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RABBI ROSIE

RABBI ROSETTE BARRON HAIM

October 19, 1961 - May 6, 2026 A Cleveland Jewish News Special Tribute Section

Remembering Rabbi Rosie

The Cleveland Jewish News invited readers to share their favorite memories of Rabbi Rosie Barron Haim, who died at age 64 on May 6, 2026. Their reflections, edited for style and grammar, are featured below and on the pages that follow. Some contributors also submitted photos, several of which appear on the cover of this special keepsake tribute section. All submitted photos can be viewed at cjn.org/rosie.

The first time I met Rabbi Rosie was at my grandmother’s funeral when I was 5 years old. The only memory I have from that day is Rabbi Rosie asking me about my NSYNC necklace. I think this memory sticks with me because I felt seen. This important adult took a genuine interest in 5-year-old me.

I always felt seen, valued, and respected by Rabbi Rosie. I had a rebellious streak that seemed to especially come out at temple. I played pranks, asked silly questions and pushed limits. Oftentimes, I looped Shira, her daughter, into my antics. Like the time our group of friends, including Shira, escaped from our Hebrew school classroom by climbing out the windows.

Now that I think of it, maybe the reason I felt so emboldened at temple was because Rabbi Rosie reinforced it. Whatever energy I brought, she matched. When I was drawing Christmas trees to see if I could get a rise out of anybody, she joined me. What could have been flagged as “behavioral challenges” or “defiance,” Rabbi Rosie recognized as a spark of chutzpah – a trait to be cultivated and honed, especially in a young woman.

She called us her “temple kids” and exuded a maternal energy. Because she considered us family, Rabbi Rosie had no problem voicing her opinions about how we should live our lives. She tried valiantly to convince me to become a rabbi, waging a campaign that lasted from my preteen years into my early 20s! That was a battle she did not win.

However, she was ecstatic when I told her I had started dating another “temple kid.” For her, that was a huge win. She began envisioning our wedding far before my partner and I were even talking about marriage. Coincidentally, years later, we happened to get engaged on Rabbi Rosie’s birthday. She texted me, “Mazal tov!! What a wonderful bday present for ME to see you engaged!!” Since I was a child, Rabbi Rosie told me she was looking forward to one day officiating my wedding. I remember at my bat mitzvah party she instructed me to hold the havdalah candle at the height I pictured my future spouse. At age 13, I had a hard time picturing my spouse... the only thing I could picture about my wedding day was that Rabbi Rosie would be there. It is heartbreaking that this will not be.

Like many of you, I am feeling sadness and shock. But I am also feeling a lot of love. I love Rabbi Rosie and she loved me. You knew that Rabbi Rosie loved you not just because she ended every text and email with “love and hugs,” but because her warmth and attentiveness made it clear that you were dear to her. And I must love her a whole lot because one time she asked me to meet her for breakfast at 6am (the audacity!) and I actually went. Anything for Rabbi Rosie.

While looking through old texts, I found a conversation from 2021. Rabbi Rosie asked when I would be home next to visit her and I said I wasn’t sure. She texted, “Me!! Don’t forget me!” and I replied, “Rabbi Rosalah, I could never!!” I hope she knew I really meant it. I will never forget her. I will never stop thinking about, talking about, or loving her. Her memory is a blessing to us all.

Monica Arkin

Boston, Mass.

I had the privilege to travel with my husband (we were newly married at the time) and Rosie and a large group of her friends to Israel. It was once in a lifetime. There was no better person to lead us around Israel and I tell everyone to this day – Rosie had so much energy on this jam packed trip she ran circles around myself and everyone. She was amazing and taught me so much. I will never forget that time together or her sweet soft spoken voice that had a way to just calm you.

Ashley Barron Cleveland

I have many far more “rabbinic“ memories of beloved Rabbi Rosie, but one of my most distinct memories was when I was about 12 years old, shopping at Hibgee’s before the High Holy Days and Rabbi Rosie was looking for comfortable shoes to wear on the bimah. There began a new understanding of the balance of the sacred role she played in my life, and that she was also a woman with a family, life outside the synagogue, and need for comfy shoes when she’d be in her feet for a long time. May her memory be for a blessing.

Kim Cole Shaker Heights

She was an extremely intelligent and kind, kind person. We sat next to each other at Tri-C Encore Classes, several of which involved God and the universe. Her insight of Hebrew Scripture added great depth to class discussions. She was a dear friend in whom I felt extremely comfortable with. I’m glad I got to know Marshall in pharmacy college in the '70s because I got to know Rosie. What a beautiful person.

William Bidwell

South Euclid

Rabbi Rosie was charismatic beautiful worldly caring and spiritual. I taught at the temple eight years and we forged a permanent bond. My grandchildren are five generation and she honored us She did our baby naming. Bar mitzvah confirmation and many family funerals. When my husband Larry was in hospice she came often to comfort him with grace and dignity she instilled love of Judaism to us all may her memory be a blessing and she will be remembered always.

