Rabbi Kenneth Brodkin

Congregation Kesser Israel

March 5, 2019

Rabbi Ken Brodkin is proud to serve as rabbi of Congregation Kesser Israel, Oregon’s longest-established Orthodox synagogue. He and his wife, Aviel, are passionate about helping Jews of all ages connect with the joy, power and relevance of Jewish life. As a rabbi in a west coast community, Rabbi Brodkin believes that the rabbinate is a central voice of leadership in today’s Jewish world. Since his arrival in Portland in 2005, he has assumed a leadership role in strengthening the local Torah community. Rabbi Brodkin led the effort to relocate Kesser Israel from its downtown site – out of walking distance for most Jews – to a new building in the heart of the Portland Jewish community. He later founded Maayan Torah Day School to meet the needs of the growing community of young families who seek a Torah day school education. Today, Maayan serves 95 students from over 40 local families. In addition, Rabbi Brodkin is leading a campaign to build a new and larger synagogue for the growing Kesser Israel community. Rabbi Brodkin enjoys learning and teaching Torah. Rabbi Brodkin’s regular classes and learning offerings feature a focus on Talmud, Halacha, Tanach as well as the writings of the Ramchal. Originally from central Massachusetts, Rabbi Brodkin received his BA in History from Brandeis University, and he learned in Yeshivas Toras Moshe in Jerusalem. He holds his Smicha from Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg and Rav Gedalia Dov Schwartz. Prior to moving to Oregon, he was a member of the Torah Outreach Center in Houston, Texas. In addition to spending time with his family, Rabbi Brodkin enjoys American history, jogging and hiking in the Pacific Northwest.