CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio – As dusk settled over the Shaker Lakes Nature Center on Wednesday evening, the quiet of the surrounding woods framed a gathering inside the center’s main building, where one of Judaism’s most solemn observances — Kol Nidre — marked the start of Yom Kippur.
A few dozen members of the Jewish Secular Community of Cleveland came together to reflect on themes of conscience, forgiveness and renewal in a way that honors tradition while embracing a humanistic approach.
The evening was organized by Spike Radway, who coordinates Yom Kippur services for the group. His efforts help bring together a community that values Jewish culture and ethics without traditional religious practice.
Serving as the evening’s Madrikha — a Hebrew term meaning guide or leader — Bobbie Varble shared a message from the executive director of the Society for Humanistic Judaism, the national umbrella organization for communities like this one.
Founded in 1967, the Jewish Secular Community offers a home for those who seek meaning through heritage, learning, and inclusivity.
Kol Nidre, meaning “all vows,” dates back to at least the 9th century and is traditionally recited on the eve of Yom Kippur. The haunting melody and solemn text — seeking release from vows that cannot be fulfilled — have resonated for centuries, inspiring composers like Beethoven and Max Bruch and moving writers such as Leo Tolstoy.
For many, it remains one of the most emotionally charged moments in the Jewish calendar.
At Shaker Lakes, the observance unfolded with readings shared among participants, passages reflecting on the enduring significance of Kol Nidre: the longing for a clear conscience and the sacredness of promises.
The plaintive strains of the Kol Nidre melody, performed on cello by Gayle Klaber, filled the room, followed later by the stirring call of the shofar, blown by Rachelle Neher and Sid Brode.
The evening also included personal touches. Guests shared poetry and prose, some deeply personal, others lighthearted, and lit a Yizkor candle in memory of loved ones.
The result was a gathering that balanced solemnity with warmth—a community honoring heritage in a way that reflects its values: inclusive, thoughtful, and deeply connected to both past and present.