Shames JCC

Soccer Clinic and Open House with J Sports Academy
2024-05-19 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Elevate your game! Meet camp leadership and our coaching staff and learn about all that J Sports Academy has in store for this summer!
Join us at our open house and FREE soccer clinic with Coach Ken Ortiz, collegiate soccer player, on Sunday, May 19, from 3:00 pm-4:00 pm at The Masters School. Meet our coaches, explore the exceptional fields and courts, and get excited for summer!
Can’t make it to the open house? Check out jsportsacademy.org or contact info@jsportsacademy.org to set up an appointment to speak with our leadership team.

Jess Velona presents Vietnam and the Road to Watergate: Lessons from the Johnson and Nixon Tapes
2024-05-20 10:00 - 11:30
Key decisions about the Vietnam War were made in a single room where most of the conversations were recorded. In this 2-session class, Jess Velona uses tapes rarely heard before to explore this window into history. You’ll listen toturning points such as the Gulf of Tonkin resolution, Johnson’s tortured decision to escalate the war, his dismissal of antiwar protesters as “mentally diseased,” and his belated recognition that his presidency had been destroyed. You’ll listen along when Johnson discovers, at the end of the 1968 campaign, that his new bid for peace is being sabotaged by candidate Nixon himself. Once Nixon takes office, explore his struggle to contain the wave of protests set off by the invasion of Cambodia and his shock of the Pentagon Papers leak.

Caregiver Conversation Circle
2024-05-20 13:00 - 14:00
Do you care for a family member with chronic illness or special needs? Join our conversation circle to connect with others in a similar situation. Whether you are responsible for a child with special needs, a spouse with cognitive or physical decline, or any other situation that fits, we welcome your participation. The group will be facilitated by longtime social worker, Joanne Reed. Coffee and tea will be served.

Out to Lunch with the JCC: Santorini Greek Restaurant
2024-05-22 12:30 - 14:00
Join your fellow foodies for our next lunch outing to Santorini Greek Restaurant in Sleepy Hollow! Your lunch will be served family-style and includes Greek salad, falafel, chicken kebabs, pita, and coffee or tea. Bring your appetite and a friend, or come make new ones! These events are always lots of fun and are open to all.
NOTE: We will be meeting at Santorini, 175 Valley St, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591. Metered street parking is available. If you need a ride from the JCC or have room in your car for others, please email cjacobs@shamesjcc.org when you register.
$30 cash for all, includes food, tax and tip

Birdie’s Batch Memorial Day Pop-Up
2024-05-23 15:00 - 17:00
Get your long-weekend goodies at the J! Birdie’s Batch will be selling a variety of crostatas and cookies to take to Memorial Day BBQs, or just enjoy at home!

JCC Closed (Memorial Day)
2024-05-27 05:00 - 22:00

Massages by Michelle
2024-05-29 10:00 - 15:00
Get a free 10 minute massage at the J! New York State Licensed Massage Therapist Michelle Pachon is back by popular demand. She specializes in Swedish, CTT (deep tissue), sports massage and myofascial release.

Verve Book Club: Shanda by Letty Cottin Pogrebin
2024-05-29 11:30 - 13:00
The word “shanda” is defined as shame or disgrace in Yiddish. In her astonishingly candid memoir, author, activist, and Ms. magazine founder Letty Cottin Pogrebin seeks to understand the role of shame and secrecy in a family of devout Jewish immigrants whose social status — in America and even among one another — required the calculated concealment of a number of uncomfortable truths. Beginning with her own long-suppressed secret, the story spirals through the hidden lives of her parents and relatives—revealing the truth about their origins, personal traumas, marital misery, abandoned children, religious transgressions, sexual identity, radical politics, and illnesses.

JCC Celebration
2024-05-30 19:00 - 22:00
Join us for a special evening to celebrate the expanded Harold & Elaine Shames JCC on the Hudson and recognize the contributions of our entire community. This celebration will be held in The Ark, our new theater and event space.
Honoring
Judy Cohen
and The Family of Harold and Elaine Shames:
Mitchell Shames, Harry Livenstein, Risa Shames and Neil Silverston, and Barbara Livenstein
Program
Cocktail hour reception from 7-8PM, followed by program and seated dinner beginning at 8PM
Cocktail attire suggested
Host Committee
Leslie Alkalay, Rachel Alkon, Lisa Cohen, Andrew Eifler, Daniel Fossner, Charles B. Friedman, Allen Halpern, Steve Kasoff, Emma Katznelson, Scott Krady, Nancy Lonky, Barry Reichgott, Barbara Robertson, Brad Schwartz, Dara Seiken, Jon Weiss, and Fred Yerman

Laughter Yoga
2024-05-31 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-06-21 10:30 - 11:30
Laughter Yoga is a unique exercise routine that combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing. Laughter reaps many scientific benefits including reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression; lower blood pressure; a strengthened immune system; and much more. Laughter is initially stimulated as a physical exercise and soon leads to real and contagious laughter. Bring your playful spirit!

