About Rabbi Ron Wittenstein

Most people can’t tell from looking at Ron that he is a native of Alabama. But his manners and gentility will give him away every time. Ron moved with his family to Jerusalem when he was 11, and has successfully navigated a truly bi-lingual and bi-cultural existence. He is as comfortable and as at home in a Yeshiva in Meah Shearim, where he spent most of the last 30 years learning Torah, as he is driving down the backroads of America (often riding on his bicycle) belting out a song, be it Jewish, country or even classical.  He is a truly unique individual who gives his time and attention to everyone he knows; and his warm, friendly personality wins him friends and fans wherever he goes.  He is well-known in Jerusalem and Santa Fe as a Torah scholar & teacher, master-Leiner, Baal Tefilah, Sofer, ice cream maker, mentor and friend.

 

Rivkah is known far and wide for her sense of humor, quick wit, broad Torah and general knowledge, and her amazing cooking and hospitality. Rivkah started learning Torah at 13 when her family, at her urging, moved from Carrollton, GA, to Atlanta for more Jewish educational opportunities.  After graduating high school in Atlanta, she moved to Jerusalem where she attended seminary, college, got married, and has been living and learning ever since.  Before she came to Santa Fe, she served as administrator for 12 years at Neve Yerushalayim, a Torah center for Jewish women in Jerusalem.  She is also a teacher, pre-marriage and Shalom Bayis counselor, a dating advisor, and a hostess par excellence, in the best traditions of both Jewish and Southern hospitality. The Wittensteins host on average 10-20 guests each Shabbos of all backgrounds and ages.