Ranon Teller is a dedicated spiritual leader with a profound love for Jewish music, education, and community engagement. With a background in television writing and music, he has developed a distinctive approach to leading worship, crafting educational programs, and fostering deep communal connections. As the senior rabbi of Congregation Brith Shalom in Houston, he has reimagined prayer services, strengthened member involvement, and expanded outreach within the broader Jewish world and interfaith communities. His innovative leadership has positioned the synagogue as a dynamic center of spirituality, learning, and community collaboration.
Ranon was born into a family deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, the second of three children. He was raised in a suburban Detroit home and immersed in Orthodox Jewish values and practices. His early education occurred at an Orthodox Day School, followed by studies at Skokie Yeshiva High School near Chicago. Seeking to deepen his knowledge, he traveled to Israel and enrolled in an Orthodox yeshiva to study advanced Talmud, Jewish philosophy, theology, and sacred texts. During this period, he developed a strong intellectual foundation, but over time, he began to question certain aspects of religious fundamentalism, prompting a journey of self-discovery.
As his perspectives evolved, Teller was drawn toward creative expression beyond traditional religious study. Returning to Chicago, he pursued a degree in television writing at Columbia College Chicago, where he developed a passion for storytelling. He later worked in the television industry, writing and producing a Sunday morning news program, utilizing his skills to inform and engage audiences. Simultaneously, he discovered a love for blues music, dedicating himself to learning the guitar and performing with a rhythm and blues band. One of his most memorable experiences was playing on Maxwell Street, the historic birthplace of Chicago blues. Despite his foray into secular pursuits, a deep connection to his Jewish heritage continued to pull him back toward spiritual leadership.
In 1996, Rabbi Ranon Teller returned to Israel with a renewed curiosity about alternative Jewish practices. Seeking a spiritual path beyond the rigid orthodoxy of his youth, he explored contemporary Chasidic music, alternative expressions of Jewish spirituality, and the teachings of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. His experiences in Jerusalem led him to audit classes at a Conservative rabbinical school while undergoing intensive experiential training in Jewish education. This transformative period solidified his realization that his calling was to become a Jewish leader.
Ranon returned to the United States in 1998 with a clear sense of purpose and enrolled at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles, now known as the American Jewish University. His studies focused on Jewish education and rabbinic ordination, combining his passion for teaching with his commitment to spiritual leadership. In 2000, he earned a master's degree, receiving the Fingerhut School of Education Award for Outstanding Achievement. He was ordained two years later, receiving additional honors for excellence in Talmudic studies. In recognition of his contributions to Jewish learning and leadership, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in 2022.
Teller began his rabbinic career at Congregation B'nai Amoona in St. Louis, where he served as associate rabbi from 2002 to 2005. His leadership was pivotal during senior staff transitions, providing stability and vision for the congregation. He introduced contemporary, interactive prayer services that resonated with young families, fostering renewed engagement and participation. His dynamic approach helped bridge generational gaps within the synagogue, strengthening communal bonds and revitalizing worship experiences.
In 2005, Ranon Teller Rabbi was appointed senior rabbi of Congregation Brith Shalom in Houston, where he ushered in an era of growth and transformation. His personable and diplomatic leadership style fostered an inclusive environment, welcoming congregants from diverse backgrounds. Over two decades, he introduced innovative musical prayer experiences, creating services that blended spirituality with contemporary melodies. His leadership also extended to synagogue development, playing a key role in securing a $1.5 million endowment and facilitating a $5 million building renovation campaign, ensuring a sustainable future for the congregation.
Ranon's contributions extend beyond the synagogue, as he engages with the broader Houston Jewish and interfaith communities. His commitment to social justice has led to collaborations with local organizations such as the Houston Food Bank, SEARCH Homeless Services, and the Food and Faith Collaborative. Additionally, he works closely with the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and Alexander Jewish Family Service to support individuals and families in need. His dedication to community service reflects his belief in the power of faith-driven action to bring about meaningful change.
Teller shares his life with his wife, and together, they have raised four children who have been deeply influenced by Jewish tradition and communal values. Their youngest daughter has expressed interest in following in her father's footsteps, continuing a legacy of rabbinic leadership. The family enjoys spending time with their beloved dog, who has become a cherished presence in their home. His ability to balance spiritual leadership with a fulfilling family life inspires those who seek to integrate faith, family, and community.
Outside his rabbinic duties, Rabbi Ranon Teller finds joy in creative and outdoor pursuits that enrich his life. A passionate musician, he continues to play blues and folk guitar, leading musical gatherings that inspire and uplift. He is an avid reader, particularly drawn to biographies and works that deepen his understanding of human nature. His interest in performance extends to juggling and magic, skills that bring a sense of wonder and engagement to his teaching. Additionally, he embraces nature through hiking and backpacking, finding spiritual renewal in the great outdoors.
Teller has shared his insights through numerous published works, contributing articles to Kolot magazine, the Jewish Herald-Voice, and the Jewish Journal. He also co-authored Peaceful Bones, a book that reflects his commitment to spirituality, mindfulness, and Jewish wisdom. His teachings resonate within and beyond his congregation, inspiring those seeking a deeper connection to faith, tradition, and community.