Rabbi Ranon Teller

Raised in suburban Detroit, Ranon Teller is the second of three children born to Rabbi Dr. Gerald Teller and Judy Teller. Growing up in an Orthodox Jewish household, he attended Orthodox Day School before continuing his education at Skokie Yeshiva High School outside Chicago. Following high school, he moved to Israel to study at an Orthodox yeshiva, where he focused on the Talmud, Jewish philosophy, theology, religious rituals, and sacred texts.

During his religious studies in Israel, Ranon began questioning aspects of the Orthodox fundamentalism he encountered. He eventually returned to Chicago to explore his interests in writing and music. He earned a degree in television writing from Columbia College Chicago and worked as a writer and producer for the Sunday morning news program This Week with Wanda Wells. He also developed a passion for blues guitar and performed with a rhythm-and-blues band.

In 1996, Teller returned to Israel to explore different approaches to Jewish faith and religious practice. His interests included contemporary Chasidic music, alternative Jewish spirituality, and the teachings of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. He audited classes at a Conservative rabbinical school in Jerusalem and participated in an intensive experiential Jewish education program. These experiences helped him recognize his calling toward Jewish education and spiritual leadership.

In 1998, Rabbi Teller returned to the United States and enrolled at the University of Judaism, now known as American Jewish University, in Los Angeles. He earned a master's degree in education from the Fingerhut School of Education in 2000 and received rabbinic ordination in 2002, earning awards for academic excellence and Talmudic studies. In May 2022, he received an Honorary Doctorate from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies.

Rabbi Teller began his rabbinic career as associate rabbi at Congregation B'nai Amoona in St. Louis, serving from 2002 to 2005. During a period of senior leadership changes, he helped provide the congregation with stability and direction. He developed relationships with young families and introduced contemporary, interactive prayer services. His leadership combined Jewish learning, creative worship, and personal engagement to encourage stronger community participation.

In 2005, Ranon Teller became senior rabbi of Congregation Brith Shalom in Houston. Over the following two decades, he introduced musical prayer services, encouraged congregational growth, and strengthened community connections. He also helped secure a $1.5 million endowment and a $5 million gift for a building-renovation campaign. Beyond the synagogue, he has collaborated with organizations supporting individuals and families facing hunger, homelessness, and other challenges.

Outside his professional responsibilities, Rabbi Ranon Teller values family, music, and outdoor activities. He and his wife, Vicki, have raised four children: Ariella, Maya, Jake, and Nava, who has expressed an interest in pursuing the rabbinate. His personal interests include playing blues and folk guitar, song-leading, reading biographies, juggling, magic, hiking, and backpacking. He has also contributed articles to Jewish publications and co-authored the book Peaceful Bones.