Kol HaLev Weekly Bulletin
April 23, 2024
Passover, the Time of our Freedom
Passover, the holiday on which we celebrate our liberation from slavery in Egypt, has just begun! Kol HaLev will observe Passover with a Community Seder on April 23 and with special psalms of praise—Hallel—at our Shabbat morning service. The holiday will end after nightfall on Tuesday, April 30.
“The Seder is a place to reimagine and recommit to the world’s dream of liberation.”
Rabbi Emily's Column
One of Reconstructing Judaism’s foundational teachings is that we can see the divine working in
the world through our own attributes and actions.
This week’s Torah portion is specifically chosen for the Shabbat during Passover. It mentions, among many other concepts, that human beings cannot see YHVH’s face and live. What we call the Divine Attributes of Mercy are listed. These are compassionate qualities ascribed to YHVH’s divine actions in the world.
“We can see the divine working in the world through our own attributes and actions.”
As we prepare to count the Omer beginning on the second night of Passover, I can’t help but draw a parallel here. In our modern Kol HaLev/Kabbalistic practice, we will go through the qualities of the divine each night as we count 49 days in a row. The Kabbalistic system we use in the counting of the Omer is different from the Attributes of Divine Mercy in the Torah. Yet the same concept is true: the Divine shows up through action.
Passover, we know, is an action based holiday—the Seder is a place to reimagine and recommit to the world’s dream of liberation. The Passover liberation was focused exclusively on a particular group of people, the Children of Israel. In other parts of the Torah, groups or people who were unkind to the Children of Israel are dealt with harshly. The Torah says to blot out the names and the very remembrance of Amalek and all Amalekites forever. And it says not to let a Midianite person into the congregation of Israel until the 10th generation. Yet this is not what the Torah says about the Egyptians in the Passover story. It could have done so easily. Despite the ill treatment the Hebrew slaves received in Egypt, the Torah teaches time and time again that we were slaves, and therefore, we must not oppress the stranger. Rabbi Amy Eilberg, the first woman ordained as a Conservative rabbi by the Jewish Theological Seminary (in 1985), gave a talk last week, hosted by the organization T’ruah, in which she named Passover as her favorite holiday for this reason. We learn empathy and purpose. We embrace the softening of our hearts more than the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. What is more humbling than stirring the collective memory of hardship and choosing to learn from it?
Perhaps the answers of how to manifest divine attributes in the world do not just come from a huge miraculous event or a supreme cosmic shift like the splitting of the sea. Perhaps we can do this through every step taken one day at a time. So, I invite you to join us for 49 days online when we count the Omer. This is our time to incorporate the divine attributes, balance, and calibrate our beings to bring divine action into the world.
Counting the Omer
Many of us look forward to the counting of the Omer every year. The Omer was the first of the barley harvest,
which the Israelites brought as an offering to the Temple. We are instructed to count seven complete weeks from
the day of the offering of the Omer (identified with the second day of Passover) and then to observe the holiday
of Shavuot, the time of the giving of the Torah (teaching). Although we can no longer bring offerings to the
Temple, we count each night between these two holidays, as we take steps toward receiving the Torah.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Kabbalists in Safed imposed a mystical framework based on the
sefirot (the cosmic energies through which God is manifested) on these seven weeks. They aligned the
sefirot in combinations that created a distinct meaning for each night.
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Nightly Counting of the Omer
Wednesday, April 24 through Monday, June 10, except Fridays
7:00–7:30 pm — virtual
Join Rabbis Steven and Emily, and Cantor George, in this deep dive into Kabbalah and the mitzvah of counting
the Omer. We meet online every night, except Fridays, at 7 pm for half an hour of counting and processing
the unique mystical coloring of each day. On Friday nights, we’ll count the Omer at the conclusion of the
Kabbalat Shabbat service.
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Miraculous Living and Counting the Omer with Rabbi Jacke Schroeder
Weekly on Monday evenings from 8:00 to 9:15 pm for 7 weeks, April 29 to June 10
Rabbi Jacke Schroeder is offering an enriching program that combines the study of Miraculous Living: A Guided Journey in Kabbalah through the Ten Gates of the Tree of Life by Rabbi Shoni Labowitz, z”l, with the ritual practice of Counting the Omer. This period of reflection is celebrated from Passover to Shavuot and focuses on personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, and a deeper connection with the cycles of nature.