Deedra Dolin Pepper Pike

Like there is one Pacific Ocean, there is only one Rabbi Rosette Barron Haim. No matter who you were, when with Rabbi Rosie, you were the most important person in the world. When planning a funeral, your grief is so personal and cannot compare to other people’s grief, because it is yours. She understood that and had a gift of knowing what to say, when to say it, and how to say it, while capturing a loved one whether they were very young or very old. It was almost as if it was the only funeral she had ever done. And somehow, as awful as you felt, being with Rosie made you feel better. I remember her leaving me notes (I still have them) in 2010 when she would visit my dad at Menorah Park. I remember as if it were yesterday in 2018 when she stood beside me at the Mayfield Mausoleum (where it was 105 degrees) to allow me to finish my personal eulogy at the tragic funeral for my sweet 18-year-old nephew after I passed out half way through and people were calling 911 but I wanted no part of that and recovered. I was committed to finishing my thoughts, mostly for my sister – and Rosie supported my determined way, even though I know she thought I should just stop and sit down.

I remember baseball games and dinners with her and Marshall. I remember her calling me when police cars raced down her street or wherever she was – asking if Tony had his police scanners on so she could know what was going on. We loved that.

I especially remember being “all in” for Rabbi Rosie as the next head rabbi at TTTI, but once those hopes were taken from her, Tony and I were committed to supporting her next venture which proved to be a Godsend and a major success for her and so many. So for the next seven years of Celebrating Jewish Life, we all spent quality time with Rosie and her beautiful family watching exactly what made Rosie tick while witnessing her true prominence as a leader and a rabbi. She was a gift of a human being.

And my very last memory of Rosie was her making me feel better, as I talked about “hope,” but she said that living the way her last weeks had become, was not at all what she wanted, and her only concern was not for herself but those she loved the most which was Marshall, Norma, Shira, Adam, Eva and Ethan and did I mention Marshall? Be sure... especially Marshall. Rosie exemplified going from strength to strength.... and she was a marvel to watch and learn from. I cannot express how empty Tony and I feel and how much we will miss her. I also know I need to channel her spiritual wisdom, to somehow help me handle the loss of her. I also intend to have a raincheck many years from now for the steak dinner she wanted us four to have together soon. And I know with all my heart, I will see her again someday. Heaven just gained an iconic Rabbi and leader, and we on Earth, just lost a rockstar of a human being. I will keep promises I made and will continue to be inspired by what she taught us all with love and continued devotion. I have to, as she will be watching. May it be so.

Joy Anzalone Bratenahl

So many fond memories of Rabbi Rosie, whom I’ve been very fortunate to have considered a dear friend. I will never forget in 1992 a year after Rabbi Rosie married myself and my husband I gave birth nine weeks early to my son. I was in medical school and just started my rotation at Mt. Sinai Medical Center. My son was in the neonatal intensive care unit and I was on call every third night. This allowed me to spend as much time with him between work (no sleep). It was a very exhausting, stressful and scary time but when I would come to see him in the unit the nurses would tell me this lovely woman has been stopping in every day to check on him. Once I found out it was Rabbi Rosie, it meant the world to me and sure enough he was discharged in great health. She has meant the world to me ever since. Her loss is devastating and I miss her dearly.

Eve Echt Las Vegas, Nevada.

Marshall and I have been friends for 60 years. I received a call from Marshall about 40 years ago letting me know he was marrying Rosie “Nachmanovitz.” Of course, he was joking with me and we both had a good laugh. Upon meeting her, it was crystal clear Rosie had the same sense of humor. Rosie was immediately welcomed to be part of all our family celebrations. It was her love for my friend of 60 years that stands out to me. They deserve each other.

Marty Fine Carrollton, Texas

Rabbi Rosie counseled my husband and I before our wedding, and officiated two weddings for us – one during the height of the covid pandemic and one the following year. She taught us the importance of tradition especially as it’s passed down from generation to generation. She had such a comforting and loving presence and lit up the whole room with her smile and warmth. We will keep her close to our heart always.

Lindsey Freireich Solon

I absolutely adored Rabbi Rosie Haim. I will never forget one particular event in 2005. Many years ago when I taught eighth-grade American history at Hudson Middle School – Rabbi Rosie stopped by my classroom to meet me and to say thank you. She came to thank me for all of the lives I had touched while teaching the Holocaust. The lives I had touched, she explained, were not just those of my students; rather, she continued, you invited six survivors to come in to speak to the kids. The survivor group, from Kol Israel in Beachwood, had contacted her afterward to tell her about their visit. The large group, six in all, had traveled to Hudson to speak that sunny day in April 2005. They shared many hugs and tears with the students and staff and were so appreciative. Later that week, several of my students including members of my family traveled to The Temple-Tiffereth Israel for a Remembrance event. All six survivors, along with Rabbi Rosie, were there. I will never forget Jacob Hennenberg, Avi Goldman, Leo Silberman, Joe (Mendy) Klein, Gita Frankel and Roman Frayman. And … of course, Rabbi Rosie. Such beautiful people. Blessed be their memory. You meant so much to me and to the entire Hudson community. We will remember you always and never forget our special time together.

