have shaped his unique approach to spiritual leadership. Through his work at Congregation Brith Shalom and beyond, he has impacted his congregation and the broader Jewish community. His story is a testament to the power of faith, creativity, and community involvement. As he continues to inspire future generations, he remains a beacon of light in the Jewish world.
Early Life and Education
Rabbi Ranon, the second of three children born to a distinguished family, grew up in a home steeped in Orthodox Judaism's practices. His early education occurred at Orthodox Day School before attending Skokie Yeshiva High School in Chicago. His journey continued in Israel, where he dedicated himself to advanced Talmud study, Jewish philosophy, and sacred texts at an Orthodox yeshiva. However, questions began to arise during his time there that would ultimately guide him toward a different spiritual path.
Secular Career Beginnings
By the end of his time in Israel, Rabbi Teller had become disillusioned with the rigid orthodoxy of his religious studies. He returned to Chicago and began pursuing secular interests, including creative writing. He earned a degree in television writing at Columbia College Chicago and worked in the television industry, producing a Sunday morning news program. During this period, he also developed a love for blues music and played in a rhythm and blues band, immersing himself in the rich musical culture of Chicago.
Rediscovering Judaism
Despite his secular pursuits, Ranon Teller's connection to Judaism remained a significant part of his life. In 1996, he returned to Israel, exploring alternative ways to practice Judaism beyond the orthodoxy he had known. He studied contemporary Chasidic music and the teachings of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, which led him to rediscover his calling for Jewish leadership. This experience solidified his decision to pursue a career in Jewish education and rabbinics.
The Road to Becoming a Rabbi
Ranon's passion for Jewish learning and teaching intensified as he studied Jewish education and rabbinic studies at the University of Judaism, now the American Jewish University. His dedication to his studies earned him an Honorary Doctorate in 2022 and several academic accolades, including the Fingerhut School of Education Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Chancellor's Award for Academic Excellence. In 2002, he was ordained as Rabbi Ranon Teller, beginning his impactful leadership journey.
Early Career and Leadership in St. Louis
Rabbi Teller's first pulpit role was at Congregation B'nai Amoona in St. Louis, where he served as associate rabbi from 2002 to 2005. During this time, he was called upon to provide vision and stability as the congregation navigated senior leadership turnover. He introduced innovative prayer services and engaged young families, establishing himself as a forward-thinking leader.
Moving to Houston
In 2005, Rabbi Ranon moved to Houston to become the senior rabbi at Congregation Brith Shalom. His warm, personable, and diplomatic approach quickly garnered the trust of his congregation. Over the next two decades, he helped the synagogue grow by creating meaningful, musical prayer services and spearheading major fundraising initiatives, including securing a $1.5 million endowment and a $5 million donation for building renovations.
Rabbi Teller's Community Involvement
Beyond his spiritual duties, Rabbi Teller has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. He has worked with organizations like the Houston Food Bank, SEARCH Homeless Services, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston to support those in need. His work has extended to various social service initiatives, including collaborations with Alexander Jewish Family Service, showcasing his dedication to improving the broader community.
Family Life
At home, Ranon Teller is a devoted husband to Vicki Teller and a proud father to four children: Ariella, Maya, Jake, and Nava. Nava has shown a keen interest in following in her father's footsteps and pursuing a career in rabbinic leadership. The family also shares their home with a beloved dog named Jessie Afikoman, making their family life meaningful and joyful.
Hobbies and Interests
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Rabbi Teller has a variety of interests that enrich his life. He continues to play blues and folk guitar, enjoys song-leading, and finds joy in the art of juggling and magic. He also has a deep connection to nature, regularly hiking and backpacking, where he finds spiritual fulfillment. His written work, including articles for Kolot magazine and the Jewish Journal, along with his co-authorship of the book Peaceful Bones, reflects his commitment to sharing his insights with the broader Jewish community.
Rabbi Ranon Teller's journey has been deep introspection, transformation, and dedication to the Jewish community. His diverse experiences—from television writing to leading musical prayer services—have shaped his unique approach to spiritual leadership. Through his work at Congregation Brith Shalom and beyond, he has impacted his congregation and the broader Jewish community. His story is a testament to the power of faith, creativity, and community involvement. As he continues to inspire future generations, he remains a beacon of light in the Jewish world.
