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.
Wed, September 22 2021
16 Tishrei 5782
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Shabbat Music
Kol HaLev, with the guidance of Cantor George has been introducing new, exciting, stimulating, joyful music to our services. Much of this music is for Friday nights and is played by Kol HaLev Unplugged on the fourth Friday night of the month. Kol HaLev Unplugged has made recordings so that the community can learn the melodies more easily. This link takes you to the recordings and the lyrics for the songs. You can also check out our latest You Tube video of Kol HaLev Unplugged singing Cantor George's Shalom Rav! Come to Shabbat and enjoy guitar, drum, voices and song!
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.
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, September 22 2021 16 Tishrei 5782