Greg Gross

Peninsula

Rosie was my “for life” rabbi. Any life cycle event, she was there and I planned to have her there at others. Three bar mitzvahs and my own adult bat mitzvah. A baby naming. Morning discussions. Purim carnival planning. Texting. Phone calls. Parents dying. Annual hamentaschen baking. We talked about her leading my funeral. My most incredible memory though, is the night my youngest son was born – a wintry night in February 1999 – with a major heart condition. His oxygen level was 17 for a few hours. He was rushed to Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital or a bedside lifesaving procedure. At midnight, while the doctors were operating on my newborn son, we called Rabbi Rosie and she answered the phone. I told her to pray for him because I couldn’t. While on the phone with her, the doctors walked in the waiting room – cheering and very happy to tell us that my son survived and is well enough for major surgery that happened six days later. Three months later, she was there for his baby naming ceremony. I’ll miss her, the “hugs and love” and her check-ins as I navigate this next chapter of my life.

Ellyn Gleisser Klein

Aurora

I grew up at The Temple with Rabbi Rosie and my earliest Jewish memories all involve her. When I got engaged to be married in 2015 –before selecting the venue or the band or even having an idea of any other wedding related plans – I emailed Rabbi Rosie to find out her availability. I wanted to be married by someone who knew me – and would learn to know my husband to be who was not from the area. I was thrilled when she was available to officiate our wedding in 2016. Rabbi Rosie met with my husband and I several times before the wedding- getting to know me as an adult and my husband for the first time. We talked about ourselves, us together as a couple, and our goals for our future family.

The ceremony she officiated for us in November 2016 was so personal and so full of love- everyone in the room felt her magic and commented how it was such a beautiful ceremony. People get used to attending so many cookie-cutter weddings and the ceremonial parts almost become the least important part- the thing you sit through to get to the dancing, the drinks, the food. Our ceremony was not that at all. It combined our love into our marriage and brought our family and friends all together to celebrate such a special day with us. Rabbi Rosie was the one who made this day so special for us and we are eternally grateful for her for that.

Rabbi Rosie was truly a special person and I feel so honored to get to have her in our memories from our wedding. She truly left a mark on everyone she met, and she will be greatly missed. May her memory always be a blessing.

Lindsey Weller Toronto (Formerly of

Cleveland)

Rabbi Rosie was on vacation during the second week of June 2011, when she learned that my father had just died. She offered to return home a day early in order to officiate at his funeral, if we wished. Who could turn down (or ever forget) such a gracious proposal? Rosie met with my mother, my brother, and me after dinner on a Saturday evening. By 10 o’clock the following morning, she had synthesized our assorted feelings and stories into a thoughtful, meaningful eulogy that impressed all who heard it and brought deep comfort to our family. From that experience a friendship was formed that was built on admiration and affection.

Jim Lader Bronxville, N.Y.

Rosie was not only our rabbi but our dear friend. We cherished her friendship. We will so deeply miss her.

Jim and Ronda Goldfarb

Moreland Hills

She was always a positive supporter of me when I was at Israel Bonds and then when I moved to become a funeral director at Berkowitz Kumin Bookatz Memorial Chapel. My heart is heavy with her passing. She was a blessing to our community.

Michael Holub

Cleveland Heights

When my children were in religious school, my wife and I attended a service at the temple to celebrate Simchat Torah. While parading the Torah around the sanctuary, Rabbi Rosie handed the Torah to my wife, Teresa. Teresa reminded Rosie that she is not Jewish and that perhaps it wasn’t appropriate for her to be carrying the Torah. Rosie embraced Teresa and explained that by being committed to raising Jewish children she was an important and welcomed part of our community. That act by Rosie was exceptionally gracious and meaningful to Teresa and our family, and contributed to building a strong relationship over these many years.

Keith Lichtcsien

Solon

Rabbi Rosie was so much more than a rabbi to me. She was a coworker, a mentor, and a true friend. She walked beside me through so many chapters of my life, both personal and professional, and I will always be grateful for the love, guidance, and support she gave so freely. As I was raising my girls, Rosie was often the person who listened without judgment. She was an ear when I needed to talk, a steady presence during both joyful and challenging moments, and someone who genuinely cared about my family. She stood beside us during meaningful milestones, including when Sydney became a bat mitzvah, helping create a sacred and memorable experience for our family, and giving Zoe a special blessing for Confirmation. Professionally, Rosie played an intricate role in helping integrate Ganon Gil into The Temple-Tifereth Israel. She believed deeply in the importance of early childhood education and Jewish community, and she helped guide that transition with vision, care, and commitment. Her partnership and trust meant so much to me during that time. Rosie was also part of one of the most meaningful professional moments of my life – my installation as national president of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism. Having her there made the moment even more special because she understood how deeply this work mattered to me and to the Jewish community as a whole.

I had the privilege of seeing firsthand how Rosie guided and supported so many people throughout Cleveland and within the Union for Reform Judaism. She led with wisdom, compassion, authenticity, and heart. People felt seen by her. They felt valued. She had a remarkable ability to build relationships, nurture community, and help others find strength and purpose.

