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.
Sat, November 27 2021
23 Kislev 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.
Sat, November 27 2021 23 Kislev 5782