Spiritual Growth & Community Support at Kol HaLev nurtures connection, care, and purpose. We support one another through life’s challenges and celebrations while deepening our spiritual lives and strengthening our commitment to community.
Kol HaLev—“Voice of the Heart”—is a Jewish congregation where tradition and modern life meet through shared prayer, music, relationships, and open exploration.
Kol HaLev is a community rooted in listening: to our inner compass of love and compassion, to one another, and to the sacred traditions that shape Jewish life. Guided by Rabbi Emily Stern’s warm, relational leadership, we gather for music-filled, participatory prayer that feels alive and deeply human. Here, questions are welcomed, relationships matter, and Judaism is explored thoughtfully in the spirit of Reconstructing Judaism—honoring tradition while engaging the present. Many who come seeking a synagogue discover something more: a place to grow, reflect, connect, and live a Jewish life that feels authentic and shared.
Honoring Our Past & Shaping Our Future
The Heart and History of Kol HaLev
Reconstructing Judaism
Kol HaLev is grounded in Reconstructing Judaism, honoring tradition while engaging modern life. Guided by Torah, the Jewish calendar, and a commitment to justice, we are a welcoming community where exploration and conversation thrive.
Our History
Since 2007, Kol HaLev has grown from a small congregation into a vibrant Reconstructing Judaism synagogue in Baltimore County. Shaped by inspired clergy, Kol HaLev continues to be a warm and welcoming home for individuals and families of all ages.
Our Leadership
Rabbi Emily Stern leads with a deeply attentive approach that helps each person feel truly known and supported. Her presence fosters a community where people are welcomed as their full, authentic selves and encouraged to grow in their Jewish lives.
"Services are filled with participatory song. Singing together opens hearts and builds connection...it makes services feel alive, meaningful, and accessible."
- A Recently Joined Kol HaLev Member
Lifting Our Voices in Prayer and Song
Worship & Music
Music, the heartbeat of Kol HaLev, shapes how we pray and connect. Services include music with guitar, viola, and the congregation’s participation. Participatory songs, led and often written by Rabbi Emily, cantorial soloist Mara Yaffee, and our member musicians, enable congregants to feel present and connected. For many, music opens a doorway into prayer.
Growing Together in Faith and Care
Spiritual Growth & Community Support
Spiritual Direction—Spiritual direction or companionship inspires people to experience authenticity in their lives as they connect with and explore the ground of all being, that deepest of truths which is beyond life and death and goes by many names, including God, and no name at all. (From Spiritual Directors International)
KHL and Holy Comforter subscribe to a deep ecumenical relationship. Therefore we share efforts and missions to improve the quality of our worship and our ministry. We strive to reduce food insecurity and to bring comfort to the homeless. Our educational programs are open to the entire community, and we share in social activities.
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.
Every Wednesday night, 7:30pm on Zoom, A chance to reflect and connect with friends in a sacred space.
Social action is a critical component of the KHL community. We are affiliated with Jews United for Justice and contribute to their Community Roundtable. An important component is volunteering to speak out for justice in Baltimore and Maryland. As an affiliate of Reconstructing Judaism we voted to support the RJ resolution to engage in the conversation around reparations.
Inspiring Creative Growth and Meaningful Milestones
Youth and Family Programming
Sunday School with Art with a Heart
A monthly, intergenerational Sunday school experience created by Kol HaLev in partnership with Art with a Heart, a Baltimore-based nonprofit dedicated to enhancing lives through visual art.
B'Mitzvah & Pre-B'Mitzvah Programs
Kol HaLev is committed to celebrating each family. Rabbi Emily Stern helps each family craft a meaningful, celebratory B-Mitzvah service by honoring students' skills and family input.