Her impact on our community and on the countless lives she touched will be long lasting. Her memory will truly be a blessing

Lori Kowit

Columbus

I’ve had a hard time writing something, to be honest, because my relationship with her was so special that there isn’t just one memory that defines who she was to me.

When you’re a child, you don’t think much about who your rabbi is or what the role of a rabbi truly means. At the time, she was simply my rabbi. Someone I admired, looked up to, and, and honestly someone who I was a little intimidated by. I wanted to impress her and show her I was ready to become a bat mitzvah.

Looking back now, I realize her greatest impact on our family was something much deeper. She was the woman and rabbi who made my Irish Catholic mother feel not only comfortable, but truly confident and welcomed while raising her children in the temple community. That kind of acceptance and warmth shaped our family more than I understood as a child.

As I got older, I began to see her beyond the title of “rabbi.” She was a mother, a woman with beliefs and values I deeply admired, a close friend to my parents, and simply a wonderful person whom I felt lucky to be guided by.

I also remember her as the rabbi who built her own community. She was m someone I truly loved and respected. She honored my family in a deeply meaningful way by accepting the Torah from my grandparents’ temple after it closed and bringing it into her own congregation.

I remember her differently throughout the different stages of my life, but the one constant was always her love and faith in people, all people.

Meredith Lichtcsien Solon

With a relationship of over 25 years there are many memories of dear Rabbi Rosie. The most profound was when my husband Keith’s families temple in Sandusky was sadly closing. They wanted their Torah to go to a loving caring place, so of course Rabbi Rosie and Celebrating Jewish Life made perfect sense. Rabbi Rosie wanted to thank Temple Oheb Shalom and gather the small group of members together to do a special service to transfer the Torah. Rosie and I drove to Sandusky together. She created such a meaningful and participatory (her strength) service that meant the world to the remaining congregants. She of course invited anyone to come be part of CJL as well. This was truly a L’dor v’dor moment since my husband had become a bar mitzvah with this very Torah. Rabbi Rosie was so delighted to receive this Torah. She herself as a young rabbi held a service at this same Temple in Sandusky as a favor to their rabbi in his absence. Rabbi Rosie invited my husband and I to help celebrate the addition of The Torah to our CJL congregation, which was incredibly moving for both her, the congregation and us!

Teresa Lichtcsien Solon

Rabbi Rosie was or rock when my mother died. She was so gracious and had my sister and I come to her home to talk. We all sat at her kitchen table and talked; never feeling rushed. It was as if we were the 2 most important people in her life. After the funeral, Rabbi Rosie said, "Girls. If you feel like this in four weeks from now, I want you to call me so we can talk.” Thank you, rabbi.

Debbie Lopresti Westerville

Wow where do I begin....As close personal friends with Marshall since kindergarten (64 years) I have so many memories of Rosie since before their marriage when they were courting! When Marsh and I would get together and talk about our formative years Rosie would just silver, shake her head as she found out that I was the one who always got him in trouble. I have never met a couple who were so devoted to each other in spite of their very busy schedules. The number of people they knew and whose lives they touch is astounding. Marshall through his fertility pharmacy and Rosie through her outstanding work in our Jewish community made a huge difference in everyone’s lives including my own. Most recently as she counseled and encouraged our youngest daughter Ally to go on Birthright, then Masa, where she did a two-month internship in Tel Aviv and finally taking the biggest step to make aliyah. Because of Rosie, Ally met Danny at work where they began a courtship that has rivaled that of Rosie and Marshall’s. Coming full circle, in January, Rosie joined Ally and Danny in marriage at our home, in front of family, including Danny’s parents on WhatsApp from Tel Aviv and a few close friends. Rosie was set to conduct a celebratory wedding for our kids on May 7. However, she, as ill as she was, had the strength and dedication to find us a replacement for her when she called and told us the sad news. Rabbi Michael Ross performed beautifully and we all felt Rosie was watching from above having passed away the previous day. Rosie lived a wonderful life and gave my best friend more than he could have ever wished for. She will be so missed by all who have crossed paths with her.

Andy Metz Malitz Stow

While I knew Rabbi Rosie throughout my childhood as a key Rabbi at The Temple-Tifereth Israel, this photo from our wedding in 2012 has always stuck out to me with her beautiful smile highlighted by the setting sun. I hope her smile can continue to shine down on all the lives she impacted in her memory

Jennifer Reznick

Rosie came to Cleveland in the summer of 1987 because she was dating Marshall. I hired her as a rabbinic intern at Temple Emanu El. We had a ‘love affair’ almost immediately. I loved her compassion, her big smile, her warmth. She was creative and personal. Our friendship continued throughout the years. As I told her when I visited her in hospice the other day, she was a terrific rabbi and a real leader. She was involved in Jewish National Fund, Israel Bonds, ReJuvenate the Reform Movement, Zionist Rabbis of America and many others. I was proud to have her as my friend and to be her friend. I will miss her deeply.

