Book Club: “The Doorman” by Chris Pavone
2026-04-09 19:00 - 20:15 (America/New_York)
Named one of the Best Thrillers and a Notable Book of 2025 by the New York Times, “The Doorman” is a pulse-pounding novel of class, privilege, sex, and murder. The story centers on Chicky Diaz, a longtime doorman at a luxury building, who becomes entangled in a volatile night of secrets, infidelity, and violence.

Impressionist Subjects: The Modern City and Suburban Landscape
2026-04-13 10:00 - 11:30
Impressionism, post-impressionism, and the famous artists from these movements are some of the most well-known aspects of art history. But the well-worn themes of light, color, and personal expression are only part of the story.
In this series of three lectures Dr. Morgan Ridler explores the lesser-known elements of these movements, including their historical and social context. She’ll explore the ways in which the modernization and industrialization of France set the stage for the revolutionary art of the twentieth century.
Join us for the next two:
May 4: Post-Impressionist Vision: Seurat, Toulouse-Lautrec and Cezanne
June 1: Post-Impressionist Escape: van Gogh and Gauguin

Lisa Loeb Live at The Ark
2026-04-16 19:30 - 21:30
Experience Lisa Loeb up close in an intimate acoustic performance and conversation about the stories behind her iconic songs.
Don’t miss a rare chance to experience singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb up close and unplugged. We’ll transform The Ark into an intimate listening room for a special acoustic set filled with the heartfelt storytelling and iconic melodies that made Lisa a beloved voice in music.
From the timeless hit “Stay (I Missed You)” to new favorites, this stripped-down performance highlights the warmth, wit, and honesty that define her songs.
The evening also includes a special 20-minute Q&A with JCC CEO Adam Weiss, offering a chance to hear Lisa share the stories behind the music.
About Lisa Loeb:
With a legacy of nearly 20 studio albums and EPs, multiple entrepreneurial ventures, her own weekday SiriusXM radio show on ’90s on 9, and a proliferation of TV, film, commercial, and voiceover work, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter behind such era-defining hits like ‘Stay (I Missed You)’ from Reality Bites and ‘I Do,’ continues to cement her status as one of the entertainment industry’s hardest working, most creative and revered musical artists.
Cash bar; doors open at 7

Post-Impressionist Vision: Seurat, Toulouse-Lautrec and Cezanne
2026-05-04 10:00 - 11:30
Impressionism and Post Impressionism: Modern Life and Escape with Morgan Ridler
Impressionism, post-impressionism, and the famous artists from these movements are some of the most well-known aspects of art history. But the well-worn themes of light, color, and personal expression are only part of the story.
In this series of three lectures Dr. Morgan Ridler explores the lesser-known elements of these movements, including their historical and social context. She’ll explore the ways in which the modernization and industrialization of France set the stage for the revolutionary art of the twentieth century.
Join us for the final in the series:
June 1: Post-Impressionist Escape: van Gogh and Gauguin

Shames JCC Gala
2026-05-28 19:00 - 22:00
Join us for a special evening to celebrate the Harold & Elaine Shames JCC on the Hudson
Honoring
Early Childhood Center Leaders Ann Zarider and Ronnie Brockman
New this Year
Open seating, lounge-style format
Passed fare & food stations all evening
Special tribute program honoring Ann and Ronnie
Silent auction + live music finale with The Uptown Boys (Billy Joel cover band)
*Can’t make the gala? You can still be part of Ann and Ronnie’s tribute book; click here for more information.
Tickets and Sponsorship Information

Post-Impressionist Escape: van Gogh and Gauguin
2026-06-15 10:00 - 11:30
Impressionism and Post Impressionism: Modern Life and Escape with Morgan Ridler
Impressionism, post-impressionism, and the famous artists from these movements are some of the most well-known aspects of art history. But the well-worn themes of light, color, and personal expression are only part of the story.
In this series of three lectures Dr. Morgan Ridler explores the lesser-known elements of these movements, including their historical and social context. She’ll explore the ways in which the modernization and industrialization of France set the stage for the revolutionary art of the twentieth century.

Verve High Holiday Retreat to the Berkshires
2026-09-15 12:00 - 2026-09-17 13:00
$625 for shared double room; $725 for private room **$25 discount if you register by July 1 with promo code HOLIDAY26
(includes r/t transportation, housing, delicious kosher meals, snacks, activities, souvenir, and more!)
Come celebrate the High Holiday season in a unique and meaningful way! Our 3rd annual Verve retreat brings active adults ages 55+ from JCCs* together for three days of fun (and truly excellent meals!) at Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp in Copake, NY. Offerings include fitness and yoga classes, meditation, pickleball, art workshops, boating, dance, and more; we’ll also have programming relevant to the High Holidays and its themes of reflection and renewal, including lectures, book club, guided discussions, and holiday-themed food. As always, you’ll have free time to connect with others and enjoy nature. And that’s just during the day! Nighttime brings community-building activities, entertainment and s’mores around the campfire.
Sample Schedule (subject to change)
FAQs
*This retreat is co-hosted by Shames JCC, JCC Mid-Westchester, Suffolk Y JCC, and Sid Jacobson JCC, and is made possible by a generous grant from Verve/UJA-Fed NY. All participants will be required to sign a waiver.
**Cancellation policy:

Until August 15: Refunds/cancellations will be honored for any reason.
Aug. 16- Sept. 1: If you need to cancel during this time period and we find someone to take your place, you will be refunded the full amount. If not, you will receive a partial refund (50%).
After Sept. 1: No refunds will be given unless someone else takes your spot.
