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 2009 we moved to Brown Memorial Woodbrook Presbyterian Church, where we have 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.
In 2010 we officially became a Reconstructionist synagogue.
KHL has grown to approximately 100 member households. KHL has become home to many young, often multi-faith families who want to raise Jewish children. Our family education efforts expanded so that our school, Beit Lev, now serves 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, held in the BMW Fellowship Hall expanded to serve over 250 people last year. Although located just across the city line in Baltimore County, BMWPC has been accessible to both urban and suburban families.
BMWPC has been an excellent location for KHL; Unfortunately for BMWPC, the landlord strategy was not able to overcome the impact of their declining congregant population and recurring deficits. In 2017 they decided to merge with Govans PC and sell the entire Woodbrook property. They terminated their lease with KHL and the other occupants of the facility effective June 2018.
In 2017, the community was invited to get involved in a new location search effort. About 30 members volunteered to be involved at various levels and began meeting on a monthly basis. 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 that will serve us well for the next 4 to 5 years.
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 Shabbat services will now be held at CHC in the chapel.
Sat, October 20 2018
11 Cheshvan 5779
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KHL - Please Join Us at Our New Location
We have moved to The Church of the Holy Comforter (CHC), 130 W. Seminary Avenue, Lutherville 21093. All Friday and Saturday Shabbat services will now be held at CHC in the chapel. The chapel is handicap accessible.
Beit Lev Director Position Available
KHL is looking for a new director of its Beit Lev Sunday school program. Please help us find great candidates by sharing this job description with your networks or by following the instructions in the job description to send us your resume and cover letter.
Learn Hebrew!
Of all the entry points into the Jewish wisdom tradition, the Hebrew language is the "Golden Gate." Join Rabbi Geoff on Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Materials will be provided, and in no time you will gain skills to participate competently and comfortably in services, knowledge of key words and meanings, access to the wisdom embedded in the language -- the acquisition of immensely valuable resources to connect with and use, be they blessings, prayers, songs, Torah itself, and other texts. Please join us, your religious life and identity is about to get a lot richer!
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Weather Closing Policy
It is Kol HaLev's policy that if Baltimore County Schools are closed due to weather then any KHL service or event scheduled for that day will also be canceled and/or rescheduled.
Sat, October 20 2018 11 Cheshvan 5779