Inspiring Creative Growth and Meaningful Milestones
Adult, Family, and Youth Programming
Kol Halev Story Programs
Kol HaLev's Story Programs create meaningful connections by inviting congregants to share personal stories in a safe, welcoming environment. Through the My Journey Story Series, individuals share a significant life experience, while the monthly Story Circle offers shorter, themed stories inspired by the Jewish calendar. By listening with curiosity and offering appreciation, participants build trust, deepen relationships, and strengthen the sense of belonging within the Kol HaLev community.
Sunday School with Art with a Heart
A monthly, intergenerational Sunday school experience created Existing Picture
by Kol HaLev in partnership with Art with a Heart, a Baltimore-based
nonprofit dedicated to enhancing lives through visual art.
B'Mitzvah & Pre-B'Mitzvah Programs
Kol HaLev is committed to celebrating each family. Rabbi Emily Stern Existing Picture
helps each family craft a meaningful, celebratory B-Mitzvah service by
honoring students' skills and family input.
An Experience Like No Other!
High Holy Days at Kol HaLev
“Rabbi Emily and Kol HaLev’s Rosh Hashanah Services are extraordinary, and truly a one-of-a-kind celebration.”
Kol HaLev’s “musical” services on the lst day of Rosh Hashanah, with cello, piano, guitar, and even harmonica, are from 10am to 1pm.
Shofar Sundae is on the 2nd Day of Rosh Hashanah at 1pm. Because Rosh Hashanah begins on Shabbat, we wait until the 2nd day to hear the Shofar!
Join us for a joyful service! Stay for a sweet Sundae to welcome the New Year!
Rosh Hashanah Eve: September 11
Rosh Hashanah: September 12 and 13
Yom Kippur Eve: September 20
Yom Kippur: September 21
"Rabbi Emily expresses such deep empathy for my struggles and such genuine joy in my triumphs, saying just the right words I need and want to hear, in just the right tone, that I know in my bones her heart and soul are with me."
- Kol HaLev Member
Updates & Community Highlights
Kol HaLev in the News
Kol HaLev Celebrates the High Holidays Like No Other Synagogue
Every synagogue’s leadership is different. Some have only one rabbi; some have more. Some synagogues host services every day, and ...
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Kol HaLev Hosts Sunday School At Art With A Heart
So, when she heard about Art with a Heart, a nonprofit organization that provides educational art classes in Baltimore, from ...
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With Hashpa’ah Experience, Kol HaLev Provides Unique Approach to Spiritual Counseling
Kol HaLev is already fairly unique as a Reconstructionist synagogue, which are relatively uncommon in the Baltimore area. But what ...
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Kol HaLev’s Promise to You
What You Will Experience at Kol HaLev
At Kol HaLev, the Voice of the Heart, you can expect an experience that touches your life, not just your calendar.
You will be welcomed as you are.
You will not have to fit a mold or prove what you believe. We respect your questions, doubts, and spiritual path, and your presence will matter from the moment you arrive.
You will feel seen and known.
Under Rabbi Emily’s leadership, you can join a warm community where people know your name, listen to your story, and care about you.
You can experience prayer that feels alive.
Through music-filled, participatory services, prayer becomes something felt, not just words on a page. Singing together creates moments of joy and connection to yourself and others.
You will find a community that shows up.
We celebrate and share life’s meaningful moments together, and support each other through illness or loss. Many members describe Kol HaLev as a family by choice.
You can engage with Judaism that makes sense to your life.
Rooted in Reconstructing Judaism, Kol HaLev invites thoughtful exploration rather than rigid answers. You will encounter teachings and conversations that feel relevant, honest, and meaningful.
You will have space to reflect and grow.
Kol HaLev offers room to connect with yourself, explore your spirituality, and deepen your sense of purpose in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.
You can experience leadership that is present and personal.
Rabbi Emily Stern’s warmth, wisdom, and accessibility shape every aspect of community life, creating an atmosphere that feels caring, grounded, and deeply human.
You can feel more connected.
Whether to yourself, to other people, or to Jewish life, Kol HaLev is a place where connection grows and becomes part of your life.