Connection, tradition and joy

Mimi Vanderhaven • August 18, 2025

Subscribe to the Celebrating Jewish Life 2025-2026 subscription series and enjoy six holiday experiences.

A smiling woman and man stand in front of a colorful Torah mantle with Hebrew text, set against a stone wall backdrop.

Rabbi Rosie and Chuck Fink with Celebrating Jewish Life’s Torah scroll.


Imagine entering a room filled with warm laughter, the aroma of festive dishes, and the melodies of Jewish songs—where every Jewish holiday gathering feels uplifting and meaningful. Whether you’re seeking a memorable way to honor the holidays or the chance to deepen and make new friendships, Celebrating Jewish Life invites you to rediscover the richness of Jewish tradition in a welcoming, spirited community. 


Celebrating Jewish Life is a unique subscription series for six Jewish holidays, offering engaging venues for celebration and connection. Each holiday experience becomes an inspiring occasion, combining meaningful rituals with delicious meals, uplifting music and lively conversation.


Guided by Rabbi Rosie Haim, whose warmth and visionary leadership have enriched the Cleveland Jewish community for decades, and accompanied by the talented song leader and musician Chuck Fink, every celebration radiates with spirit, song, and an unmistakable sense of belonging.


“We are thrilled to launch the eighth year of our series to address the largest segment of the Cleveland Jewish community—unaffiliated adults seeking a meaningful way to deepen their identity and enrich their Jewish involvement,” explains Rabbi Rosie. 


With more than 150 subscribers, Celebrating Jewish Life creates opportunities for everyone—empty-nesters, full-lifers, millennials, baby boomers, retirees, even those interested in enhancing their current affiliations or those who just don’t want to cook—anyone eager to share holidays with others and embrace their Judaism in a joyful, supportive setting. 


Rabbi Rosie’s passion for strengthening our community extends beyond celebration. Through Celebrating Jewish Life, she hopes to inspire new Jewish leaders and encourage engagement with Jewish communal organizations. As the current chair of Israel Bonds Cleveland, Rabbi Rosie brings forth opportunities to engage with Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Israel Bonds, AIPAC, Jewish National Fund, Friends of the IDF, Na’amat, ORT and more. You are invited to explore your heritage surrounded by a dynamic community of adults who share your commitment to the sacred traditions and are enthusiastic about the social aspects of Jewish tradition. 


Subscribe to Celebrating Jewish Life and through these holiday gatherings, experience the warmth of connection, the power of tradition, and the joy of celebration. The subscription series is $625 per person and includes all six dinners, services, and experiences. Subscribers may purchase additional individual experiences for friends or family at $125 each, or $100 for guests ages 36 and under. Experiences are fully transferable, but non-refundable. Subscribers are encouraged to transfer the opportunity to others if unable to attend.


Come for the tradition, stay for the community.


Celebrating Jewish Life will continue to offer Zoom and a pick-up dinner option. To learn more, subscribe or sponsor a holiday experience, please contact Rabbi Rosie Haim at 216-223-8736 or RabbiRosie@CelebratingJewishLife.com or visit CelebratingJewishLife.com.


2025-2026 Celebrating Jewish Life Subscription Series Schedule


See photo slider below for a complete 2025-26 schedule.

  • Pomegranate segments, apple slices, and honey in a jar and bowl with a honey dipper on a rustic wooden table.

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    EREV ROSH HASHANAH: Monday, September 22, at Cleveland Marriott East (Beachwood); 6 p.m. festive dinner followed by the Rosh Hashanah service with shofar and Oneg.

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  • A Torah scroll, a shofar, a tallit prayer shawl, and a kippah arranged on a light background.

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    EREV YOM KIPPUR: Wednesday, October 1, at Cleveland Marriott East (Beachwood); 6 p.m. dinner followed by the Kol Nidre service with Yizkor.

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  • A hand lights a Hanukkah menorah on a table set with latkes and wine, surrounded by people at a festive celebration.

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    PRE-HANUKKAH SHABBAT: Friday, December 12, at Mayfield Country Club (South Euclid); 6 p.m. candle-lighting, service and dinner followed by holiday activities.

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  • A plate of colorful, festive star-shaped cookies and a masquerade mask, surrounded by gold sprinkles on a wooden table.

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    PURIM: Sunday, March 1, 2026, at MGM Northfield Park (Northfield); 4:30 p.m. festivities begin with a Megillah reading followed by dinner and delicious hamantaschen. Place your bets for a CJL race and winners’ circle fun. 

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  • A Seder plate with six ceremonial foods, matzah, and a silver goblet on a gray, textured surface.

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    PASSOVER SECOND NIGHT SEDER: Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Cleveland Marriott East (Beachwood); 6 p.m. Seder, dinner and desserts. 

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  • A Torah scroll being unrolled against a backdrop of a bright blue sky and a field of golden wheat.

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    SHAVUOT SHABBAT: Friday, May 15, 2026, at StoneWater Golf Club (Highland Heights); 6 p.m. service followed by a festive meal and Oneg.

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