Rabbi Dan Roberts

Denver (formerly of Cleveland)

I can still hear Rosie saying, “We are on a walk and stopping over to say hi.” It always was a meaningful visit for my family. We will remember her and always miss Rosie. There is a Velosano team dedicated to Rabbi Rosie. Consider joining or supporting. Rosie’s Riders give.velosano.org/team/824901.

Jeffrey Tepper

Beachwood

Many memories of Rabbi Rosie come to mind. I always felt connected to her by the warm and genuine way she officiated at weddings and funerals and by her sermons. Her love of Judaism and Israel was infectious, as was her beautiful smile. I had the privilege of getting close to Rabbi Rosie and becoming friends while working together as board members on our shared passion for the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company. Her presence and leadership was meaningful. Her contributions there and in our community were many. Rabbi Rosie made a difference and will be missed. May her memory be a blessing.

Denny Linden Solon

Andy Neidus Solon

A thank you to Rabbi Rosie.

Dear Rabbi Rosie, I don’t know if I will ever find the right words to fully express what you have meant to me, but I couldn’t let this moment pass without trying.

You have never been just one thing in my life. You have been a guide, a teacher, a friend, a source of strength, and such a steady light. Not just for me, but for so many. For the whole Licker family. But what has always felt most special is that, somehow, we got to know you not only as that pillar in the community, but as someone deeply personal in our lives too.

There has always been something about you that people could feel the moment they were around you. A kind of warmth and presence that made it clear how deeply you cared. So many people are drawn to that in you, but I have always felt especially lucky to feel that care so personally and so consistently throughout my entire life.

Because of your friendship with Alice, you became part of our family in a way that always felt natural and different from the rest of the world. You were there in the background and the foreground of our lives. Through celebrations, through difficult moments, through all the milestones that shaped who I am as a Jewish woman. You have guided our family through all of life’s challenges and blessings. Some of my earliest Jewish memories include you, and that is something I will always carry with me.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to understand more fully just how rare and extraordinary you are. The wisdom you share, the way you guide others in their faith, the quiet strength and compassion you offer. The consistency in our Judaism. It’s something people search their whole lives for. And I have always felt incredibly lucky that I didn’t have to search. I had you.

You have been such an important part of my spiritual life, truly a bridge between me and something greater. So many of the moments that defined my faith are tied to you, and I had always imagined there would be so many more to come.

Rabbi Rosie, thank you for blessing us. Thank you for knowing us and thank you for loving us.

I will carry you with me always.

With love,

Samantha Licker Babcock Cleveland

Rabbi Rosie was the soul of the Cleveland Jewish community. She touched everybody’s heart.

Dear Rosie,

Your friendship has been such a meaningful part of my life. You were a kindred spirit when it came to our passion for Israel.

I reflect on all the fun times, the joyful shabbat dinners, and the many holidays and milestones we shared together. I am grateful for the enthusiastic ways you taught me, and others, to embrace Jewish rituals, celebrations, and the gift of our Jewish heritage.

You have been an outstanding role model from the moment you arrived in our community. A leader. An inspiration. A teacher. A scholar. A great listener and comforting counselor. You embodied the perfect rabbi and friend, as well as a remarkable wife, daughter, mother and grandmother.

In true Rabbi Rosie’s spirit and dignified way, you continued to comfort us as we received the sad news of your grave illness.

You will be missed so much.

With love and admiration,

Shelley Roth

Shaker Heights

I first met Rabbi Rosie about 15 years ago, when she presented at Face to Face, a Holocaust education program, where I was a volunteer docent. She taught an overview of Judaism to middle school students, most of whom were not Jewish.

After that, I was always happy when I saw Rosie in the Jewish community. I came to know her as a warm, kind and friendly woman. We prayed together at Shabbat services at a JNF convention in Dallas.

Like so many others, I was shocked beyond words at her passing ... what a loss to the Jewish community and of course, to her family and personal friends!

Alice Schubach

Lyndhurst

Rabbi Rosie was my childhood. From Sunday school at The Temple, to “Chai” school, and every important life’s moments in between, she was there. She was even there when I inevitably ended up with food poisoning our first night in NYC on our 2016 confirmation trip. I remember waking up in the middle of the night, throwing a pillow at Sydney Klein to go get Rabbi Rosie and Cantor Kathy for help. They brought me back to their tiny hotel room, got me cleaned up, and cuddled up together so that I could sleep in their second bed by myself. I woke up the next morning with zero improvement, but they were there with pepto and smiles to make it all seem a little less awful. Who would’ve thought one day I’d look back at that moment feeling grateful to have had the most embarrassing sleepover of my life with two of my mentors.

Rabbi Rosie and our clergy at The Temple was what every Jewish child deserves. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to have had her impact my life.

