Shames JCC

Israeli Culture Connection with Noy
2024-01-23 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Come connect with our Shishin (Junior Israeli ambassador) Noy Laufer, born in Haifa. Noy is spending her gap year after graduating high school working with different institutions. In a roundtable conversation, she will share her experiences and perspectives as an Israeli. Light refreshments will be served.

Games and More
2024-01-24 11:30 - 13:00
FREE for members and non-members
Grab a friend or meet a new one over a good game. We provide Scrabble, playing cards, Rummikub, Mah Jongg, Othello, chess, and more; you’re also welcome to bring your own. Feel free to bring your lunch!

Verve Goes to the Movies at Jacob Burns
2024-01-24 14:00 - 15:30
Shortlisted for Best International Feature for the 2024 Academy Awards®
Winner of the Grand Prix at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival
Commandant of Auschwitz Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel), along with his wife Hedwig (played by Anatomy of a Fall‘s Sandra Hüller), strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden next to the camp. Based on the novel by Martin Amis, The Zone of Interest forces us to take a cold look at the mundanity behind an unforgivable brutality. Running time 106 minutes.
Participants are responsible for their open transportation and carpooling is available – email cjacobs@shamesjcc.org by Jan. 21 if you want to share a ride.

Tu B’Shevat Pop-up
2024-01-25 15:00 - 17:00
Celebrate Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish Birthday of the Trees, with Yanira in the lobby! Join us for a joyful gathering as we plant parsley, a symbolic herb used at the Passover table. Let’s come together to honor nature and embrace the spirit of growth and renewal on this special occasion.

Trip to Prayer for the French Republic on Broadway
2024-01-26 20:00 - 23:00
Join your JCC friends for an evening on Broadway! Prayer for the French Republic, written by “Bad Jews” author Joshua Harmon, tells the story of a family grappling with contemporary and historical antisemitism in France. In 1944, a Jewish couple in Paris desperately awaits news of their missing family. More than 70 years later, the couple’s great-grandchildren find themselves facing the same question as their ancestors: “Are we safe?” The New York Times calls it “thought-provoking, heart-wrenching and wickedly funny.” Don’t miss your chance to see the play that won the 2022 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best New Off-Broadway Play!
Location: Samuel J. Friedman Theater, 261 West 47th Street
$85 for members; $100 for non-members includes tickets and transportation to and from the JCC by private coach bus
The show begins at 8 PM and runs for 3 hours including 2 intermissions. Comfortable transportation to and from the theater from the JCC is included; the bus will leave the JCC at 5:45 PM and return after the event at approximately 11:45 PM. If you’re interested in attending but do NOT need transportation, please email cjacobs@shamesjcc.org after you register.

An Hour of WOW
2024-01-27 08:30 - 09:30
Come celebrate a year of WOW with an extra special class; all four of your WOW instructors, 14 stations, and 15 extra minutes! We will be using the entire gymnasium (basketball) and will have space for 2 people per station (28 total).

Makeup Exploration (Fashion, Beauty, and Bonding Women’s Group)
2024-01-27 12:00 - 13:30
Ages 18+
This social group intends to provide a special, welcoming place for folks identifying as females with disabilities to come together and connect. In partnership with professionals from Neiman Marcus, we will learn make-up, hair, and fashion techniques in a fun, supportive environment that celebrates diverse beauty. We have four sessions scheduled for this winter/spring. Participants may register for all or select sessions. See all sessions here.
For our first session, we will be learning about and experimenting with makeup. Whether you’re a makeup enthusiast or just starting your beauty journey, join us and a makeup artist from Neiman Marcus for an afternoon of empowering discussions, inclusive tutorials, and connection amongst a community that embraces and highlights diverse beauty.

