Associate Rabbi

Rabbi Jimmy has been married to his wife Laurie since 2003. They have three children, Leah, Sarah, and Grayson. Rabbi Jimmy moved to Colorado Springs from Ft. Myers, Florida in 1993.

 

In 1998 Reb Jimmy joined Beit Ad-nai Yisrael in Colorado Springs, serving as President, Youth Leader, and Associate Leader. In 2003 he graduated with a Bachelors of Bible at Beth El Yeshiva. In 2006 He, with the help of a handful of families, founded Sha’arey Tzion Messianic Synagogue and led the congregation for 11 years.

 

Reb Jimmy has his Messianic ministry credentials from the Coalition of Torah Observant Messianic Congregations. He also works full time at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs.

 

Reb Jimmy counts amongst his current mentors and influences; Rabbi Michael Marks, Reb James Oviedo, Jonathan Lane, and Reb Aaron Diem. Others who have greatly influences his spiritual walk include the First Fruits of Zion ministry, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, Rabbi Daniel Lapin, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Dr. Ron Mosley, Dr. Dwight Pryor, Pastor Steve Schell, and Dr. Michael Heiser.

 

Rabbi Jimmy is also a football fan, MMA fan, and enjoys a good novel and playing board games with his family. Rabbi Jimmy is currently pursuing his Masters degree in theology.

​

His podcast "Torah Time with Reb Jimmy" explores the Hebrew heritage of Christianity and discusses important topics for modern believers. 

 

Rabbi Rittenhouse became the lead Rabbi of Shammash Ariel on September 16th, Rosh HaShannah, during a joint ceremony with Rabbi Marks, who transferred the mantle of his spiritual authority to Rabbi Rittenhouse. During this same ceremony both Rabbi Marks and Rabbi Rittenhouse received their second Semikhah (ordination) from Rabbi Ken MacNeil, the President of the UMJA (United Messianic Jewish Assemblies).