Shames JCC

Who Killed Sarah Parsons? A Courtroom Transcript Reading
2024-09-24 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Members: free; non-members: $5
Immerse yourself in a gripping role-playing scenario where a developmentally disabled young man is charged with a murder from 11 years ago. You’ll take on roles of detectives, suspects, and witnesses, delving into the complexities of the case. Navigate through shifting evidence, hidden motives, and unanswered questions as you work together to uncover the truth. No experience is necessary!

Verve Book Club: “The Art Thief” by Michael Finkel
2024-09-25 11:30 - 13:00
This New York Times #1 bestseller by Michael Finkel tells the astonishing saga of Stéphane Breitwieser, the notorious art thief who stole hundreds of pieces of art, amassing a collection estimated to be worth around $2 billion–and never sold a thing. Join us to discuss this riveting true-crime narrative and portrait of a man obsessed with beauty and risk.

Outing with the JCC: Hudson River Museum Highlights Tour
2024-09-26 12:00 - 14:00
Join us for a docent-led tour at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers where you’ll learn about a variety of art on view throughout the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions. After the one-hour tour, we’ll gather together in the museum for a brown bag lunch to discuss the visit. BYO lunch – dessert and drinks are on us! NOTE: space is limited to 20 and you are responsible for your own transportation to and from the museum – car pooling from the JCC is available!
Meet at HRM, 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701 (carpooling available)

Challah and Conversation: Happy Birthday to You!
2024-09-27 10:00 - 11:00
Join with Rabbi Ron Symons in discussing the history of birthdays and their celebration rituals. With Rosh Hashanah, often called the “birthday of the world,” just days away, this conversation will help us appreciate why marking time is valuable, no matter how old in body or young in heart you are. While this conversation is inspired by Rosh Hashanah, it will expand into our everyday lives no matter your faith tradition.
In the Challah and Conversation series, Rabbi Ron Symons, Shames JCC Sr. Director of Jewish Engagement, will lead an interactive guided conversation about life that weaves general spirituality with a Jewish lens. We end our time together with a little grape juice and challah. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. These are on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Fridays of each month.

The Ark After Dark Dance Party
2024-09-27 20:00 - 23:00 | The Ark, 371 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, United States
DJ Catch XXII will be spinning tunes you want to move to and Captain Lawrence will be serving your favorite draft beer, wine, and canned cocktails (cash bar).
All your friends will be there and you won’t want to leave the dance floor!
(ages 21+)

Relationspot Mixer (Ages 21+)
2024-09-29 14:00 - 17:00
Relationspot is an inclusive, member-based social community for adults (21+) of all abilities and orientations who may find social situations challenging. Whether you’re neurodivergent, neurotypical, shy, socially anxious, or simply have difficulty making connections, Relationspot offers a safe and supportive environment to build friendships, explore shared interests, and develop social skills.
Relationspot Expands into Westchester with a Social Mixer at the Shames JCC on the Hudson! Enjoy music and dancing with DJ Slinger (a Relationspot member!), a delicious pizza dinner, connect with current NYC members, social coaches, and learn more about what Relationspot has to offer.

David Podles presents A Musical Journey Through Slavic Countries
2024-09-30 10:00 - 11:30
Acclaimed international concert violinist, David Podles, brings us a rich, interwoven culture of music as he takes us on a musical trip through the Slavic region. He’ll perform Slavic folk and classical music from countries such as Ukraine, Poland, Czechia, and more. A native of the region, Podles will share personal stories during this musical tour of a culture that is steeped in history and folklore.
About the Presenter: Dr. David Podles of Riga, Latvia, is 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, Central Asia, including The Bolshoi in Moscow & Kirov in Ukraine. In the U.S., he has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, 92nd Y, and at Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center.

Bitchin’ Babkas Pop-Up Shop
2024-09-30 15:00 - 17:00
Need dessert for Rosh Hashanah dinner? Pick up a baby babka from this Yonkers-based micro-bakery in triple chocolate, cinnamon, s’mores, birthday cake, and more! Regular-sized babkas and other treats like Rad Rugelach (all on Etsy shop) can be pre-ordered by 9/24 by emailing babkasboss@gmail.com.

Birdie’s Batch Pop-Up Shop
2024-10-01 15:00 - 17:00
It’s tradition on Rosh Hashanah to eat apples and honey, so grab some local honey, apple-honey jelly, honey spice cakes, apple galettes, and Grandma’s apple cake from local mom-and-daughter duo. Preorders must be placed by 9/25.

Coffee and Games
2024-10-02 11:30 - 13:00
FREE for members and non-members
Grab a friend or meet a new one over coffee and a good game. We provide Scrabble, playing cards, Rummikub, Mah Jongg, Othello, chess, and more; you’re also welcome to bring your own. Free coffee for players – feel free to bring your lunch!

