Our History
In 2007 a group of 20 families began discussing the formation of a new synagogue community with Geoff Basik, who was then completing his rabbinical studies at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. Once Rabbi Basik was ordained, the Baltimore-area synagogue was incorporated as Kol HaLev. For its first High Holy Days services in 2007, Cantor George Henschel joined KHL and became its regular Cantor.
In 2010 Kol HaLev officially became a Reconstructionist synagogue.
In 2009 we moved to Brown Memorial Woodbrook Presbyterian Church, on Charles Street. For nine years this was home for our own shul, as well as access to a large function hall for High Holy Day service, Pesach Seder, Chanukah celebrations, monthly family Shabbat dinners and musical events, as well as joint interfaith activities with the church. However, in 2017 the BMWPC property was put on the market for sale.
So in 2017, the KHL community was involved in a new location search effort. About 30 members volunteered to be involved at various levels and a total of nearly 20 locations/properties were identified. The members unanimously and independently found that the Church of the Holy Comforter (CHC) (Episcopal) in Lutherville was the best choice for our next location.
Our move to Church of the Holy Comforter was completed on June 27, 2018. The move went smoothly and efficiently, and it looks like this will be a comfortable location. All Friday and Saturday in person Shabbat services will be held at CHC in the chapel.
Geoff Basik, retired and became Rabbi Emeritus of Kol HaLev on January 1, 2021. A search for a new rabbi is underway. In the meantime, Cantor George Henschel has skillfully and tirelessly lead the congregation in Shabbat services, High Holy Days and community connections.
KHL has grown to approximately 100 member households. We have become home to many young, often multi-faith families who want to raise Jewish children. Our family education efforts expanded so that our Sunday School at times has served over 45 children. The community has become increasingly active with Jewish educational programs, weekly Kabbalat Shabbat, a monthly “mindfulness” Shabbat minyan, Shabbat Unplugged, book club, family home gatherings, and much more. Our High Holy Day services have in the past served over 250 people. Although located in Baltimore County, Kol HaLev has been accessible to both urban and suburban families.
Wed, February 8 2023
17 Shevat 5783
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We're on YouTube too!
- Check out "Making it Real" story about KHL in the Jewish Times.
- Interview with Cantor George!
Schedule a meeting with one of our Spiritual Leadership Team
Reconstructing Judaism
This past October, a minyan of Black Jewish leaders embarked on a historic pilgrimage to the Equal Justice Initiative’s National Memorial for Peace and Justice and neighboring Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration in Montgomery, Alabama. As a first of its kind, the Reconstructionist Movement organized the trip focusing exclusively on American Jews of African descent grappling with the United States’ foundational sins and the necessary work for healing and teshuvah.
Join us virtually Thursday, February 9, 7:30 p.m. for Deconstructing Racism to Reconstruct Judaism: The Story of a Pilgrimage Down South as the leaders from the pilgrimage share powerful stories from their journey with a public audience for the first time. Registration is necessary for the link.
Black Lives Matter
Kol HaLev has joined over 400 Jewish synagogues and organizations that signed this declaration:
Jewish Organizations and Synagogues say: Black Lives Matter
We are Jewish organizations and synagogues from across the racial and political spectrum; from different streams of Judaism; whose members trace their lineage from countries around the world.
To read more, click here.
Chesed Network
Could you use some help? Would you like to be of help to someone else in our Kol HaLev community in their time of need? Our Chesed volunteers provide short-term practical help, such as preparing a meal for a family, giving a ride to someone, paying a visit, or making a friendly phone call.
Please let us know if you are in need of support, and/or if you would like to be a part of our Chesed team by contacting Laurie or Shira.
Please let us know if you are in need of support, and/or if you would like to be a part of our Chesed team by contacting Laurie or Shira.
KHL - Please Join Us
We are located in The Church of the Holy Comforter (CHC), 130 W. Seminary Avenue, Lutherville 21093. All Friday and Saturday Shabbat services are handicap accessible. For directions to the Shul please click here.
Wed, February 8 2023 17 Shevat 5783