Humans are multidimensional beings. We have physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs. We go to different healthcare providers for physical and emotional support, but we often neglect our spiritual nature.
Emily Stern was ordained by the ALEPH Ordination Program January 2024. And as a mashpia, a Jewish Spiritual Director. When asked why she is a Rabbi, Emily becomes exhilarated because being a Rabbi entails offering much of what she loves most in the world.
Emily has a passion for chaplaincy and pastoral care. She trained as a chaplain at John’s Hopkins Hospital. Her work as a Mashpia, a Jewish spiritual director, engages Emily with both group and individual work. She loves supporting intimate and individualized connection between Jewish practice and congregants in the most personal ways.
Spiritual Direction is a kind of spiritual care that promotes healing and growth through deep listening, empathy, and empowerment. Rabbi Emily provides a spiritual framework for everyone’s unique journey using prayer, ritual, meditation, and art. She can accompany people through joy and grief, exploration and growth. Rabbi Emily creates a spiritual framework for anyone’s journey through deep listening.
She loves writing poetry and music. She has written numerous congregational melodies for the KHL community.
Emily grew up in a Reform congregation in Long Island, NY. Her undergraduate training comes from New York University’s Tisch school of the Arts where she received her degree in Drama. The creative elements of life continue to be of utmost importance to Emily.
Before becoming our Rabbi, Emily served Kol HaLev as the creator of Family Programming, and leader of our b’nai mitzvah program.
Rabbi Emily is the chaplain of the Mildred Mindell Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that supports organizations that deal directly with cancer patients for over 68 years.
Additionally, Rabbi Emily leads residents at Symphony Manor Assisted Living Facility weekly in their religious services and personal journeys.
Emily looks forward to continuing to build something beautiful together as Kol HaLev continues to express the “voice of its heart.”
Cantorial soloist Mara Yaffee’s soaring soprano voice and guitar accompaniment ensure that music plays a vital role in Kol HaLev’s Shabbat and seasonal celebrations. Mara’s extensive musical credentials include degrees from the Peabody Conservatory and Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Music. She has performed with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, and the Peabody Renaissance Ensemble. As an accomplished songwriter and lyricist, Mara enjoys researching traditional folk songs and ballads.
Listening to Mara sing—by herself and in harmony with Rabbi Emily—is a highlight of many Shabbat and holiday services. Her voice fills the chapel and carries the congregation, inviting all
attending to join in her musical prayer.
Rabbi Steven Silvern is the Gabbai of Kol HaLev, managing logistical affairs, playing a major part in Torah reading and offering teachings in the community. Rabbi Steven plays guitar, mandolin and hand drum (not all at the same time). He has been playing with Kol HaLev Unplugged for 10 years. Davennen with a guitar takes Steven deeper than Davennen with a Siddur. He is Professor Emeritus from Auburn University, and a retired Rabbi.
Teacher and professional musician Paula Faith Kurrus (Shira Ahava) supports Rabbi Emily Stern with her violin, viola, guitar, piano, and voice during various Kol HaLev services, and as a member of the Kol HaLev Unplugged shul band led by Cantor George Henschel. Shira is currently enrolled in the ALEPH Hashpa’ah program and will receive her certificate as a Spiritual Director in January 2027. She is married to guitarist Robby Kurrus, who also shares his music with Kol HaLev. Robby, along with Rabbi Steven Silvern, composed two of the prayers we regularly sing during our services ‘May we Bless’ and ‘Kaddish Meditation’.
Cantor George Henschel has been deeply involved in Jewish musical and spiritual life for more than 40 years and currently serves as Kol HaLev’s Cantor Emeritus. Cantor George helped lead the congregation’s first High Holiday services in 2007, continuing to do so for the next 18 years. As an integral part in the synagogue’s growth, he contributed to musical initiatives including “Shabbat Unplugged”, and introduced new liturgical settings composed by himself, other congregants, and from around the Jewish world. As Cantor Emeritus, Cantor George continues participating in Shabbat Unplugged, co-leading Shabbat morning services once each month, and tutoring B’Mitzvah students.
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.
