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January 13, 2026
January 13, 2026
Shabbat
Shabbat
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, January 16, 7:00pm
Join Rabbi Emily in a meaningful Friday night service to welcome Shabbat.
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Shabbat Morning Service
Saturday, January 17, 10:00am
CHC Chapel IN-PERSON and Virtual
Come celebrate Shabbat with Rabbis Emily and Steven!
They'll be discussing Rosh Chodesh (the new moon) of the month of Sh’vat!
Please remember that the chapel is a fragrance free building.
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What's With this Country and What Can We Do?
Saturday, January 17, after services
Join Maia Meeron and Rick Reiches for a minimally structured discussion among ourselves about the current state of our
country in keeping with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s concern for justice. It's a chance to share feelings and thoughts with
each other in a supportive space, maybe discovering something from one another. At the end, we will discuss what we can
do to address these issues practically, realistically, collaboratively, and supportively.
This Week
This Week
Spiritual Connection Circle
Wednesday, January 14, 7:30pm
A chance to reflect and connect with friends in a sacred space. Need some more support?
Want closer connections with your community? Please join us in a compassionate environment for sharing and listening.
All are welcome!
*Please note - Alan Silver will be leading this week with a different zoom link.*
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Service Leadership Workshop with Rabbi Emily
Cancelled this Week
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Baruch Dayan ha'Emet
KHL member Ruth A. Meeron, mother of Maia Meeron,
passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the age of 93.
Shiva dates and addresses are below, all will be at 7:00pm.
Tuesday, January 13 - home of Reb Tova Dodi, 440 Old Home Rd. Overlea, 21206
Wednesday, January 14 - home of David and Laurie Rosenberg - Goodlow House, 200 Cross Keys Rd. #50 Baltimore, 21210
Thursday, January 15 - home of Judy Gerb, 3709 Gardenview Rd. Pikesville, 21208
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KHL Board Meeting
Sunday, January 18, 10:00am - virtual
Agenda: 1) Welcome and Rabbi blessing; 2) Minutes; 3) New business;
4) Budget Discussion; 5) Committee Reports; 6) Adjourn
All are welcome!
New Website Info!!
New Website Info!!
As you may have heard, we are starting the New Year with another new beginning: the launch of our new website.
With the help of our beloved member, David Rosenberg, we have begun to work with a well known
website company. We are gathering community voices to help shape how Kol HaLev is represented
online. We need your input to let the world know what makes KHL so special.
Please answer as many of the following questions as you like. Choose the ones that resonate most deeply with you!
Please send your responses to Judy Gerb.
When you were searching for a synagogue, why did you choose Kol HaLev? Who introduced you to us?
Has Kol HaLev fulfilled what you were seeking in a synagogue? How so?
What do you feel is different or distinctive about KHL compared to other synagogues?
What are its most meaningful or special qualities for you personally?
What do you like or love about KHL?
What is your experience when you attend a service or event?
In what ways does KHL connect you to others, to yourself or to Judaism?
How has KHL enriched your life? What brings you joy here?
"Kol HaLev" means "voice of the heart". What does that phrase mean to you?
Save the Dates!
Save the Dates!
Kol HaLev’s Sunday School for All Ages!
Art with a Heart
Sunday, February 1, 10:00am-12:00pm
AWAH, 3000 Falls Rd. Mill No 1. Baltimore, MD 21211
Art With a Heart will supply KHL with teachers and materials!
Payment of $18 per session at the door or online.
Seasonal refreshments will be served.
Please RSVP to Laurie or click here to register.
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KHL Trip to Jewish Museum of Maryland
Sunday, February 8, 2026
More information coming soon!
Community News
Community News
Happy New Year Trees: A Tu BiShvat Celebration
Sunday, February 1, 1:00pm-5:00pm, After Art with a Heart
Howard County Conservancy, 10520 Old Frederick Rd. Woodstock, MD 21163
KHL member Reed Hellman has shared this information for anyone who would like to attend this free event.
Thank you Reed!
Tu BiShvat, the Jewish New Year celebration of trees that begins February 1st, encourages people to connect
with nature. The Conservancy is hosting a Tu BiShvat celebration with a joyful celebration filled with sing-a-longs
and stories, followed by a hike along the Conservancy trails to visit several champion trees. While the program highlights the holiday’s importance, all who appreciate trees are welcome.
Click here for more information and to register.
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Special Program Hosted by Har Sinai Oheb Shalom Congregation,
Social Justice Roundtable and Jews United for Justice
Sunday, January 18, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Jews United for Justice invites the community to participate in a special Martin Luther King Day program centered
on youth justice. The event aims to address critical issues such as reducing incarceration rates among young
people and creating a safer environment for children and teenagers. A panel discussion featuring experts who will explore the challenges and potential solutions related to youth incarceration, with a particular focus on
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy in the fight for justice. The program will include a call to action
in support of legislation in the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session.