CLOSED—Rosh Hashanah
2024-10-02 15:00 - 2024-10-04 20:00

Art Fakes and Forgeries with Serdar Arat
2024-10-07 10:00 - 11:30
Art fakes and forgeries provide the satisfaction of a criminal mystery and inspire contemplation of our expectations of art. As fakes and forgeries get more outrageous and damaging, some forgers enjoy celebrity status. Most alarmingly, museums around the world are also full of undetected fakes that are proudly exhibited as genuine art. Join art historian Serfer Arart for an exploration of how forgers convince, how they are detected, and why authenticity matters.
About the Presenter: Serdar Arat is an artist working in NY since 1980. He has nearly forty individual exhibitions, mostly in NYC and Istanbul, and more than sixty group exhibitions. His work has been reviewed in half a dozen New York Times articles, a monograph, catalogs, and a documentary. Serdar is a retired Prof. Emeritus of Art and Gallery Director-Curator, and frequently lectures on the intersection of art and other issues, including a TEDx-talk.

A Communal Remembrance: October 7 and a Year of War
2024-10-07 19:00 - 20:00
We will come together to acknowledge all of our losses since October 7, 2023, including the loss of innocent lives across faiths, ethnicities, and nationalities; the loss of physical and emotional security felt in the Middle East, the U.S., and around the world; the loss of relationships across differences; and more. Our time together will be a-political and filled with music, readings, and private reflection time.

Tasty Tuesday: No Place Like Home (Spanish Food)
2024-10-08 11:30 - 13:30
Join us for Spanish omelettes, assorted Argentinian empanadas, and jarred goods such as ratatouille, paprika, fresh tomato sauce!

Hot Topics: Supreme Court Edition
2024-10-09 11:30 - 13:00
Is the US Supreme Court too supreme? Bring your thinking cap to a “Hot Topics” discussion about what might be done about it. A former judge will lead the conversation.
FREE for members and non-members

Common Ground: Has Politics Replaced Religion in America?
2024-10-10 10:00 - 11:00
Given the divisiveness throughout our country, is it possible that some people think political affiliation is more important than religious affiliation? Join us to discuss with Rabbi Jay Stein from the Greenburgh Hebrew Center and Rev. Gareth Evans from the St. Barnabas Episcopal Church of Irvington.
This is part of the Common Ground: Interfaith Dialogue series. Rabbi Jay Stein, Greenburgh Hebrew Center, and Rev. Gareth Evans, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church of Irvington, come together for an enlightening conversation to build bridges across real and perceived differences. Your participation as a “fly on the wall” and/or an engaged conversationalist is welcome. These are on the 2nd Thursday of every month.

Game Night with Desserts and Drinks
2024-10-10 20:00 - 23:00
Tara’s Tables is hosting Game Night with Desserts and Cocktails featuring Family (or friends) Feud! Enjoy a night of sweet treats, great drinks and a dash of friendly competition.
The evening will include an assortment of desserts from local bakeries, festive cocktails, and a chance to test your wits and have some laughs as we recreate the classic Family Feud game show at the JCC. Bring your competitive spirit and a sweet tooth. It’s a night you won’t want to miss!
Tara’s Tables is a locally owned company dedicated to curating beautiful and intentional “tablescapes,” unique themed table settings that transform any gathering into an unforgettable experience.
Ticket prices will cover the cost of the event. If you are able to make an additional donation, you will help the JCC provide amazing programs and services to many of our most vulnerable neighbors. If you’d like to donate, please choose the donation option in addition to your tickets. We greatly appreciate your support!

Challah and Conversation: The Power of My Word
2024-10-11 09:30 - 10:30
With all the words that easily fly around us on the news, social media, and in conversation, it seems that the weight of our words is less than it used to be. We’ll discuss the importance of sticking to what you say. While this conversation is inspired by the themes of Yom Kippur, its application can touch our everyday lives, no matter your background or faith.
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.

CLOSED—Yom Kippur
2024-10-11 15:00 - 2024-10-12 18:00

What’s the Right Thing to Do? An Ethics Exploration with Edward Ginsberg
2024-10-14 10:00 - 11:30
Modeled after Harvard political theorist Michael Sandel’s book and course, this interactive class will examine the modern definition of happiness and the impact of this definition upon our actions. Using a historical case study, we will examine contemporary events through a Jewish ethics lens.
About the Presenter: Edward Ginsberg has been teaching history for over a half century, most recently at Marist College and SUNY Dutchess. He also served as director of human rights education for the New York State Education Department in the late 1970s. Edward currently participates in the Westchester County Climate Crisis Task Force. He has also studied and traveled extensively in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Greenland.

Community Information Table: LiveOnNY
2024-10-15 10:00 - 13:00
Stop by our lobby to discuss with Rabbi Joshua Rabin of LiveOnNY the power of committing to donate an organ after your death.

Who Killed Sarah Parsons? A Courtroom Transcript Reading Part 2
2024-10-15 13:00 - 14:00
Members: free; non-members: $5
Join us for the conclusion of this riveting court case in which a developmentally disabled young man is charged with a murder from 11 years ago. You’ll take on roles of detectives, suspects, and witnesses, delving into the complexities of the case. Navigate through shifting evidence, hidden motives, and unanswered questions as you work together to uncover the truth. Previous attendance not necessary!

