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 progressive community, Rabbi Brodkin believes that the rabbinate is a central voice of leadership in today’s Jewish world.  He is excited about working to advance the role of Kesser Israel in further promoting meaningful Jewish leadership.

Since his arrival in Portland in 2005, Rabbi Brodkin has assumed a leadership role in strengthening the local Torah community. He 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 with the long-term goal of establishing a day school that offers local Jewish families cutting edge education with excellence in both Torah and secular studies.  

Originally from central Massachusetts, Rabbi Brodkin received his BA in History from Brandeis University, and was trained in Talmud and Halacha at Yeshivas Toras Moshe in Jerusalem. He holds his Smicha from Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg and Rav Gedalia Dov Schwartz, and he is a member of the Rabbinical Council of America.  Prior to coming to Oregon, he was a member of the Torah Outreach Center in Houston, Texas.

Rabbi Brodkin continues to enjoy an active role in the study of Torah.  In addition to Talmud and Halacha, Rabbi Brodkin is very excited about the study of Tanach, Musar and Jewish philosophy, particularly the writings of the Rambam, Ramban, Maharal and Ramchal.  He also maintains an active involvement in the study of American history.  Rabbi Brodkin loves the outdoors, and hiking throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Aviel Brodkin, who grew up in Atlanta, holds two Judaic teaching certifications from the state of Israel.  She also has BA with a focus on Speech and Language Disorders.  Prior to becoming the principal of Maayan Torah Day School, Aviel taught in a number of schools in Israel and Houston Texas.  Aviel is also a popular teacher and counselor in the Portland Jewish community.