Erin Segal

Frederick, Md. (Formerly of Solon)

I was among the most fortunate – a person who has never known life without Rabbi Rosie. She came into my life so early that I don’t remember meeting her. I’m told it was at Agnon School, in preschool, and she’s been a mother to me ever since. I will never be loved by anyone the way I was loved by her. In every form I’ve taken, every expression of self, every step I’ve made, Rosie met me with unconditional love, endless encouragement, and a mutual understanding and respect between us. Having been so close to Shira my entire upbringing, I was lucky enough to be counted among her children. Rabbi Rosie was my mother, my teacher, my rabbi, my family, and a true constant in my life. She fostered my spirit, my strong will, and my fierce independence- which sometimes looked like dissent – in ways that allowed me to explore myself safely. Especially as a kid in Hebrew school, she taught with so much poise while I pushed the limits of goofiness, being challenging, and roping her daughter into mischief. I think she was the first person outside of my family to truly witness me, and to make me feel safe enough to be my full self.

Family can be complicated, and mine is no exception. Rosie (and Marshall) were so close with my parents that, by extension, she became deeply familiar with our extended family, too. There is no one on this earth who understood the history, the intricacies and the lived experience of my family better than she did- and it is genuinely incredible that so many families can say the same.

My favorite memory of Rabbi Rosie is from my b’nai mitzvah. During the first aliyah, she was gently ushering my family toward the correct prayer –not the blessing over the wine. I couldn’t stop giggling, and she was so sweet about the whole moment. She always stepped in without judgment, full of grace, a remarkable sense of humor, and a quiet certainty about the path forward.

Trying to imagine a path forward without the person who always paved it feels impossible. It feels like a crime that she was taken from us, that so much life was stolen from her. The memories of her will always be the greatest blessing- she deserved to make so many more.

She loved every one of her congregants and loved ones uniquely and deeply. I’ve come to realize that the way she loved her community entirely informs the way I love the people I serve. She taught me what it means to love and be loved in such a particular, sacred way – and the way I want to make people feel is exactly how she made me feel. She taught me how to do that simply by letting me experience it from her.

I can hear her voice in every moment I’ve shared the bimah with herlooking at me with the most beautiful smile (you know her smile), beaming with pride, her hands raised over me as she said, “May G-d bless you and keep you.” Thinking of all the times she said this to me makes me feel close to her, and brings me so much peace. I know I’m not alone in this experience, and I hope that your own reflection on those moments brings you her blessing of peace.

Lee Tepper Columbus

I have known Rabbi Rosie since she was a rabbinical student and I was a child. So many years later there are too many wonderful memories to list them all. Rabbi Rosie kept me connected to Judaism and was one the most beautiful humans I’ve ever known. Her smile and blue eyes lit up every room she was in no matter what the occasion. My favorite memory is running in to Rosie at the Western Wall in Jerusalem when I was 17 years old. To randomly (or not so randomly) run in to my Rabbi in Jerusalem?!?

Btw- there is a photo in the Jewish News from that encounter – summer of 1990 – Rosie has left an impression on my heart that not many others have. I am grateful to known her and will cherish that smile forever.

Heidi Tolchinsky

Cleveland

There are people who impact communities… and then there are people who shape your life without you even realizing it at the time. For me, that was my Aunt Rosie.

Growing up, most Friday nights from toddlerhood to high school were around the table on East Groveland at grandma and poppy’s house for Shabbat dinner. It was the best part of the week.

The prayers. Even the long-form kiddish. Chocolate chip cookies from Altman’s. Sitting around the dinner table.

And so often, you came a little later than everyone else… because you were being Rabbi Rosie first. Leading services. Supporting someone through grief. Celebrating with another family. Showing up for the jewish community the same way you always showed up for ours.

Sunday school at temple, there you were.

Hebrew school on Wednesdays, there you were.

Monday nights, there you were.

You weren’t just our rabbi. You were everyone’s rabbi.

Your life existed at the intersection of sorrow, celebration, growth, and connection. Funerals. Weddings. Baby namings. Bar and bat mitzvahs. Sitting with families through loss and then dancing with others through joy.

And somehow through all of that, you unknowingly shaped mine too.

Over 20 years ago, after my stepdad’s mom passed away, it was during a meal with him that you suggested he should go out with my mom.

Such a simple moment and idea during a time of comfort. But my life would be radically different without it.

Because of that moment, we have this beautifully blended family. A stepdad who treated me like his own from day one. So much love, stability, laughter, and life that all traces back to connections you helped create.

That was your gift. You connected people.

And maybe that’s why you and Uncle Marshall made so much sense together.

You both had this incredible ability to sit with people during some of the hardest moments of their lives… while still helping them believe something beautiful could exist on the other side of it.

As a rabbi, you did that emotionally and spiritually.

And Uncle Marshall did it in his own way too.

Walking into the waiting room of the fertility pharmacy he and my grandfather built, the walls were covered with hundreds and hundreds of baby photos. Families who probably walked in carrying fear, disappointment, uncertainty, and heartbreak… and eventually came back with joy.

Looking back now, it feels like that same spirit existed in both of you. Don’t judge life too quickly. Don’t let pain define the whole story. Sometimes incredible things are quietly forming on the other side of sorrow.