Grand Opening Breakfast of the Cohen Family Atrium and The Ark!
2024-06-03 08:00 - 10:00
Join us in the new space on opening day! A full hot, unlimited breakfast will be available for purchase for $14 Monday–Friday, as well as a la carte items.

Understanding the Transgender, Nonbinary, or Questioning Child
2024-06-03 10:00 - 11:30
Transgender, nonbinary, and gender-questioning children need adult support, but adults may not know the best way to provide this. Join Rena DeLevie, mom to a beautiful transgender nonbinary child, as she addresses critical questions that can help individuals better understand the experiences guiding the transgender, nonbinary, or questioning child.

Pride Pop-Up Shop with Transom Booksellers
2024-06-04 09:30 - 16:30
Peruse and purchase a curated collection of LGTBQ+ fiction and non-fiction from our local bookstore.

Hot Topics
2024-06-05 11:30 - 13:00
FREE for members and non-members
Come discuss the month’s social and political issues with your fellow news enthusiasts. With timely and changing international, national, and local issues from the news arenas of government, arts, sports, science, and religion, we welcome all participants to voice their ideas. All points of view are welcome in this lively, thought-provoking, and civil discussion. Feel free to bring your lunch and/or a friend!

Two Years Since Dobbs: Where Are We Now?
2024-06-06 19:00 - 20:30
$15 suggested donation
Roe v. Wade was overturned two years ago this June. Since then, a number of states have enacted restrictive abortion laws, and women’s access to healthcare is being obstructed in new and dangerous ways every day. How did this all come to pass? What has the landscape looked like these past two years in terms of policy and provision–and where might be heading in this significant election year? We’ll explore the past, present, and potential future of abortion access with Meera Shah, chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic and Andrea Flynn, thought leader, scholar, and lecturer on reproductive and economic justice.
This event is co-sponsored with Rivertown for Reproductive Rights.

Spring Graze Board Making
2024-06-06 19:00 - 21:00
Join us for an interactive culinary experience led by talented cooking instructor, Kate Sonders Solomon. Learn the art of crafting a delicious spring graze board, socialize, and celebrate Shavuot as you indulge in the joy of food and community!
Kate is a cooking instructor living in Hastings-on-Hudson. She provides a relaxed, hands-on cooking experience for adults and children. Kate aims to foster creativity and connection in the kitchen and empower children, home cooks, and corporate teams.
Address is in the Somers area, and will be disclosed upon registration

Shavuot Pizza Party (in Northern Westchester)
2024-06-09 15:00 - 16:30
Calling all little chefs and curious minds! Get ready to make your own personalized pizza and learn about Shavuot with Shames JCC and PJ Library!
Location: Jefferson Valley area and the address was given upon registration

Children’s Summer Clothing Donation Drive Begins
2024-06-10 08:00 - 17:00
Give your children’s outgrown clothing new life by donating them to families in need. The NY Common Pantry is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting dignity, health, and self-sufficiency for low-income families in New York City. Help them support these individuals by donating the following to the J between 6/10-6/21 (sizes newborn-4T):

Summer/early fall clothing (shorts, dresses, t-shirts, onesies, swimsuits, light sweaters, etc):
Accessories (hats, shoes, socks, etc)
Small gear (carriers, wraps, etc)
New diapers/pull-ups, formula, baby wipes

Riverkeeper's Fight for Free Flowing Waterways
2024-06-10 10:00 - 11:30
Join Tracy Brown, CEO of Riverkeeper—one of the most important environmental organizations in the Hudson Valley– for a screening and discussion of two short documentaries about Riverkeeper’s work with dam removal. The first film, “One Dam At A Time,” centers on the Hudson River watershed, while the second film, “Sister River,” documents Riverkeeper’s work helping to block planned dams on the last free flowing major river in Nepal.

