Ron Isaacs, known as “the teaching rabbi,” has published more than 160 books that make learning and lore easily accessible to readers of all ages and beliefs. He is the Rabbi of historic Beth Judah Temple in Wildwood, where he has served since 2015. A native of Toronto, Canada, he is the Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Sholom in Bridgewater, New Jersey, where he served for 40 years. Ordained in 1974, he is known as the “teaching rabbi”, using his creative talents in the Temple’s Religious School, Hebrew High School and award-winning adult education program. Over the years his congregation garnered more than 30 Solomon Schechter awards of excellence.
Ron continues to use his musical talents to perform at JCCs, nursing homes, creative healing services, music therapy and worship services. He has published more than 145 books for adults and children. He has taught at the Jewish Theological Seminary’s Rabbinical School, Drew University’s School of Theology, and has served as scholar in residence and lecturer throughout the country. Ron currently serves as the Faith Advisor to Pomegranate Parables Press, an imprint of Relevant Publishers LLC.
Ron Isaacs, From his Every Person’s Guide to Judaism series to Ask the Rabbi, to Do Animals Have Souls, his books are invaluable sources of information and definitive reference works for people of all faiths. His children’s picture book with Karen Rostoker Gruber (Farmer Kobi’s Hanukkah Match) was named one of the Best Children’s Books of 2015 by the Bureau of Education and Research. He currently serves Beth Judah Temple in Wildwood New Jersey, as its spiritual leader, and is a popular presenter at synagogues and Jewish Community Centers on a wide range of topics. Ron also plays guitar and performs children's musical shows related to Jewish holidays and mitzvot.
He is happily married to Leora Weinstein Isaacs, and they are the proud parents of Keren (and Aryeh) and Zachary (and Courtney) and adoring grandparents of Mimi, Caleb, Evie and Jacob.
Rabbi Ron's children's book, The Chemodan: A Hanukkah Story Book For Kids, was released November 2024 by Relevant Publishers LLC. The Chemodan is a humorous tale about niggun. Niggunim are wordless songs that are part of Hasidic Jewish tradition and sung to elevate the soul to God. They are meant to be mystical prayers and sacred practices that can help deepen the soul and spirit. This particular tale is based on a story Ron heard in 1967 at summer camp and has shared throughout the years .