JCC Nature, Climate, and Connection Exhibition Reception
2024-01-28 15:00 - 17:00
Free for all
Join us to celebrate the JCC’s current exhibition Nature, Climate, and Connection featuring the artwork of 20 local artists. Our local Mothers Out Front chapter will be serving hot chocolate alongside an induction-cooking demonstration, and Melissa Lohman-Wild will lead a family-friendly art project. Drop-ins are welcome but registration is encouraged.
This event is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Musical History of the Jewish People: A Performance and Talk with Dr. David Podles
2024-01-29 10:00 - 11:30
Acclaimed international concert musician Dr. David Podles will take participants on a heartfelt trip of Jewish musical history by performing Sephardic, Ashkenazi, and Israeli Jewish music. From the original touching niguns to playful freilehs to beautiful songs of prayer, Dr. Podles will show how music is deeply embedded in historical points in Judaism as well as the steadfastness of the Jewish people.
About the Presenter: Dr. David Podles of Riga, Latvia, is a laureate of 3 prestigious international competitions. He graduated from Music Conservatory in Riga, Latvia. Dr. Podles performed in symphony, chamber, opera, and ballet theater orchestras both solo, in orchestra and on tour across Europe, Russia, and Central Asia, including The Bolshoi in Moscow & Kirov in Ukraine. In the US, he has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, 92nd Y, and at Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center.

Verve Book Club: Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley
2024-01-31 11:30 - 13:00
Based on a true crime in 2015, Leila Mottley’s debut novel, Nightcrawling, gives voice to 17-year-old Kiara Johnson, who, after her father’s death and mother’s detention in a rehab facility, becomes a sex worker to pay for rent hikes. She also needs to look after her disillusioned older brother and a nine-year-old left behind by a neighbor. Mottley outlines the perilous economy of poverty in America in a dramatic account that gives tangible form to what millions of invisible people endure. BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New Yorker, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, TIME, GOODREADS

Trip to Prayer for the French Republic on Broadway
2024-01-31 19:00 - 22:00
Join your JCC friends for an evening on Broadway! Prayer for the French Republic, written by “Bad Jews” author Joshua Harmon, tells the story of a family grappling with contemporary and historical antisemitism in France. In 1944, a Jewish couple in Paris desperately awaits news of their missing family. More than 70 years later, the couple’s great-grandchildren find themselves facing the same question as their ancestors: “Are we safe?” The New York Times calls it “thought-provoking, heart-wrenching and wickedly funny.” Don’t miss your chance to see the play that won the 2022 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best New Off-Broadway Play!
Location: Samuel J. Friedman Theater, 261 West 47th Street
$85 for members; $100 for non-members includes tickets and transportation to and from the JCC by private coach bus
The show begins at 7 PM and runs for three hours including two intermissions. Comfortable transportation to and from the theater from the JCC is included; the bus will leave the JCC at 4:45 PM and return after the event at approximately 11:00 PM. If you’re interested in attending but do NOT need transportation, please email cjacobs@shamesjcc.org after you register.

Challenging Times, Ageless Insights "Am Yisrael High": Jews and Cannabis
2024-02-02 10:00 - 11:00
Just because something is permitted doesn’t mean it is a good idea, and just because something is forbidden doesn’t mean it is bad. The choices we make around substance use are influenced by many factors, including science and religion. Judaism has something to say about everything; come hear Jewish perspectives on marijuana.

Mom Rage and Modern Motherhood: Author Talk and Workshop
2024-02-04 16:30 - 17:45
“Dubin reminds us that our darkest moments are symptoms of systemic failings, not signs of personal flaws–and that our anger should be harnessed as an animating force for equity.” – Angela Garbez, author of Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change
Besides runny noses and obsessing about your child’s sleep, motherhood sometimes feels like it is 90% list-making. In 2023, Minna Dubin published the internationally acclaimed book Mom Rage: The Everyday Crisis of Modern Motherhood, inspired by a list about her rage she wrote six years earlier. In this special interactive discussion, Minna will share her original list that marked the beginning of her own transformation with mom rage and help you uncover your own big feelings about parenthood–and what to do about it. Books will be available for purchase on-site from Transom! Wine and cheese will be served, and childcare through Kidspace is available.
Minna Dubin is the author of MOM RAGE: The Everyday Crisis of Modern Motherhood. Her writing has been featured in the New York Times, Oprah Daily, Salon, Parents, Romper, The Forward, and elsewhere. Minna has become a leading feminist voice on the topic of mom rage, appearing on MSNBC, Good Morning America, The Tamron Hall Show, NPR, and the BBC Woman’s Hour. She lives in Berkeley with her husband, two kids, and no pets because enough is enough.
This event is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

J Sports Academy Open House at Tennis Club of Hastings
2024-02-04 17:00 - 18:00 | Tennis Club of Hastings, 100 River Street, Hastings on Hudson, NY, 10706, United States
Questions about camp and want to learn more? Come meet camp leadership to hear more about our programs!
At J Sports Academy, young athletes will spend their summer receiving professional coaching, developing skills, and most importantly, having fun. Utilizing the extraordinary facilities of The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, J Sports Academy provides participants with four hours of training in either basketball, soccer, or tennis, along with swimming, sports electives, and other camp activities.