Death of a Bully: A Dramatic Courtroom Transcript Reading
2024-06-10 13:00 - 14:00
If you’re a fan of Perry Mason, Law and Order or just good old fashioned suspense, join Aytan Adler for our next courtroom transcript roundtable reading, Death of a Bully. Much like a table reading for a play, participants will be assigned parts (judge, attorney, plaintiff, etc.) from an edited transcript of a fascinating trial. You won’t know the outcome of the case until the end. Bring your curiosity and playful spirit!

Israeli Culture Connection with Noy
2024-06-11 11:00 - 12:00
Join us in bidding farewell to our Shishin, Noy Laufer! As she embarks on her journey to serve in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) this fall, let’s gather to celebrate her contributions to the J, indulge in delicious Israeli snacks, and wish her the very best.

Out to Lunch with the JCC: Racanelli’s Pizza and Brew
2024-06-12 12:30 - 14:30
Bring your appetite (and maybe some to-go boxes) for our next lunch at Racanellis Pizza and Brew! Your meal includes your choice of salad, pasta, main entree, and dessert for $33 cash. There’s plenty for vegetarians and omnivores alike! These events are always lots of fun and are open to all.
NOTE: We will be meeting at Racanellis, 185 Knollwood Rd., White Plains, NY 10607 where there is parking in their lot. If you need a ride from the JCC or have room in your car for others, please email cjacobs@shamesjcc.org when you register.
Price includes food, tax and tip

Father’s Day Pop-Up Shop: Homemade Ceramics by Maggie Chow
2024-06-13 09:00 - 13:00
Get a special gift for the father in your life at the J! Artist Maggie Chow will be selling handmade functional ceramics with special designs, all created with love and passion locally in Westchester. All works are created without any toxic materials.

Parenting your Transgender, Nonbinary, or Questioning Child
2024-06-13 19:00 - 20:15
Traditionally, Americans were taught about binary genders, but Gen Z challenges this. They explore gender freely and need parental support. This workshop guides parents in navigating disruptions related to gender, names, pronouns, and lifestyles, offering insights, mindsets, and tools for creating a supportive home.

Songs from The Holocaust: The Music and Life of Viktor Ullmann
2024-06-17 10:00 - 11:30
Soprano Dominique Hellsten and pianist Craig Ketter will perform music by Austrian composer and Holocaust victim Viktor Ullmann, whose substantial body of work was lost for decades after his death at Auschwitz. Weaving together songs and stories, Dominique will tell the haunting and fascinating story of Ullmann’s short life and how his music survived the war.
About the presenter: Dominique Hellsten, Soprano has an MA in voice and music education from School of Music, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. A celebrated international performer , Dominique is also the founder of The Ullmann Project, whose mission is to promote the music by Holocaust victim Viktor Ullmann as well the chamber music repertoire of the first half of the 20th century. In 2023, The Ullmann Project presented Viktor Ullmann’s opera “The Emperor of Atlantis,” which was composed in the Terezin/Theresienstadt concentration camp in 1943.

PJ Library Birthday at the J!
2024-06-18 17:00 - 19:00
To celebrate 18 years of PJ Library–the organization that sends free Jewish storybooks to children every month– the Shames JCC is hosting a festive birthday bash. Our celebration will include a book festival in our new theater, The Ark, featuring some of PJ Library’s favorite storybooks, and a lively family concert with Rebecca Schoffer of 92NY Shababa! Children can kick off the celebration on our beautiful playground and enjoy a variety of art, movement, and tikkun olam activities.

Free Juneteenth Soul Line Dancing Party (in The Ark)
2024-06-19 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for a special, free line dance event as we celebrate Juneteenth with Steven “Fun Bunch” Dillard!
Using an upbeat and fun soundtrack as a backdrop, Steven will break down easy line dances that allow everyone to learn at a comfortable pace. You’ll learn basic steps, rhythms and routines choreographed to music.

Juneteenth at the J for Kids
2024-06-19 11:00 - 12:15
Grades K and up
While school is out, kids can learn about and celebrate this holiday of freedom at the J. Children will rotate between activity stations where they will make percussion instruments, use them to play traditional African music, engage in a lesson on Juneteenth’s history, and participate in an interactive trivia game with prizes. All are welcome to bring a packed lunch and blanket and join us after for a community picnic!

Last Day to Donate: Children’s Summer Clothing Donation Drive
2024-06-21 08:00 - 17:00
