A Taste of Camp: Make Apple Fritters with Kate Sonders Solomon
2026-01-18 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-31 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Designed for aspiring young cooks (age 7 and up) and their families, this class offers a taste of the skills, creativity, and community that define the Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp experience. Children will work collaboratively with Kate to make delicious apple fritters, while parents will observe how BHEC fosters confidence, independence, and teamwork through cooking. There will also be time to ask questions and connect with camp staff.
This class is generously sponsored by Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp. $18 per parent/child duo.

MLK Day of Service—Blanket and Book Bundles (Session 1)
2026-01-19 10:00 - 11:30
FREE for members & non-members
In honor of the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and in partnership with The Church of St. Barnabas and Irvington Presbyterian Church, we will be making no-sew blankets and bundling them with books, hot chocolate mix, and a mug to bring joy to young children in need of literacy support. All ages welcome!
Important: The morning session is at capacity. Please join us in the afternoon! Register for the 1:00–2:30 pm session.

MLK Day of Service—Blanket and Book Bundles (Session 2)
2026-01-19 13:00 - 14:30
FREE for members & non-members
In honor of the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and in partnership with The Church of St. Barnabas and Irvington Presbyterian Church, we will be making no-sew blankets and bundling them with books, hot chocolate mix, and a mug to bring joy to young children in need of literacy support. All ages welcome!

Verve Book Club: “The Sing Sing Files” by Dan Slepian
2026-01-21 11:30 - 13:00
FREE for members & non-members
This acclaimed book pulls back the bars on one of America’s most notorious prisons to expose shocking cases of wrongful conviction. Through meticulous reporting and deeply human stories, Slepian examines how systemic failures—coerced confessions, unreliable witnesses, and prosecutorial misconduct—have sent innocent people to prison for decades. This gripping, unsettling book invites readers to question the justice system and consider what accountability, truth, and redemption really mean.

Challah and Conversation: In The Beginning, God Created… Darwin!
2026-01-23 09:30 - 10:30
FREE for members and non-members
Join Rabbi Ron Symons in exploring the differences and confluences between the biblical accounts of creation and scientific theories that we have come to accept as fact.

Comedy Night with Dave Hill
2026-01-23 19:00 - 21:30
Students: $18; members: $30; non-members: $36
Start your weekend cracking up with Dave Hill—comedian, writer, musician, actor, radio host, and man-about-town. Dave—who has appeared on numerous hit shows including The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Girls5Eva, Inside Amy Schumer, and The Jim Gaffigan Show—will entertain you with guitar stunts and jokes (teen approved).
*The content of this event is appropriate for ages 16+ but there is some explicit language.
Opening Act: Natasha Vaynblat! You may have seen her perform with UCB and we are thrilled to have her back!

Moth Community Workshop
2026-01-24 12:00 - 15:00
FREE for members & non-members
Unlock the power of storytelling in this engaging, hands-on workshop designed for all ages and backgrounds. Staff from the well-renowned storytelling organization The Moth will review core principles of storytelling while guiding you through practical exercises to hone your technique. You’ll learn how to bring your unique voice to any narrative, from personal anecdotes to professional pitches, with confidence and clarity.
This workshop is at capacity; please email thearkevents@shamesjcc.org to put your name on the waitlist.

Scenes of the Hudson Valley Reception
2026-01-24 14:00 - 16:00
FREE for members & non-members
The Shames JCC is proud to present Scenes of the Hudson Valley, an exhibition celebrating the beauty and spirit of our local environment. Come celebrate the artists, their work and our beautiful community. Light refreshments will be served.
We respectfully acknowledge that the Shames JCC sits on the ancestral and unceded land of the Munsee Lenape people. We honor their enduring connection to this land and recognize the deep history that continues to shape our region.

Tech Angels
2026-01-25 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-08 10:00 - 12:00
Every other Sunday
Drop in—no registration required.
Having trouble with your iPhone, Android, tablet, or laptop? Struggle with email, texting, apps, Zoom, or technology in general? Bring your device and your questions to the J and savvy volunteers from Irvington High School will help you at no cost!

POSTPONED—Stories and Songs of The ‘60s: Broadway’s Last Golden Decade
2026-01-25 15:00 - 17:00
Due to the impending storm, we have decided to postpone this concert at The Ark. It will now be held on Sunday, March 22 at 3:00 pm.

Third Act Circle: A Peer Support Group
2026-01-27 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-10 12:00 - 13:00
FREE for members and non-members
Those experiencing the stage of life referred to as “the third act” are invited to come together to talk, laugh, share stories, and support one another through life’s ups and downs. Whether you’re navigating retirement, dealing with health changes, coping with loss, or just looking to connect with others in a similar life stage, this group offers a place where you can feel heard and understood. Facilitated by Rena, the focus is on encouragement and community.

