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.

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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 with my fiance, Mary, and her rescue beagle named Webster. Together, we are on a quest to visit all of the major league ballparks, finally solve the Sunday NYT crossword puzzle, to find "good" ice in every city to which we travel and to find at least a dozen (however small) things for which we grateful every single day of our life together. 

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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.