Inside the Middle East: Navigating the Storm One Year After October 7
2024-10-15 19:00 - 20:30
As the Middle East navigates a storm of unprecedented challenges, we stand at a pivotal juncture that will define the future of Israel, the Palestinians, and the entire region. Avi Melamed, former Israeli intelligence official and senior advisor on Arab affairs, will lead a special briefing on the issues underscoring the escalating conflict. We’ll delve deep into the forces driving these turbulent times, unravel the intricate complexities beneath the surface, look at “the day after,” and assess the far-reaching implications for both the region, and the world.
Avi Melamed is a Middle East geopolitical expert and intelligence analyst. He is the founder of Inside the Middle East, an apolitical non-partisan educational nonprofit providing analysis on current affairs. Avi is the author of Inside the Middle East: Entering a New Era, and has been a featured expert in the media including CNN, Newsweek, and USA Today.

Community Information Table: League of Women Voters
2024-10-16 10:00 - 13:00
Get the non-partisan facts about voting registration, where to vote, and how to vote. Come by the front lobby to learn from our trusted partners at the League of Women Voters of The Rivertowns. Who knows, you might even find a way to become a leader in their organization.

Film Screening in The Ark: “The King’s Speech” (Dir. Tom Hooper)
2024-10-16 11:30 - 13:30
FREE for members and non-members
Watch this Best Picture winner starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter in our state-of-the-art theater! Shortly after becoming king, George VI seeks help from unconventional therapist Lionel Logue to help him overcome his speech impediment. Through their bond and Logue’s unique methods, George prepares for a crucial speech that unites the nation as World War II looms. The film highlights perseverance, friendship, and the power of communication in leadership. Running time: 118 mins.

Get-Out-the-Vote Postcarding
2024-10-17 12:30 - 14:00
Write postcards from MomsRising and other nonpartisan organizations to help encourage voters to exercise their democratic right on November 5!

Challah and Conversation: Shelter Us!
2024-10-18 09:30 - 10:30
On this second day of the fall holiday of Sukkot, which celebrates the power of shelter in our lives, we will explore both the contemporary challenges of affordable housing in our region and the spiritual power of being sheltered in all kinds of ways. While this conversation is inspired by the themes of Sukkot, its application can touch our everyday lives, no matter your background or faith. (Weather permitting, we might hold this session in our Sukkah (Harvest Hut) on the quad of the JCC.)
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.

Sensory Swim (All ages)
2024-10-18 18:00 - 19:30
Come spend your Friday night with us at our special Sensory-Friendly Swim Night, exclusively for families with an immediate member with a disability. The pool will be reserved just for you, providing a sensory-friendly environment where you can enjoy a relaxing swim without the usual distractions. This event is designed to accommodate sensory sensitivities and ensure a comfortable, enjoyable experience for all participants.

Second Annual “One-of-a-Kind Pop-Up Shop”
2024-10-19 10:00 - 14:00
Join us for our second annual “One-of-a-Kind Pop-Up Shop!” You will be able to explore a diverse array of handmade crafts, artworks, tasty treats, and innovative creations crafted by neurodiverse artists, bakers, and employees. Not only will this be a great opportunity to find that one of a kind gift for the upcoming holiday season, but you will also be helping to support the dreams and opportunities for competitive employment within the neurodiverse community.

Sukkot'enanny at the J with The Klezmericana Square Dance Band
2024-10-19 18:00 - 20:00
Members: $50; non-members: $65
What happens when you mix the harvest holiday of Sukkot with an old fashioned hootenanny? A Sukkot’enanny, of course! Join us in The Ark for live music, Yiddish and American-style square dancing, and a delicious buffet dinner from Liebman’s Deli. This joyful event will feature special guests Cantor (and dance caller) Sarah Myerson and the award-winning Lisa Gutkin and her Klezmericana Square Dance Band.
Don’t like to dance? No problem! You can still enjoy this unique musical evening with great food and company. JCC members and non-members are welcome, so tell your friends!
This Verve event is generously sponsored by UJA-Federation of NY.
About the Performers:
Lisa Gutkin
Lisa is the renowned violinist and vocalist for the groundbreaking Jewish Roots band, The Klezmatics, and fiddler for the Downtown Celtic band, Whirligig. She is also known for her scoring, performance, and music direction in the two time Tony Award winning play, Indecent. Lisa has performed in Sting’s Broadway musical, The Last Ship, and her song “Gonna Get Through This World” – with words by Woody Guthrie – was hailed by Pete Seeger, as “a piece of genius.”
Cantor Sarah Myerson
Cantor Sarah Myerson proudly serves the community of Kane Street Synagogue in Brooklyn, New York and actively works to bridge the worlds of Jewish religion and Yiddish culture. Since 2008, she has led Yiddish social dancing and taught workshops and private lessons in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Israel, and Australia. She continues to write and perform new Yiddish and sacred Jewish music, often accompanying herself on banjolele, piano, accordion, or percussion. Sarah received her cantorial investiture and Master of Sacred Music degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (NY), and her cantorial commission from the Cantors Assembly.
Also featuring:
Wayne Fugate on mandolin, Mike Kobetitsch on guitar, Christina Crowder on accordion and banjo, and Brian Glassman on bass.
