About Ranon Teller

Ranon Teller is a dedicated spiritual leader whose deep love for Jewish music, education, and community engagement defines his approach to the rabbinate. With a unique background in television writing and music, he has cultivated an innovative ability to lead his congregation through dynamic worship, meaningful educational initiatives, and impactful community involvement. As the senior rabbi at Congregation Brith Shalom in Houston, he has reshaped prayer services, strengthened member engagement, and fostered deep-rooted connections within the Jewish community and beyond. His leadership combines creativity and tradition, making him an influential voice in modern Jewish life.

Early Life and Education

Growing up in a home rooted in Orthodox Jewish traditions, Ranon was raised in a household where faith and education were paramount. As the second of three children, he was immersed in a strong Jewish foundation from an early age. His father, a respected rabbi and educator, instilled in him a love for learning and spiritual exploration. He began his formal education at an Orthodox Day School before attending Skokie Yeshiva High School near Chicago. After high school, he traveled to Israel to study at an Orthodox yeshiva, where he immersed himself in advanced Talmudic studies, Jewish philosophy, theology, and sacred texts. Despite this deep engagement, he began to wrestle with questions about religious interpretation and spiritual practice.

Exploring Secular Passions and Creative Expression

During his time in Israel, Teller questioned aspects of Orthodox fundamentalism, leading him to explore a broader intellectual and creative path. He returned to Chicago, where he pursued a degree in television writing at Columbia College. This academic pursuit allowed him to develop storytelling skills and an appreciation for creative communication. His television career began as a writer and producer for a Sunday morning news program, where he honed his ability to craft narratives that engaged audiences. Around the same time, he discovered a passion for blues music, learning to play guitar and performing in a rhythm and blues band. His musical journey included playing on Maxwell Street, a historic center for Chicago blues, an experience that deepened his love for musical expression and its ability to bring people together.

A Journey Back to Jewish Spirituality

Despite his immersion in the television industry and music scene, Rabbi Ranon Teller felt a deep and growing pull back toward his Jewish roots. In 1996, he returned to Israel with a new perspective, determined to explore alternative forms of Jewish spirituality beyond the rigid framework of his early education. He engaged deeply with contemporary Chasidic music and the teachings of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, which introduced him to a more inclusive and spiritually fulfilling expression of Judaism. Seeking a structured path to further his Jewish studies, he audited classes at a Conservative rabbinical school in Jerusalem and participated in an intensive experiential Jewish education program. He reached a pivotal realization during this period—his true calling was in Jewish leadership.

Pursuing Rabbinic Studies and Academic Excellence

Ranon returned to the United States in 1998 with a renewed sense of purpose and enrolled at the University of Judaism, now the American Jewish University, in Los Angeles. There, he pursued a degree in Jewish education alongside rabbinic ordination, blending academic rigor with practical leadership training. His passion for Jewish learning earned him multiple awards, including the Fingerhut School of Education Award for Outstanding Achievement. In 2002, he was ordained as a rabbi and recognized with the Chancellor's Award for Academic Excellence and the Ziegler School Award for Excellence in Talmudic Studies. His commitment to scholarship and leadership was further acknowledged in 2022 when he received an Honorary Doctorate from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies.

Early Rabbinical Leadership in St. Louis

Launching his rabbinic career in St. Louis, Teller joined Congregation B'nai Amoona as an associate rabbi from 2002 to 2005. During senior leadership transition, he became a source of stability and vision for the congregation. His innovative approach to worship, combined with his ability to connect with people of all ages, revitalized engagement within the community. He introduced interactive and contemporary prayer services, encouraging greater participation among young families. His leadership set the stage for new traditions that continue to shape the congregation's identity.

Transformative Leadership in Houston

In 2005, Ranon Teller Rabbi accepted the position of senior rabbi at Congregation Brith Shalom in Houston, ushering in a new era of growth and transformation. His approachable and soulful leadership style resonated with congregants, fostering an inclusive environment where people from diverse backgrounds felt a strong sense of belonging. He introduced innovative musical prayer services that attracted many attendees, blending spiritual tradition with contemporary expression. Over the years, he has guided the synagogue through numerous initiatives that have strengthened its religious identity, deepened community engagement, and positioned it as a leading center for Jewish life in Houston.

Community Engagement and Philanthropy

Beyond the synagogue, Ranon is deeply involved in social justice initiatives and community service. His work extends to collaborations with organizations such as the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, the Houston Food Bank, and SEARCH Homeless Services. He has played a pivotal role in the Food and Faith Collaborative, an interfaith effort that addresses food insecurity and fosters unity among diverse religious communities. His commitment to tikkun olam, or repairing the world, is evident in his dedication to uplifting individuals and strengthening the fabric of the broader community.

Securing the Future of Congregation Brith Shalom

Through strategic leadership and vision, Teller has played an instrumental role in securing the long-term financial and structural stability of Congregation Brith Shalom. He was a driving force behind securing a $1.5 million endowment, ensuring that the synagogue's programs and services could thrive for future generations. Additionally, he helped lead efforts to secure a $5 million donation toward an ambitious building renovation campaign, modernizing the synagogue's facilities to create more welcoming and functional spaces for worship, education, and community gatherings. His ability to inspire investment and commitment from the congregation underscores his dedication to sustaining Jewish life in Houston.

Personal Life and Family

Ranon Teller's family is at the heart of his life, providing him with endless joy and inspiration. He is married to a supportive and loving partner, and together, they have raised four children, each deeply connected to Jewish traditions. One of his daughters has expressed a strong interest in following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather by pursuing a career in the rabbinate. The family also shares their home with a beloved dog, who has become integral to their daily lives. His commitment to family values is evident in his teachings and leadership, reinforcing the importance of tradition, love, and connection.

Hobbies, Passions, and Creative Interests

Teller embraces many creative and intellectual pursuits outside his rabbinic responsibilities. He remains passionate about music, regularly playing blues and folk guitar while leading song-filled community gatherings. His love for storytelling extends to his writing, with published articles in Kolot magazine, the Jewish Herald-Voice, and the Jewish Journal. He also co-authored the book Peaceful Bones, further demonstrating his ability to bridge spirituality and creativity. An avid outdoorsman, he finds personal renewal through hiking and backpacking, connecting deeply with nature as a source of spiritual inspiration. Additionally, he is a skilled juggler and magician, using these talents to engage and entertain his community.

A Lasting Legacy in Jewish Leadership

Rabbi Ranon Teller has built a legacy of innovation and inclusivity through his dedication to Jewish education, worship, and community engagement. His ability to merge tradition with contemporary relevance has reshaped Jewish worship and education, making Jewish life more accessible and meaningful to modern communities. His leadership continues to impact Congregation Brith Shalom and the wider Jewish world, ensuring that future generations will benefit from his teachings, creativity, and unwavering commitment to Jewish values.