4 minute read
Biz Ins & Outs
BIZ IN & OUTS
Jennifer Harrington Michelle Koplan Sharon Pollin
St. Charles Health Care Systems new Wellness Program Manager
Jennifer Harrington, the MJCC’s Assistant Executive Director, has accepted a position as the Wellness Program Manager for St. Charles Health Care Systems. Jennifer will serve as a member of the Human Resources Organizational Development team, and her primary responsibility will be the creation of an employee-centric wellness program for the 4,600 employees in the St. Charles system.
According to Steve Albert, Executive Director · Portland Jewish Academy/Mittleman Jewish Community Center, Jennifer has been at the MJCC for over a decade, “During that time, she served as Fitness Program Manager, Health and Wellness Director, and Assistant Executive Director. In these roles, Jennifer has had an enormous impact on the J’s programs in all areas, especially fitness, day camp, sports & recreation, aquatics and membership. The wide range of offerings and services, and the current strong position of our organization, is a tribute to Jennifer’s dedication, passion, and talent. “ stcharleshealthcare.org
B’nai B’rith Camp Chief Executive Officer Awarded
B’nai B’rith Camp Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Koplan, was recently awarded the American Camp Association’s prestigious Frank M. “Scotty” Washburn award for her outstanding service. Michelle founded the Alliance of Oregon Camps and led the way to reopen Oregon’s overnight camps following the pandemic crisis. stcharleshealthcare.org
Sharon Pollin, the education director at Congregation Shaarie Torah, was recently selected as a Pardes Alumni Mahloket Matters Fellow. Sharon posted recently,
“It is an honor to learn about the topic of conflict resolution with this accomplished North American cohort. Pardes has crafted a curriculum modeled after Talmudic Rabbinic conflict and informed by contemporary thinkers to help us better understand the why’s, what-for’s and how’s of conflict, and approaches to resolution.
Dr. Pollin earned a B.A. in elementary education, M.S. in educational supervision and administration, studied Jewish text at Pardes Institute for Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, and possesses Doctoral Certification in Jewish Education Leadership, and earned her Doctorate in Education Leadership. pardes.org.il
Rabbi Eve Posen begins a two year fellowship
Rabbi Eve Posen, the associate Rabbi at Congregation Neveh Shalom in Portland, began her two-year Rukin Rabbinic Fellowship this month. This fellowship was established by 18 Doors, a non profit helps interfaith couples and families in formation, to build their confidence in their relationship with Jewish.
According to their website, “We understand Jewish interfaith relationships – and deliver knowledge and connection to help you open the door to Jewish in a nonjudgmental way.”
Rabbi Posen is a graduate of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic
Rabbi Eve Posen Rabbi Brodkin Pat Welch
Studies. Rabbi Posen also holds an M.A. in Experiential Education from the American Jewish University. The Rukin Rabbinic Fellowship is an opportunity for rabbis to come together to deepen their practices of working with interfaith couples.
Rukin Fellows are mentored by 18Doors experts, and receive access to specialized learning and resources.
A unique community of practice where rabbis hone their skills working with interfaith couples and families. Rabbi Posen is active in the work of social justice and engaged with American Jewish World Service. She is a mother to two children and an elderly dog and is partnered with a wonderful human. nevehshalom.org
Rabbi Keneth Brodkin accepts new position in New Jersey
Rabbi Brodkin of Kesser Israel in Portland recently announced that the Brodkin family will be moving to New Jersey this August. He stated, “I have accepted an offer to serve as rabbi of Congregation Sons of Israel in Manalapan, NJ, late this summer. This is a unique position in a growing part of central Jersey which offers me an opportunity to help lead a number of important initiatives to serve Jews.
As much as I look forward to this new calling, it’s very bittersweet for Aviel, the kids, and myself to be planning a move from this community, which we love so deeply. Portland, Oregon and Congregation Kesser Israel have been our home since December 2005, and we will always consider ourselves an integral part of the Kesser family.” We wish Rabbi and Aviel Brodkin and their family the best on their next adventure. sonsofisrael.com
Pat Welch awarded the PBJ Women of Influence award
Pat Welch, Co-Founder and CEO of Boly: Welch, was awarded the Portland Business Journal’s Joan Austin Woman of Influence Lifetime Achievement award during Women’s History Month.
Pat was described in a PBJ interview as “a bonafide powerhouse, mother, philanthropist and community business leader.”
Upon receiving the award, Pat said, “The five women, who received this award in previous years, are so out of my league as to be comical. That said, I’m proud to be selected and very grateful for the recognition.” bizjournals.com