I’ll always remember zoo trips and the rainforest with you, Uncle Marshall, and Shira. Weekends at Jacob’s Field in Section 101, Row C. A pet prayer event with Luna. The way every milestone felt deeper because you were part of it.

You led my bar mitzvah.

You officiated our wedding.

You were always there.

Your legacy lives everywhere.

In every person you comforted, guided, taught, celebrated with, and loved.

I love you, Aunt Rosie, and I’ll miss you forever.

Seth Weinstein

Beachwood

– Compiled by Courtney Byrnes, Digital Manager

Excerpts from the eulogies

Delivered at Rabbi Rosie's memorial service on May 8 at Park Synagogue in Pepper Pike

RABBI JOSHUA SKOFF, PARK SYNAGOGUE, PEPPER PIKE

"You talk to her, and there was no shadow of ego getting in the way of her hearing, you know, strategy. She made others feel validated, even as she was making her thoughts and her opinions clear. It was fun being Rosie, because people love you when you’re Rosie."

"She gave your life a wonderful, positive energy and strength, and you gave her a sense of home."

"Rosie liked to do Rosie things. How do you explain her group Celebrating Jewish Life? How do you explain that they also loved Rosie? She created this initiative that brought people together who would otherwise have not been connected to each other ... not to each other or Jewish, and not in a way that would compromise the other synagogues out there, but it would create a special spiritual bond amongst groups of people in the group, and it worked. at’s a Rosie thing to do, connecting."

" e formula was Rosie. She brought people together, doesn’t matter, Reform, Conservative, Orthodox. She was a matchmaker for her own congregation. ey loved her. at’s the formula. ey loved her. She had no ego, just a respect for the larger goals of Jewish life."

" ere’s an expression of being at the right place at the right time. People use that phrase to show there’s some luck involved. ere was no luck involved. Rosie made her own luck. e many lives she empowered ... the love she shared ... the con dence of her peers and students. She was a wonderful colleague to process issues with.

"And she loved many of you ... she loved the personal connections, she loved the issues of the day, she loved motivating you, she appreciated the moments of grief with you."

"As a community leader and synagogue rabbi, Rabbi Rosie made sure that religion was personal and that it was good because she brought people together."

RABBI AMY B. EHRLICH, TEMPLE EMANU EL, NYC

RABINICAL SCHOOL COLLEAGUE

"In everything she did, Rosie took the path of joy, living fully, embracing new experiences, feeling excitement about an adventure to unfold."

"Even then, as long as I have known her, Rosie has chosen life and leaned into every joy, every opportunity, every adventure."

"Rosie lived by, more Hebrew, Dan l’kaf zechut, meaning giving others the bene t of the doubt, and she did."

" ere isn’t a person here, or anyone, who has known her who has not been blessed by Rosie’s open heart and her kindness to be with her was to have her full attention and feel the con dence she had in us. She saw more good in us than we gave ourselves credit for. She lifted up our strengths and called upon our better nature, and above all, she encouraged us and reassured us. Rosie never failed to make that phone call or take one from someone who needed her."

"She made room for us without judgment and with kindness. Rosie made me want to be a better person, and I hope she had that impact on you as well."

"For 25 years, she lovingly guided multiple generations of congregants at the temple through every facet of life, in e ect bringing them full circle, and in the last decade."

RABBI EDDIE GOLDBERG, TEMPLE SHOLOM, CHICAGO RABINICAL SCHOOL COLLEAGUE

"I’ve known Rosie since I was 17 and she was 18. We rst met at camp in Wisconsin. We spent a year in college in Israel together, became great friends, and I will say – I know it’s not Yom Kippur yet, but we talked about it, so I’ll confess something – I’m not a good friend, I’m very judgy, so easy for me to nd a fault with someone, I never found a fault with Rosie, because she didn’t have any, and she was always such a good friend."

" ere’s no one like Rosie."

"So, this is a song that we loved back a million years ago, and that’s why I’m playing it. It is a song that was before I met my wife and before she met Marshall. Even though we were never romantically involved, we always knew we’d have each other’s back, and I think that’s why this song always spoke to us – even if it was just a nice memory."

Rabbi Rosette Barron Haim officiated many weddings throughout the years. | Submitted photos

Seated, Stuart Garawitz, Israel Bonds vice president sales, Barbara Somogyi, chair of Israel Bonds National Women’s Division, Michael Siegal, Israel Bonds international board of directors, Standing, Beth Lockshin, Marshall Barron, Rabbi Rosette Barron Haim, chair of Israel Bonds Cleveland Advisory Council, and Matthew Levitt, senior fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy at the Cleveland Israel Bonds Honor Societies reception in July 2025.

| Photo / Pollack Studio

Shira Barron, Zoe Zelman, Logan Rock and Rabbi Rosette Barron Haim participated in the March for the Living in Poland May 2, 2019, in memory of the 6 million Jews who were killed by Nazis.

Timeline of Rabbi Rosie's Career

2017

October 16

RABBIE ROSETTE HAIM IS BORN IN GALESBURG, ILL.

