Rabbi. Leader. Writer.
Spiritual Advisor. 

I am a Reform rabbi, a leader, a writer and spiritual advisor who has served the Jewish community of Pittsburgh for almost two decades.

 

After a 26 year congregational career,  I am currently the Frances F. and David R. Levin Rabbinic Scholar at Rodef Shalom Congregation, the oldest Jewish congregation in western Pennsylvania and a flagship of Reform Judaism in America.  I served as Rodef Shalom's ninth Senior Rabbi from 2004-2022. 

 

In addition to my current role as Rodef Shalom's Rabbinic Scholar, I also serve as Rabbi-in-Residence at Calvary Episcopal Church in the Shady Side neighborhood of Pittsburgh. As the Rabbi-in-Residence, I collaborate with Reverend Jonathon Jensen and  develop opportunities for interreligious dialogue, education and communal engagement. I am also the founder and director of the Center for Interfaith Collaboration.

​

I was ordained in 1996 by Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion, from which I received a MA in Hebrew Letters. In 2021, I was awarded honorary Doctor of Divinity degree for 25 years of faithful and dedicated rabbinic service. I earned a BA in Political Science from Washington University, St. Louis  and a MS in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania (2004). I was honored when Rodef Shalom successfully petitioned Allegheny County to name December 3, 2021 as "Rabbi Aaron Bisno Day."

​

I have published numerous articles, essays and sermons on topics ranging from trends in Jewish theology to contemporary questions and challenges facing the 21st Century religious landscape. I have also taught courses on in Hebrew Scriptures, Jewish ethics and Parables of Jesus. I am currently working on a book about the Jewish wisdom related to brokenness. 

​

In my free time, I enjoy going on outdoor adventures and am on a mission to finally solve the Sunday NYT crossword puzzle, to find "good" ice in every city to which I travel and to find at least a dozen (however small) things for which I am  grateful every single day of my life. What brings me the most joy, however, is being a loving and present dad to my two sons, cooking for them and watching them thrive as they enter young adulthood.  

​

I feel incredibly fortunate to be a respected and long-trusted figure in the Pittsburgh community who is known for my approachability, wisdom, warmth and wit, as well as my commitment to building bridges across faiths and cultures. I look forward to creating meaningful memories with you and your family and invite you to connect with me through the booking form on this website.