New Year, New Scams with Pace Elder Justice Unit
2024-02-05 10:00 - 23:30
Scams don’t only happen on the internet and over the phone. With $8 billion lost to fraud every year, it’s important to protect yourself and your families with up-to-date information. In this talk, you’ll learn what the latest scams are and how to vet potential contractors or other vendors you interact with in order to make good decisions and stay safe
About the Presenter: Roberta S. Goodman, Esq. is a senior staff attorney in the Elder Justice unit with the Pace Women’s Justice Center in White Plains. She represents, educates, and advocates in a broad range of matters, including financial exploitation, securing family court orders of protection for incidents of domestic disputes, voluntary guardianships, advance planning, and negotiating legal resolutions involving abusive living situations.

NeuroFit Demo
2024-02-06 11:30 - 12:30
Join Frank (Special Strong Certified*) for a class specifically designed for people with neurodegenerative challenges. This class will focus on aerobic conditioning, joint strengthening, balance work, and stretching while fostering a sense of community amongst participants.
Exercises will be taught from a chair so each participant must be able to sit independently on a chair. Contact lkovall@shamesjcc.org for additional questions.
* Special Strong is a nationally accredited fitness organization which specializes in adaptive and inclusive training.

Hot Topics
2024-02-07 11:30 - 13:00
FREE for members and non-members
Come discuss the week’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!

FREE Belly Dance Workshop
2024-02-07 18:30 - 19:30
Curious about belly dancing? Come try the first class for free! Our new belly dance series led by Pelin Qualben will introduce you to this traditional Middle Eastern and Turkish dance technique, music, and culture Over a 6-week period, participants will develop the ability to showcase proper posture, engage muscles with technique precision, maintain body alignment, and execute transitions. They will gain confidence and accuracy in performing movements and combinations. Above all, the classes are designed to be fun, entertaining, and a great way to let the day go.
About the instructor: Originally from Turkey, Pelin Qualben is a member of Sheba and other esteemed belly dance troupes and collaborative event organization companies in New York and New Jersey. She brings the enchantment of Turkish and Egyptian belly dance, veils, zills, Middle Eastern folklore dances, Saidi cane dance, and fan veil techniques to diverse cultural events, belly dance shows, weddings, and joyous celebrations.

Pop-Up: Handmade Ceramics by Maggie Chow
2024-02-08 09:00 - 13:00
Member Maggie Chow will be back at the J selling her beautiful handmade pottery. Come get your loved ones–or yourself–some Valentine’s Day gifts at the J.

Lunch and Gallery Visit to The Capa Space
2024-02-09 11:30 - 15:00
Join us for an afternoon of thought-provoking art and socializing in our own backyard! We begin with a delicious lunch at the highly-rated Pappous Greek Kitchen and continue with a private tour of The Capa Space in Yorktown Heights. Named after Hungarian war photographer Robert Capa, the Capa Space is an exhibition and education center that views photography as a way to advance concepts of peace, equality, and justice. Participants will get a personal one-hour tour of the current exhibit that features John Shearer, the acclaimed Black photojournalist who documented major historical events of the 1960s and 1970s, including the funerals of MLK and JFK, and the Attica uprising.
Use your own car or take advantage of private transportation from the Shames JCC! The bus will leave the JCC at 11:30 am and return around 3 pm. (Bus space limited to 27).

Hairstyling and Hair Care (Fashion, Beauty, and Bonding Women’s Group)
2024-02-10 13:00 - 15:00
Ages 18+
This social group intends to provide a special, welcoming place for folks identifying as females with disabilities to come together and connect. In partnership with professionals including from Neiman Marcus, we will learn make-up, hair, and fashion techniques in a fun, supportive environment that celebrates diverse beauty.
Come learn about hairstyling and hair care from Angie Johnson, a professional hairstylist for movies and films in NYC. Bring hairstyling tools you already have so that Angie can help you learn different techniques using what you already own.

