Cardboard Explosion: A Paper Heart Puppet Show & Workshop
2026-02-01 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Workshop & Puppet Show: $20 for members; $25 for non-members
Puppet Show only: $10 for members; $15 for non-members
Enjoy stories brought to life using nothing but cardboard and the power of your imagination! Puppeteer Brad Shur transforms simple cardboard shapes into elaborate puppet characters and brings them to life.
From 10:00–11:00 am, 30 lucky ticket holders will get to work directly with Brad to build their own puppets from cardboard. The workshop will then move into The Ark where audience members will enjoy a creative, whimsical puppet show using the new creations.

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.

Group Outing: Tour of Studio Museum in Harlem and Lunch
2026-02-03 10:00 - 15:30
$85 for members; $100 for non-members, incl. private tour, prix-fixe lunch at Red Rooster, and round-trip transportation from the JCC
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, 2026-03-04 11:30 - 13:00, 2026-04-08 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, 2026-03-05 12:00 - 13:15, 2026-04-09 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.

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!

Tech Angels
2026-02-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-22 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-22 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!

Meet Your Match: 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—professional 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.

Third Act Circle: A Peer Support Group
2026-02-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-24 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-24 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-04-07 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.

Laugh at Love with Gary Vider
2026-02-14 19:00 - 22:00
Members: $30; non-members: $36
Gary Vider is a NYC-based comedian who has made a name for himself in the national comedy scene with appearances on Conan and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He’s toured with Nate Bargatze and his subtle style of humor took him all the way to the finals on season 10 of America’s Got Talent.
Join Gary for a special Valentine’s Day night of comedy. We will have desserts, libations, and plenty of rose petals and baby’s breath for all the galentines and valentines alike!

Lunch Outing: Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
2026-02-19 12:30 - 14:00
$35 cash includes soup, unlimited market table, protein entrée, tax, and tip
Join us at Fogo de Chao for an abundant, authentic, and delicious Brazilian lunch . Your meal includes your choice of protein entrée and unlimited visits to their famous Market Table and Feijoada Bar, which includes seasonal salads, vegetables, imported cheeses, smoked salmon, cured meats, fogo feijoada (traditional black bean stew with sausage), soup, pão de queijo (cheese bread), and more. Vegetarians welcome!
Space is limited to 20—sign up early!
NOTE: We will be meeting at Fogo de Chao, 235 Main Street, White Plains, NY 10601. Street and metered parking is available; the closest garage is White Plains Center Garage at 237 Martine Ave (exit to Main St). If you need a ride to and from the restaurant from the JCC or have room in your car for others, please email rdelevie@shamesjcc.org when you register.
Registration opens January 19

Recovery Shabbat with 14Y Selah
2026-02-20 18:00 - 20:00
$18 for members & non-members
At the Shames JCC
Join 14Y Selah* for a warm evening of a kosher Shabbat dinner, song, shared ritual, storytelling, and reflection. Together, we’ll explore themes of resilience and hope through the weekly Torah portion and meaningful conversation. All are welcome—individuals in recovery, those on a mental health journey, family members and loved ones providing support to those facing challenges, and anyone seeking grounding and community.
*Selah, a program of the 14th Street Y, is a Jewish recovery community that believes everyone deserves a space to show up honestly, connect spiritually, and feel supported on their journey.
Questions? Email Jeremy Pool at Jpool@14streety.org.

Learning Ludwig
2026-02-23 10:00 - 11:30
FREE for members; $10 for non-members
Beethoven took the musical world into which he was born, mastered it, and then yelled, “Hey, everybody, follow me!”as he transformed the Classical Era into the Romantic Era. Grove’s Dictionary of Music describes him as “probably the most admired composer in the history of Western music” and for good reason. We’ll discuss his life, both the tragedies and triumphs, and the musical gifts he left behind.
About the presenter: Barry Wiesenfeld is an internationally recognized award-winning musician, published author, and is on the music faculty of SUNY and Ramapo College. He has accompanied Grammy-, Tony- and RMI-winning artists, performed on three continents and has played on numerous recordings, radio and TV. Barry’s lecture series has been enjoyed both around the U.S. and abroad. Learn more about him: www.barrybassist.com

NYC Trip: No Excuses, No Limit Show (*Inclusive)
2026-03-07 10:15 - 15:45
$15 for members & non-members
Join us for a trip to NYC to see how anything is possible with the ILL-Abilities International Dance Crew. During the performance of their No Excuses, No Limits breakdancing show, we will see that when you set your mind to something and believe in yourself, your differences can become your greatest strength.
Transportation to and from NYC will be provided from the JCC. If you are in need of transportation to and from the JCC, please reach out to Annie Bridson, Director of Supportive Services at abridson@shamesjcc.org.
*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!
Registration opens January 14

Live Karaoke with Centerstage Karaoke
2026-03-07 19:00 - 22:00
Members: $18; non-members: $23
CenterStage, New York City’s premiere live band karaoke concert experience, puts YOU in the heart of the action—on stage and singing in front of your friends and a big rock crowd, backed by a talented, hard-rocking band of supportive professional musicians. Choose from an eclectic and ever-growing list of over 200 songs, spanning all decades. You can finally live out your dreams of being the lead singer in a rockin’ band for nearly 5 whole minutes!

Songs and Stories of Broadway: Irving Berlin
2026-03-22 15:00 - 17:00
The composer Jerome Kern once said, “Irving Berlin has no place in American music—he is American music.” Come hear his masterpieces performed by a group of professional singers and accompanying orchestra, with narration by Broadway producer Jack Viertel.
Ticket sales coming soon!