1988 A COLLEGE GRADUATE

Rabbi Rosiegraduatesfrom Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati

1988

July 1

HAIM JOINS THE TEMPLE-TIFERETH ISRAEL

Rabbi Rosie joins The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood after being asked by Rabbi Daniel Jeremy Silver, also from the temple 1991

July 1

GETTING PROMOTED

Rabbi Rosie is promoted to associate rabbi at the temple in 1991 1996

July 1

HAIM BEGINS THE TEMPLE’S ADULT B’NAI MITZVAH PROGRAM

2013

RABBI JOINS CJPC BOARD

Rabbi Rosie becomes a member of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company Board of Directors, where she leads various committees, including the governance committee. She would remain on the board until her death.

2016

September 26

MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT

Rabbi Rosie participates in a national conference call with President Barack Obama and other rabbis

September 29

RABBI AS PRAYER BOOK EDITOR

Rabbi Rosie chairs a group that edited the spiritual commentary portions of Reform prayer books

April 26

AWARD WINNER

Rabbi Rosie ishonored with the NA’AMAT Tikkun Olam Award

2018

June 30

DEPARTS TTTI

Rabbi Rosie leaves The Temple-Tifereth Israel

CELEBRATING JEWISH LIFE IS BORN

Rabbi Rosie launches Celebrating Jewish Life,a new subscriptionbased religious outreach group, allowing her to share her joy of Jewish holidays and traditions with the community

2020

HAIM JOINS PARK SYNAGOGUE

Rabbi Rose joins the clergy staff of Park Synagogue as auxiliary rabbiwhile still maintaining Celebrating Jewish Life

2022

ISRAEL BONDS HISTORICAL HONOR

Rabbi Rosie becomes the first woman to chair the Israel Bonds National Rabbinic Council

2025

LEADER IN ISRAEL BONDS IN CLEVELAND

Rabbi Rosie chairs the Israel Bonds Cleveland Campaign Advisory Council

2026

May 6

UNTIMELY PASSING

The Greater Cleveland community is stunned by the passing of Rabbi Rosette Barron Haim at the age of 64

Jacob, Editor

Rabbi Rosie made impact with United Way of Greater Cleveland

SHARON SOBOL JORDAN Special to the CJN

Rabbi Rosie Haim taught so many of us what it means to truly show up for one another.

I rst met Rosie decades ago when we were both young mothers beginning to build our families and our lives. Over the years, our relationship deepened beyond friendship. She was an important spiritual guide in my life and in the life of my family.

Like so many others across our community, I experienced Rosie’s extraordinary ability to make people feel understood and cared for. She entered people’s lives during moments of joy and sorrow with authenticity and grace.

Rosie stood beside me through some of the most di cult times of my life, including the deaths of my late husband Pat Jordan, my sister Karen Sobol, and my mother, Marilyn Tobocman. During those moments of profound grief, Rosie was steady, compassionate and deeply human.

One memory remains especially vivid to me. In the nal days of Pat’s life, he insisted on speaking with Rosie for spiritual guidance. What made that so remarkable was that Pat was Catholic. Yet his connection to Rosie transcended religious boundaries. I can still picture the two of them walking together toward the lake behind our home, talking quietly. ere was such peace in that moment. Rosie had a rare ability to meet people exactly where they were and help them feel less alone.

She also shared in many of our family’s happiest moments, including our daughter’s baby naming and bat mitzvah. Rosie had a remarkable gift for creating meaningful community and celebration. is passion found full expression in Celebrating Jewish Life, her vibrant and deeply personal approach to joyful holiday experiences.

at same gift for connection shaped Rosie’s work with United Way of Greater Cleveland. Rosie served as a devoted volunteer member of United Way’s community impact committee, helping guide our e orts to open doors to opportunity for hardworking families across our region.

United Way brings together people, resources, and local ideas to drive upward mobility, serving as the bridge from crisis to stability to opportunity. Rosie understood our mission deeply. She believed in creating communities where people can build lives full of hope and purpose.

Her perspective on our work was invaluable. Rosie consistently reminded us that behind every data point was a human story – a family trying to remain housed, a working parent searching for childcare, a person navigating impossible choices. She helped ground conversations in dignity and compassion. Whether we were discussing public policy, partnerships, or direct services, Rosie brought a moral clarity that kept us focused on what mattered most: keeping working people working and moving toward better opportunity.

As a United Way volunteer, Rosie modeled a distinctive

kind of leadership rooted in empathy, humility, and connection. e outpouring of grief following her death re ects the extraordinary impact she had across Greater Cleveland. She strengthened Jewish life, comforted grieving families, advocated for Israel, and dedicated herself fully to repairing the world.

Yet, for all of her accomplishments, what I will remember most is how Rosie made us feel: valued, supported and loved.

Her impact lives on in those of us that she guided, the communities she strengthened, and the countless moments she created of comfort and meaning. I know I carry her with me still – in how I show up for others, in how I seek meaning, and in how I try to bring light into the world.

May her memory always be a blessing.

Sharon Sobol Jordan is president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Cleveland.

Publisher's Note: Sharon Sobol Jordan is a member of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company Board of Directors.

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