Coming of age is a big deal for families and teens. If navigated skillfully and consciously, this time can be meaningful and wholesome for all involved. It is a time of identity formation, values clarification, reflection on big questions, and understanding one’s place in the Jewish story.
We are partnering with Moving Traditions (www.movingtraditions.org) to pioneer a new and exciting approach to b-mitzvah that connects Jewish wisdom to the interpersonal and social elements of this coming-of-age ritual. The program includes family education and pre-teen sessions as part of B-mitzvah preparation. Through games, activities and discussion, the Moving Traditions’ sessions—created by rabbis and social workers—will help parents and pre-teens explore what it means to celebrate this milestone, to be the center of attention during a life cycle ritual, to navigate expectations from friends and family, to find Jewish meaning in the ceremony, as well as exploring other social-emotional challenges and joys associated with the b-mitzvah.
If you have not yet decided if a B-Mitzvah is right for your 5th or 6th grade child, this educational program will add to your understanding of the milestone and help inform your family’s decision. All are welcome to explore!!
Please contact Claudia Balog at claudbalog@gmail.com, or Rabbi Emily Stern at rabbi@kolhalevmd.org for more information.
All grades: $600
CHC, 130 W. Seminary Ave. Lutherville, MD 21093
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. We generally begin individualized instruction about 6-9-months ahead of the scheduled date to ensure adequate preparation and confidence.
Fee for B-Mitzvah year:
Fees for students in their B’Mitzvah Year are separate and to be discussed with the student’s Rabbi.
At Kol HaLev, the Voice of the Heart, you can expect an experience that touches your life, not just your calendar.
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.
Under Rabbi Emily’s leadership, you can join a warm community where people know your name, listen to your story, and care about you.
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.
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.
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.
Kol HaLev offers room to connect with yourself, explore your spirituality, and deepen your sense of purpose in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.
Rabbi Emily Stern’s warmth, wisdom, and accessibility shape every aspect of community life, creating an atmosphere that feels caring, grounded, and deeply human.
Whether to yourself, to other people, or to Jewish life, Kol HaLev is a place where connection grows and becomes part of your life.