The Counting of the Omer takes place over a 49-day period in which each day is marked and reflected upon, a process that fits beautifully with the progressive reading schedule of Rabbi Labowitz’s book. The daily exploration of key spiritual concepts aligns with the Omer's themes of introspection and renewal. Group discussions are also a great way to deepen understanding and share personal insights.
This is a unique opportunity to experience a structured spiritual journey over seven weeks, exploring Kabbalistic teachings and the profound symbolism of the Omer period.
If you would like to participate, please reach out to Rabbi Jacke right away. You’ll want enough time to purchase the book and begin the reading schedule in preparation for our first gathering on April 29.
There is no fee to participate. A donation to Kol HaLev is always welcome.
This Week
Kol HaLev's Community Create-Our-Own Seder
April 23, the second night of Pesach, 6:45 pm
CHC Parish Hall
This is a true potluck Seder, not just with food but with leading the service as well!
If you’ve chosen to lead a part of the Seder, know that you have the freedom to do so in any way you like.
Please come prepared with a thought, poem, etc. to share with the group. If you want any advice about how to lead your section, you may contact Rabbi Emily.
Please use kosher meat or chicken in any dishes that contain these ingredients, or bring a parve dish
(free of both meat and dairy). And remember, no chametz! If you bring a dish containing kitniyot,
please provide a list of ingredients as well.
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First Night of the Counting of the Omer
Wednesday, April 24, 7:00–7:30 pm — virtual
See “Counting the Omer” above.
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Community Gathering with Rabbi Emily
Wednesday, April 24, 7:30 pm - virtual
A safe space to connect, listen, and check in with each other.
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Shabbat Unplugged
Friday, April 26, 7:00 pm
CHC Chapel and virtual
Kol HaLev Unplugged, our very own musical ensemble, welcomes in Shabbat. They sing! They play!
They even compose! An experience not to be missed!
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Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Discussion
Saturday, April 27, 10 am
CHC Chapel and virtual
Join Cantor George and Rabbis Emily and Steven for song, prayer, thoughtful discussion, and,
of course, Hallel for Passover.
(Please remember that the chapel is a fragrance-free zone.)
Torah Portion for the Sabbath of Chol HaMo’ed Pesach: Exodus 33:12–34:26
This week’s Torah portion is for the Shabbat of Passover. In addition to mentioning Pesach (the holiday of Matzah), it sets the benchmark for the ultimate expression of forgiveness and second chances. YHVH forgives the children of Israel and offers Moses a second set of tablets after the shattering of the first. YHVH also manifests, saying “No human being shall see Me and live,” and showing qualities of the Divine instead. These are the qualities of Mercy that we chant on the High Holidays. They are the most compassionate aspects and faces of YHVH. Why do you think this compassionate Torah reading is presented during the intermediate days of Passover?
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Kol HaLev Board Meeting
Sunday, April 28, 10:00 am – virtual
All Kol HaLev members are welcome to attend.
The agenda is as follows: (1) call to order, (2) vote on approving the minutes, (3) committee updates,
(4) security update, (5) lease update, (6) new business, including (a) marketing proposal, (b) security,
(c) possible changes to the Mi Sheberach list, (d) organizing, planning, and scheduling events, and arranging for volunteers, (e) managing events including food, (f) establishing KHL policies on kashrut and Shabbat observance,
(g) recap of the installation, (h) event surveys to enhance our mission of providing a meaningful Jewish experience,
(i) fundraising update, (j), bylaws review and update, (k) Well for the Journey labyrinth, (i) nominating committee for new board members, (j) May congregational meeting, and (k) membership and dues issues, and (7) adjournment.
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Niggun Circle
Sunday, April 28, 4:00 pm
CHC Library (formerly the Kol HaLev Room)
All are welcome to join in singing these wordless traditional melodies. For information, contact Rick.
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Miraculous Living and Counting the Omer with Rabbi Jacke Schroeder
Monday, April 29, 8:00–9:15 pm
See under “Counting the Omer” above.
Save the Dates!
