Rabbi Ranon Teller

About Rabbi Ranon Teller

Rabbi Ranon Teller is a dedicated spiritual leader whose passion for Jewish music, education, and community has shaped his distinctive approach to religious leadership. With a background in television writing and music, he brings creativity and innovation to his role, inspiring his congregation through engaging worship services, meaningful educational programming, and active community involvement. As the senior rabbi of Congregation Birth Shalom in Houston, he has transformed prayer experiences, deepened member engagement, and built strong connections within the greater Jewish community and beyond, ensuring that Jewish traditions remain vibrant and accessible to all.

Born the second of three children to a family deeply rooted in Orthodox Judaism, Ranon was raised in suburban Detroit, where faith, study, and tradition played a central role in everyday life. His father, a respected rabbi and scholar, and his mother, a devoted supporter of Jewish education, instilled in him a deep reverence for Jewish teachings. He attended Orthodox Day School for his early education before moving to Skokie Yeshiva High School near Chicago. His commitment to Jewish learning led him to Israel, where he immersed himself in intensive Torah and Talmud study at an Orthodox yeshiva. During this time, he explored Jewish philosophy, theology, and sacred texts, seeking a deeper understanding of faith and practice. However, as he delved further into his studies, he questioned certain aspects of Orthodox fundamentalism, prompting him to search for a broader perspective on Judaism.

As his religious outlook evolved, Teller ventured into new intellectual and creative territories, exploring a secular career that allowed him to express his love for storytelling. He returned to Chicago, where he pursued a degree in television writing at Columbia College Chicago, honing his skills in crafting compelling narratives. His professional journey led him to the television industry, where he worked as a writer and producer for This Week with Wanda Wells, a Sunday morning news program. Alongside his career in media, he discovered a deep appreciation for blues music, learning to play the guitar and performing in a rhythm and blues band. One of his most memorable experiences was playing on Maxwell Street, the legendary birthplace of Chicago blues. Despite his success in the creative world, he felt a persistent pull back to his Jewish roots and a desire to reconnect with his spiritual heritage.

In 1996, Rabbi Ranon Teller returned to Israel with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to explore Judaism beyond the rigid orthodoxy of his youth. He sought out alternative forms of Jewish spirituality, delving into contemporary Chasidic music and the teachings of influential thinkers like Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. His studies broadened his perspective, allowing him to embrace a more open and experiential approach to Jewish practice. While auditing classes at the Conservative rabbinical school in Jerusalem, he also underwent intensive training in Jewish education, further solidifying his passion for religious leadership. During this transformative period, he recognized his true calling—to guide and inspire others on their spiritual journeys through education, music, and community engagement.

With a clear vision for his future, Ranon returned to the United States in 1998 and enrolled at the University of Judaism, now known as the American Jewish University, in Los Angeles. He dedicated himself to studying Jewish education and rabbinics there, building on his passion for teaching and mentorship. In 2000, he earned his master’s degree in education from the Fingerhut School of Education, receiving the prestigious Fingerhut School of Education Award for Outstanding Achievement. His academic excellence and unwavering commitment to Jewish scholarship set him apart as a leader in his field. 2002, he was ordained as Rabbi Teller, beginning his rabbinic journey. His achievements were recognized with the Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence and the Ziegler School Award for Excellence in Talmudic Studies, further affirming his dedication to Jewish learning.

Ranon Teller Rabbi’s impact as a rabbi has been profound, blending tradition with modernity to create a dynamic and inclusive Jewish experience. His leadership at Congregation Birth Shalom has revitalized worship services, strengthened community bonds, and fostered meaningful engagement among members. He continues to embrace innovative approaches to Jewish education, ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds feel welcomed and inspired in their faith. In May 2022, his contributions to Jewish life and scholarship were honored when he received an Honorary Doctorate from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. Through his work, he remains committed to shaping a Jewish community that is vibrant, inclusive, and deeply connected to its spiritual roots.