Documentary Screening: "Brighton Beach"
2026-01-28 11:30 - 13:30
FREE for members & non-members
running time 60 mins plus time for discussion

Set against the iconic Coney Island boardwalk, Brighton Beach is a neighborhood in constant re-formation. Now with a 4K restoration, this 1980 documentary offers a vérité portrait of the immigrant communities that changed the Brooklyn neighborhood—mostly Soviet Jews and Puerto Ricans—as they mingle on the boardwalk with long-time residents and coexist around a shared sense of uprootedness. From directors Susan Wittenberg and Carol Stein, Brighton Beach documents life’s simple pleasures and the creating of a community.

“Thoughts & Prayers” Screening and Talkback
2026-01-29 18:45 - 21:00
FREE for members & non-members
This HBO documentary film, directed by Emmy-award winners Jessica Dimmock and Zackary Canepari, examines the normalization of gun violence in America through the vast industry of preparedness that has arisen in response. From lockdown drills in elementary schools to bulletproof backpacks and “active shooter” conventions, the film describes how survival has become a product and safety a business model. It documents how this shift has quietly reshaped American life, turning safety into something we rehearse, perform, and purchase. After the screening, we’ll hear from the directors about the making of the film and the major lessons they learned.
Watch the trailer here.
This program is presented in partnership with Shames JCC on the Hudson and Moms Demand Action Westchester.
Doors open at 6:15 pm and the film will begin promptly at 6:45 pm.

Group Outing: Tour and Italian Lunch at the Culinary Institute of America
2026-01-30 08:30 - 14:30
1946 Campus Drive Hyde Park, NY 12538
Members: $85; non-members: $95 *incl r/t transportation from the J, tour, and 3-course lunch
Tour begins at 10:15 am and lunch is at 11:30 am (Bus departs JCC at 8:15 am and returns around 2 pm)

Looking for a warm escape in the heart of winter? Join us on a culinary adventure at the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America (CIA)!
Our visit begins with a guided tour about the history of the CIA, the science of taste, and an exclusive Q&A with current CIA students who bring the school’s vibrant culture to life.
Afterward, we’ll indulge in a seasonal three-course lunch at the CIA’s acclaimed Italian restaurant, Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici, where fresh ingredients and authentic flavors take center stage. Dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten free, allergies, etc.) can be accommodated with two weeks notice.
Roundtrip transportation from the JCC is included—all you have to do is relax, learn, and digest this delicious midwinter getaway!
Registration opens 11/30

Challah and Conversation: Can We March Together Again? Black-Jewish Relations Throughout the 20th and 21st Centuries
2026-01-30 09:30 - 10:30
FREE for members & non-members
Rabbi Ron Symons will guide us through a conversation uncovering the history of Black-Jewish relations in the civil rights movement, both the good and the bad, with hopes for even more cooperation in the years to come.

Cheers with Cheese, Hosted by Jill Santopietro & Kate Sonders Solomon
2026-02-01 17:30 - 19:30
Members: $43; non-members: $48
Join us for a deliciously cozy winter evening of cheese board crafting, sipping, and friendly competition!
Learn how to create a stunning, crowd-pleasing cheese board—perfect for your next dinner party, holiday gathering, or solo snack night. We’ll walk you through the art of cheese selection, pairing, and styling, plus all the little extras that turn a good board into a gorgeous one. Once you’ve built your masterpiece, it’s time for a little friendly showdown. Boards will be judged, winners will be crowned, and yes—there will be prizes.
Our cash bar will be open all night with a special menu of wines curated to pair beautifully with your bites. Come hungry, thirsty, and ready to get creative.
Spots are limited—book early, and bring a friend (or three)!

The Hidden History of Slavery in New York Film and Q&A
2026-02-02 10:00 - 11:30
FREE for members; $10 for non-members
Together we’ll watch and discuss The Hidden History of Slavery in New York, a 30-minute documentary that digs deeply into an infamous chapter in our country that largely hasn’t made its way into the history books. Featuring Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, we learn how the Transatlantic slave trade was centered in the north, not the south, in the 17th and 18th century —with New Amsterdam as its epicenter—and Wall Street as its largest slave market.
With a debate raging in the US about what should and shouldn’t be taught about slavery, this film is as important and timely as ever and a fitting beginning to Black History Month.
About the presenter: Larry Epstein is a two-time Emmy award-winning documentary and news producer, journalist, writer, anchor and corporate copywriter. Larry is a former executive producer at MSNBC, and former senior-level producer at the Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network.

POSTPONED—Group Outing: Tour of Studio Museum in Harlem and Lunch
2026-02-03 10:00 - 15:30
This trip has been postponed because the Studio Museum in Harlem is temporarily closed. It will be rescheduled, date TBD.
Celebrate Black History Month by exploring the newly expanded Studio Museum in Harlem on a guided group tour. The museum’s $160 million transformation brings expanded galleries and enhanced spaces that deepen engagement with art by artists of African descent including Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold, Kerry James Marshall, and Mickalene Thomas. Called a “remarkable accomplishment and an uplifting, uncompromising addition to the city’s civic landscape” by the New York Times, the museum celebrates Harlem’s legacy as a center of artistic innovation. Afterwards, we’ll have a family-style lunch* at Marcus Samuelsson’s famed Red Rooster restaurant before returning home, full of belly and soul.