Beginners’ Hebrew Class with Shira
Wednesday, May 1, 6:15–7:00 pm - virtual
Class members will learn biblical Hebrew as well as modern conversational Hebrew. We will gain a deeper understanding of the language of Torah, and gain easier access to the Hebrew blessings and prayers that are included in our Siddur. We will also learn to have basic conversations with each other in modern Hebrew.
Please contact Shira for more information and to receive your free Hebrew learning materials.
Click here to join our virtual class.
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Potluck and Literature at Lunch
Saturday, May 4, after the Shabbat Morning Service
CHC Library (formerly the Kol HaLev Room)
Everyone is welcome to attend the potluck! Please bring a pescatarian, vegetarian, or dairy dish to share.
If you’d like to take part in our Literature at Lunch discussion, please RSVP to Jodean. We’ll be reading
two stories by Sholem Aleichem, “the Yiddish Mark Twain”: “In Haste” and “Tevye Finds a Fortune.”
(The titles may be different in different translations.) Collections of Sholem Aleichem’s stories may be
found in public libraries, but you may also ask Jodean for copies when you RSVP.
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Shabbat Dinner Tisch
Friday, May 10, time TBA
At the home of Laurie and David Rosenberg
Laurie and David will be hosting KHL’s first Shabbat Dinner Tisch at their house.
These Friday evening gatherings in members’ homes will take place quarterly and will consist of a short
Kabbalat Shabbat service, a potluck dinner, and a discussion on a topic to be chosen by the host.
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Shabbat Sandwich on Human Genetics with Toni Pollin
Saturday, May 11, after the Shabbat Morning Service and Potluck
CHC Library (formerly the Kol HaLev Room)
Bring a vegetarian, pescatarian, or dairy dish to share at a potluck lunch after the Shabbat morning service,
and then settle in for a presentation on human genetics and its relationship to disease and individualized
treatment by groundbreaking geneticist Toni Pollin!
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Discussion of My Promised Land, by Ari Shavit
Saturday, May 18, after the Shabbat Morning Service and Potluck Lunch
CHC Library (formerly the Kol HaLev Room)
The second book in a three-part reading and discussion series in which we’ll consider historical understandings, perspectives on the ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict, the relationship (or lack thereof) between anti-Zionism and
anti-Semitism, and frameworks for the future. We have chosen three books that represent very different viewpoints and personal experiences. These sessions will be tightly facilitated to provide a safe space to wrestle with what
often feels unsolvable while challenging our values and emotions.
Questions may be addressed to Claudia Balog, or Ricki Henschel.
Community Notes
New Members!
Welcome to new members Sarah Tallman and Ben Bocian! They live in Bolton Hill in Baltimore City
with Ben's daughter Mary, age 6, and two cats.
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Book Discussions on Israel/Palestine
We are reshaping our book discussions. The next one, on Ari Shavit’s My Promised Land, will be moved to May 18, and our final discussion will take place in June (date to be determined).
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Wanted: Bulletin Board Designer
Did you know that Kol HaLev has a designated bulletin board inside the Church of the Holy Comforter?
In the words of Beth Crosby, CHC's administrator, “It has been sort of sad lately.”
We are looking for a volunteer who would have fun decorating our bulletin board with photos or writings, invitations
to the wider community, updates, etc. Please contact Rabbi Emily if you are interested in this position!
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Help Choose a Dress for our Torah!
A committee to choose a new Torah mantle is being formed. If you are interested in participating,
please let Linda Silvern know, and include dates and times when you are available
to meet in the last week of April. Linda will choose a date and time that suit most people.
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Planning a Labyrinth
Well for the Journey is starting to envision further development of the property we share. There is talk of a labyrinth right in our backyard! They have reached out to include Kol HaLev. Please contact Rabbi Emily if you are interested in being part of the steering committee for this endeavor!
Website
For more about Kol HaLev, our people, services, programs, and events,
check out the updated Kol HaLev website at www.kolhalevmd.org!
Newsletter
Reading. Please note: what you see on your phone or other device is only about half of the newsletter. Because readers have told us that they don’t want to scroll through large blocks of text on their phones, we generally display only the first few lines of each item in the email, with the option to click through to the website. What you don’t get in the email is the reason, the details, the context, and, often, the contact information. So if you want the full, in-depth, unexpurgated experience, please click through!
Contributing. 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.