Ranon Teller

Ranon Teller is a dedicated spiritual leader whose deep love for Jewish music, education, and community engagement has shaped his career. With a background in television writing and music, he has developed a dynamic and creative approach to worship, ensuring that religious services are meaningful and engaging. As the senior rabbi at Congregation Birth Shalom in Houston, he has revitalized prayer experiences, strengthened connections within his congregation, and fostered outreach initiatives that extend beyond the local Jewish community.

Ranon's leadership reflects a commitment to making Judaism accessible, relevant, and spiritually fulfilling for people of all ages. He inspires those around him to explore their faith innovatively. Through his use of music, storytelling, and experiential learning, he has created an atmosphere where tradition and creativity harmoniously blend to deepen the spiritual lives of his community members.

Teller was born into a family where Judaism was more than just a religious identity—it was a way of life. Growing up in a suburban Detroit home, he was the second of three children and was raised in an environment that embraced the values and traditions of Orthodox Judaism. His father, a respected rabbi and scholar, and his mother, a devoted figure in the home, instilled a strong foundation of faith and discipline in him. He attended Orthodox Day School, receiving an intensive education in Jewish law, Hebrew texts, and religious practice. He later continued his studies at Skokie Yeshiva High School outside Chicago, where he deepened his knowledge of Jewish philosophy and tradition. With a thirst for further research, he moved to Israel after high school to immerse himself in advanced Talmudic study, theology, and ritual observance at an Orthodox yeshiva. However, as he engaged in rigorous religious learning, questions and doubts began to surface, leading him to seek a broader and more nuanced understanding of his spiritual path.

Despite his strong religious foundation, Rabbi Ranon Teller was drawn to creative expression and intellectual exploration beyond traditional Jewish study. As his time in Israel ended, he grew disillusioned with certain aspects of Orthodox fundamentalism and sought a new direction. Returning to Chicago, he discovered a passion for storytelling and pursued a degree in television writing at Columbia College Chicago.