Shames JCC

Challah and Conversation: Anti-Semitism/Jew-Hatred: The Oldest Hatred
2025-04-18 09:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York)
Join Rabbi Ron Symons in crafting a shared language around what anti-semitism/Jew-hatred is, how it has developed throughout history, and how we see it in our world today. Most importantly, we will also explore how to mitigate its impacts on us during this Yom haShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) season and beyond.
In the Challah and Conversation series, Rabbi Ron Symons, Shames JCC Sr. Director of Jewish Engagement, leads interactive guided conversations about life that weave the world around us with general spirituality through Jewish and other lenses. We begin our time together by lighting candles and end with a little grape juice and challah… all in a very inclusive way. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. These are on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Fridays of each month.

Challah and Conversation: The Israeli Declaration of Statehood: An Annotated Reading
2025-04-25 09:30 - 10:30
As we approach the 77th anniversary of the founding of the modern state of Israel, we will turn our attention back to the founding document to better understand the hopes of Israel’s founders with an eye on today and tomorrow in these challenging times.
In the Challah and Conversation series, Rabbi Ron Symons, Shames JCC Sr. Director of Jewish Engagement, leads interactive guided conversations about life that weave the world around us with general spirituality through Jewish and other lenses. We begin our time together by lighting candles and end with a little grape juice and challah… all in a very inclusive way. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. These are on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Fridays of each month.

Challah and Conversation: "Mothers and Fathers: Can a Hallmark Card say it all?"
2025-05-09 09:30 - 10:30
Join with Rabbi Symons in a participatory conversation about how Jewish wisdom teaches us to raise up the next generation. We will reflect on the ways we were raised to honor our parents, how our children honored parents in our generation, and how children are honoring parents today. This conversation will be all the richer because you, parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, or friend might share your wisdom.
In the Challah and Conversation series, Rabbi Ron Symons, Shames JCC Sr. Director of Jewish Engagement, leads interactive guided conversations about life that weave the world around us with general spirituality through Jewish and other lenses. We begin our time together by lighting candles and end with a little grape juice and challah… all in a very inclusive way. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. These are on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Fridays of each month.

Challah and Conversation: "Memorial Day: What happened to the power of memorializing?"
2025-05-16 09:30 - 10:30
Join with Rabbi Symons as we uncover the ways Jewish wisdom invites us to memorialize those who are no longer with us. Lest you think otherwise, it is not through “White Sales”. Our conversation will touch on our collective efforts around Memorial Day and our individual efforts around friends and family.
In the Challah and Conversation series, Rabbi Ron Symons, Shames JCC Sr. Director of Jewish Engagement, leads interactive guided conversations about life that weave the world around us with general spirituality through Jewish and other lenses. We begin our time together by lighting candles and end with a little grape juice and challah… all in a very inclusive way. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. These are on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Fridays of each month.

Challah and Conversation: "The Ten Commandments: A Reading for Today"
2025-05-30 09:30 - 10:30
With the Jewish holiday of Shavuot beginning at sundown on June 1, we will explore the pivotal story of the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai and their application to our lives today. Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Ten Commandments.
In the Challah and Conversation series, Rabbi Ron Symons, Shames JCC Sr. Director of Jewish Engagement, leads interactive guided conversations about life that weave the world around us with general spirituality through Jewish and other lenses. We begin our time together by lighting candles and end with a little grape juice and challah… all in a very inclusive way. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. These are on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Fridays of each month.

Challah and Conversation: "Adam & Eve and Adam & Steve: Exploring Religious Perspectives on Gay Marriage"
2025-06-06 09:30 - 10:30
During this Pride Month, Rabbi Ron Symons will guide us through the sensitive matters related to how different religious denominations across the religions understand the role of 21st century marriage considering long held religious beliefs.
In the Challah and Conversation series, Rabbi Ron Symons, Shames JCC Sr. Director of Jewish Engagement, leads interactive guided conversations about life that weave the world around us with general spirituality through Jewish and other lenses. We begin our time together by lighting candles and end with a little grape juice and challah… all in a very inclusive way. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. These are on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Fridays of each month.

Challah and Conversation: "Hatikvah and the Star-Spangled Banner—Among Other National Anthems"
2025-06-13 09:30 - 10:30
As the American Calendar marks Flag Day (June 14), Rabbi Ron Symons invites you to engage in a conversation about the content of national anthems and the values they represent of the national founders even in these changing times.
In the Challah and Conversation series, Rabbi Ron Symons, Shames JCC Sr. Director of Jewish Engagement, leads interactive guided conversations about life that weave the world around us with general spirituality through Jewish and other lenses. We begin our time together by lighting candles and end with a little grape juice and challah… all in a very inclusive way. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. These are on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Fridays of each month.

Challah and Conversation: "The Golden Medinah: Jewish Life in America over 249 Years"
2025-06-27 09:30 - 10:30
As we anticipate July 4, Rabbi Ron Symons will guide us in exploring Jewish life in America across the centuries, how it has evolved, and what it looks like today.
In the Challah and Conversation series, Rabbi Ron Symons, Shames JCC Sr. Director of Jewish Engagement, leads interactive guided conversations about life that weave the world around us with general spirituality through Jewish and other lenses. We begin our time together by lighting candles and end with a little grape juice and challah… all in a very inclusive way. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. These are on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Fridays of each month.

Challah and Conversation: "Adam & Eve and Adam & Steve: Exploring Religious Perspectives on Gay Marriage"
2025-07-11 09:30 - 10:30
Rabbi Ron Symons will guide us through the sensitive matters related to how different religious denominations across the religions understand the role of 21st century marriage considering long-held religious beliefs.
In the Challah and Conversation series, Rabbi Ron Symons, Shames JCC Sr. Director of Jewish Engagement, leads interactive guided conversations about life that weave the world around us with general spirituality through Jewish and other lenses. We begin our time together by lighting candles and end with a little grape juice and challah… all in a very inclusive way. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. These are on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Fridays of each month.

Challah and Conversation: "Bastille Day and Jewish Identity"
2025-07-18 09:30 - 10:30
July 14, 1789 marked a pivotal moment in the journey of the French people towards independence. While the theme is often celebrated through the music of Les Miserables), I am curious about how the Jews of France fit into that journey. Just wait until you see what the Jews of that era had to say about being a Frenchman and a Jew at the same time! Trust me, their conversations are relevant for us today in 2025 America.
In the Challah and Conversation series, Rabbi Ron Symons, Shames JCC Sr. Director of Jewish Engagement, leads interactive guided conversations about life that weave the world around us with general spirituality through Jewish and other lenses. We begin our time together by lighting candles and end with a little grape juice and challah… all in a very inclusive way. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. These are on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Fridays of each month.
