Show notes
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rabbi Ken Brodkin, rabbi of New Jersey’s Congregation B’nai Israel, about how he helped turn it into “the Orthodox synagogue for all Jews.” We also speak with Eli Kramer—a congregant instrumental in helping the shul affiliate as fully Orthodox—and Emily Appledorf, one of the newer members the shul set out to attract. In this episode we discuss:How can one persuade a century-old congregation with mixed seating to add a mechitza? Why would a young couple finding their way religiously join a newly Orthodox synagogue?What draws an Orthodox rabbi to a career serving the whole spectrum of Jews?Tune in to hear a conversation about the art of building a Jewish community. Interview with Eli Kramer: 14:23Interview with Emily Appledorf: 41:46Interview with Ken Brodkin: 1:05:37Rabbi Ken Brodkin is the rabbi of Congregation B’nai Israel in Manalapan, New Jersey. Rabbi Brodkin has dedicated his rabbinate to welcoming Jews of all backgrounds to the community and helping them along their Jewish journey. Rabbi Brodkin was hired by the Shul to help lead CBI’s transition to full Orthodox affiliation.Subscribe to our email list here. References:18Forty Podcast: “Lizzy Savetsky: Becoming a Jewish Influencer and Israel Advocate”Mishnah Berurah by Israel Meir Kagan“The Grandfather I Thought I Knew” by Mrs. Elana MoskowitzThe Tikvah Podcast: “David Bashevkin on Orthodox Jews and the American Religious Revival”Tanya by Shneur Zalman of LiadiEruvin 53bShemot Rabbah 2Aryeh Kaplan AnthologyTales Out of Shul by Emanuel FeldmanThe Book of Our Heritage by Eliyahu KitovWorks of the RamchalWorks of the MaharalBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