Hot Topics
2026-02-04 11:30 - 13:00
FREE for members & non-members
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!

Drawing with Renee: Impressions in Winter
2026-02-04 11:30 - 13:00
Members: $15; non-members: $20
Create winter landscapes in this one-day workshop using assorted drawing materials. This class is suitable for all levels. Bring your creativity and we will provide the rest!

Caregiver Conversation Circle
2026-02-05 12:00 - 13:15
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.

Clergy Talk— Purim: The Adult Version
2026-02-06 09:30 - 10:30
FREE for members & non-members
Purim is often relegated with all of the elements that kids love: costumes, carnivals, candy, permission to make lots of noise, and a story that could have come straight from Disney. Despite the way many of us celebrate, the scroll of Esther is definitely not a children’s book. Perhaps most importantly for our day, it is the earliest record of the type of antisemitism we face in the diaspora. Let’s discuss this real story of Purim and its lessons for how we might respond.
With Rabbi David Holtz, Temple Beth Abraham

Neon Glow Party (Inclusive* Event)
2026-02-06 11:30 - 13:00
FREE for members & non-members
Get ready to light it up! DJ Mackie from Spin Lab DJ Academy will spin upbeat tunes while we enjoy glow-in-the-dark dancing, interactive games, and tasty snacks. The environment will be welcoming and supportive with space to dance, take breaks, or enjoy the glow at your own pace. Wear white or neon so you really shine!
*Inclusive classes and events at the J are specifically designed and implemented to ensure individuals with or without disabilities can participate fully. The goal of these classes is to ensure all participants have the opportunity to foster community, learn new skills, and have fun!

Dating Smarter: A Workshop with Michelle Frankel
2026-02-08 11:00 - 13:00
Members: $18; non-members: $25
Learn how to put your best self forward in the dating world! As seen on Netflix’s “My Unorthodox Life,” Michelle Frankel—celebrity matchmaker and relationship expert—will guide you on navigating modern dating and building meaningful connections in today’s fast-paced world. She will share insider insights and matchmaker secrets from her 15 years of experience working with accomplished singles—including how to create a profile that truly reflects you, the biggest misconceptions about dating, how to identify genuine compatibility, and strategies for finding lasting love. After the presentation, we’ll gather in the Atrium to mingle over mimosas and brunch.
Michelle will take your questions live or you may submit anonymous questions in advance. If interested, one bold attendee will be selected for a complimentary live online profile analysis during the session! NOTE: This is not a matchmaking event and is open to all genders and sexual orientations.
About the Presenter: Michelle Frankel, Esq. is a professional matchmaker and founder of NYCity Matchmaking, a luxury boutique service for accomplished singles seeking meaningful relationships. A former M&A attorney who “traded in the law for love,” Michelle has been featured on Netflix, Today Show, Bethenny, and other major media outlets for her work bringing authenticity and human connection back into modern dating. With over 15 years of experience, she has successfully paired countless couples and is passionate about helping people navigate love with clarity, confidence, and heart.

Music of the Great Migration
2026-02-09 10:00 - 11:30
FREE for members; $10 for non-members
Between 1910 and 1970 an estimated six million American blacks left the rural South for the industrial cities of the North in one of the greatest mass migrations in history. In this lecture we will listen to and discuss some of the songs that reflected the dreams, romance, and homesickness felt by those who boarded the trains for new places and new lives that would change them and music forever.
About the presenter: Michael Shamosh is a musician and historian of American music. He was known as “Sunnyside Slim,” the harmonica player for the local band Sunnyside Slim and The Hudsons. Michael has been a chief investment strategist for brokerage firms, and a manager of mutual funds and a hedge fund. He is a JCC member and lives in Irvington, New York where he raised two sons with his wife Renee.

Documentary Screening: "Uprooted: The Journey of Jazz Dance"
2026-02-11 11:30 - 13:30
FREE for members & non-members
With a stellar cast of leading industry experts, award-winning choreographers, and legendary performers, this groundbreaking documentary goes back to Jazz’s roots in Africa and follows the evolution of this incredible dance form through every single decade and genre. Exploring and commenting on political and social influences, the film addresses topics such as appropriation, racism, socialism, and sexism.
Watch the trailer here.

Common Ground: About Kings, Presidents, and Other Leaders
2026-02-12 13:00 - 14:00
In honor of Presidents’ Day, a values-based interfaith conversation will be led by Rev. Gareth Evans and Rabbi Ron Symons, with plenty of room for your participation as we discuss the spiritual wisdom we might use to assess 21st-century leadership.”