Click here to register.
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Newsletter Submissions
Friendly Reminder: The deadline for all newsletter submissions is Sunday at noon and
must have prior approval from Rabbi Emily. Thank you for your cooperation.
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"My Journey" Series
Kol HaLev has launched a “My Journey” series where members are invited to tell their own personal story
for the purpose of getting to know each other better and building community. Witnessing people authentically
share their stories can be fascinating, inspiring and often lead to heart to heart connections. Some examples
of what might be shared could be about family, career, something a person has overcome, an inspiring aspect
about a person's journey, or anything else that has led to learning a life lesson. One member will tell their
story each week after a potluck lunch after services.
We welcome you to participate! Contact Laurie at rosenberglaurie56@gmail.com
or 301-467-5057 if you are interested.
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Mitzvah Cards are still available!
For any occasion, simcha, or offering of condolences, consider
purchasing a card from KHL, showcasing our beautiful Torah mantle!
Please contact Alan Silver if you would like to purchase Mitzvah Cards.
Alan can also be reached at 443-996-3445.
10 cards (with envelopes) for $36.
Or a single card for $5.
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Are there any KHL Members you think should be recognized?
For their efforts with the KHL community or otherwise? Please email the KHL office!
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Faith in the Public Square: Safeguarding our multireligious democracy
Tuesdays, January 20, 27, and February 3, 7:00–8:30pm
ICJS Library, 956 Dulaney Valley Rd., Towson, MD 21204
What does it mean to be religious in America today? What do we do when our religious freedom brushes against
the boundaries of someone else’s? What does faith freedom for all look like? How are we supposed
to engage when we’re told our differences keep us apart?
We are often told that the United States was founded upon the idea of religious liberty, but what was the goal,
and what does that mean for all of us in 2026?
In this three-week series for Fellowship for Congregations alumni and any member of their congregation, we will take
time to explore the history and law, dive into the way religious liberty is playing out in the national landscape today,
and discuss why it is essential in an interreligious society.
Food Drive
Due to increasing food insecurity, we are collecting non-perishable foods for donation. When you come to services, please
consider making it your practice to bring donations, and we will bring it to a Maryland food bank location.
Click here for a list of items that are needed most.
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Container Drive
One of our members, Jodean Marks, is contributing food to an outdoor fridge in the B'more Community Fridge Network
and needs empty containers in which to put food (e.g., containers for guacamole, hoummos, or potato salad; microwaveable
takeout containers, single-serve beverage containers). Please bring empty, rinsed containers to KHL.
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Mi Shebeirach List
In the Mi Shebeirach prayer for healing, we ask for Refuah Shlema (the renewal of body and the renewal of spirit) for ourselves and for our loved ones. We speak each name aloud during this part of our Shabbat service, and then together we sing this prayer. All names to be included on the Mi Shebeirach list need to be submitted to the KHL office no later than Wednesday, to be included in that weekend's Shabbat services. Each name submitted will continue to be included on the Mi Shebeirach list for one month.
If anyone needs to remain on the list longer than a month, their name can be resubmitted to the KHL Office. When submitting your (or your loved one's) name, please include the email address if you or they would like to be contacted by our KHL Chesed group to receive additional support. If you have any questions, please contact Shira.
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Stay Informed!
We have adopted text messages to provide important information about KHL and KHL events.
Add 410.346.9989 to your contact list so that you will know the text is from KHL.
You can opt out of our sms messages by replying STOP. You can also “unsubscribe” by logging into the member portal,
hovering over “My Account,” choosing “My Subscriptions,” click edit, uncheck the sms subscription, click save.
We are also using Instagram and Facebook for publicizing KHL, so we encourage people to subscribe!
Website
Website
For more about Kol HaLev, our people, services, programs, and events,
check out the updated Kol HaLev website at www.kolhalevmd.org!
Newsletter
Newsletter
Contributing to the Newsletter: The weekly KHL newsletter goes out on Tuesdays. If you’d like to put an item in the newsletter, please clear it with Rabbi Emily and Alan Silver by noon on the previous Sunday. Suitable items include KHL activities, some CHC activities, and events of particular interest in the larger Jewish community. Please provide a complete paragraph (or several paragraphs) with all relevant information.
As a rule, the KHL newsletter does not reprint content from other sources, whether print or digital. A summary and a link to the content may be provided instead. If you have material that you think is vitally important to reprint in the KHL newsletter, please provide proof of permission from the author(s) and publisher. The relevant information on copyright law is available here.
Rabbi Emily Stern: 516-835-9995, rabbi@kolhalevmd.org
Co-President Alan Silver: 443-996-3445, president@kolhalevmd.org
Co-President Judy Gerb: judithgerb@gmail.com
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