RABBI AARON BISNO
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.
I am the Senior Rabbi at Temple Ohav Shalom in Allison Park, Pennslyvania and 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 roles as Temple Ohav's Senior Rabbi and as Rodef Shalom's Rabbinic Scholar, I also serve as Rabbi-in-Residence at Calvary Episcopal Church in the Shadyside 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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.