Cooking and Eating for Heart Health: The Power of Plant-Based Nutrition with Plant Powered Metro NY
2024-02-12 10:00 - 11:30
How we eat can improve our cholesterol, blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular health in dramatic ways. But which foods, and how? Join Plant Powered Metro New York to understand how nutrition can impact the health of the entire circulatory system — and how to prepare delicious meals that can prevent and even reverse heart disease. Health coaches and nutrition educators Kelly Weichsel-Arya, RN, and Florence Hovy, will offer a live cooking demo and tasting with take-home recipes and the motivation to make achievable changes.

Caregiver Conversation Circle
2024-02-12 13:00 - 14:30
Do you care for a family member with chronic illness or special needs? Join our conversation circle for a helpful exchange of information, ideas and suggestions. 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.

Games and More
2024-02-14 11:30 - 13:00
Grab a friend or meet a new one over a good game. We provide Scrabble, playing cards, Rummikub, Mah Jongg, Othello, chess, and more; you’re also welcome to bring your own. Feel free to bring your lunch!

Hawaiian Luau Sensory Friendly Swim
2024-02-16 18:00 - 19:30
Wash away those winter blues and join us for our Hawaiian Luau Sensory Swim this Friday from 6-7:30 pm! Expect fun games, tropical fish and bird pool toys, festive decor, and leis and beachballs for everyone–in a beautiful, HEATED pool. Sensory Swim is for people with disabilities and their families. Fun for all ages!

Out to Lunch with the JCC: Lombardo's
2024-02-21 12:30 - 14:00
Join your fellow foodies for our next lunch outing to Lombardo’s in Dobbs Ferry! Your lunch includes two courses of your choice and costs $20 per person (to be brought in cash). 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 Lombardo’s, 10 Hamilton St., Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522. There is plenty of parking 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.

Tour du Coeur
2024-02-23 09:30 - 10:30
In honor of Heart (“coeur” in French!) Month, join some of your JCC favorite spin instructors—Guild, Denise, and Laurie—for a special 60-minute spin class. Wear red and look forward to an hour-long heart-pumping ride with refreshments to refuel afterwards.

Aqua Fest
2024-02-23 18:00 - 19:30
Dive into your weekend by trying out all our aqua exercise classes in one night of fun, music, and good vibes! Join Tamicka, Yolanda, Julie, and Silvina and experience a sample of our aqua offerings, from Stretch to Tread.
Open to anyone 18+ Swim cap required for ALL Participants
Sign-ups for bikes and treadmills at the event. Water Shoes Required for ALL Persons wishing to utilize the Bicycles and Treadmills.

Lilith: From First Wife to Demon to Feminist
2024-02-26 10:00 - 11:30
Building off of Torah and Rabbinic texts, this talk by Tami Arnowitz will review attitudes towards magic and demons in Judaism. The discussion will focus on the character of Lilith (a “demon” thought to be the first wife of Adam), whose story grew and changed over the ages, reacting to the needs and imaginations of the Jewish people.
About the Presenter: Tami Abramowitz is an educator who teaches in a variety of settings and to a range of ages, including at Camp Ramah in New England, JCCs, and synagogues. Her classes are designed to integrate ancient Jewish texts and traditions with modern life, finding meaning and insight. She has a BA from Wellesley College, an MBA from Columbia Business School and her Life Coach Certification from Life Coach Training Institute. Tami has also studied at Hebrew University and The Conservative Yeshiva. For more than 20 years, Tami has balanced a successful professional life with being a mom to 4, clergy spouse, and active member of her community.

The Chicago 8: A Dramatic Transcript Reading
2024-02-26 13:00 - 14:00
In the aftermath of the 1968 Democratic National Convention, eight anti-Vietnam war activists were tried for criminal conspiracy and incitement to riot. The “Chicago 8” trial was one of the most intense in American history, characterized by the judge’s uncloaked hatred of the defendants; star testimony from some of the era’s cultural icons, including Allen Ginsberg, Norman Mailer, Jesse Jackson, and Judy Collins; and disturbing visuals, like the only Black defendant being shackled and gagged in court. In this popular program, Aytan Adler will lead participants in a dramatic reading of the edited trial transcript. Much like a table reading for a play, participants will be assigned parts (judge, attorney, plaintiff, etc.) with time for discussion. Bring your curiosity and creative spirit.
