JCC U Great Modern Speeches: Abraham Lincoln
2025-11-13 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
4 Thursdays, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11
Members: $25; non-members: $36 for the series
Why do some speeches make a difference and last forever while others backfire or are forgotten? This 4-session series explores the answers as we explore the content and context of powerful speeches by influential Americans including Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Jr., Martin Luther King, Jr, Barry Goldwater, Ronald Reagan, Walter Mondale, Mario Cuomo, and more. At home readings provide background on the speakers and the particular challenges they faced when making their speeches, as well as what happened after the speeches to shape their legacy. Throughout, we’ll unlock the secrets of research, ghostwriting, and rhetorical technique that produced some of the most moving spoken words in our history.

Challah and Conversation: The Other Side of the Thanksgiving Table
2025-11-14 09:30 - 10:30
FREE for members & non-members
As we prepare for Thanksgiving, we will have the opportunity to put aside some of our assumptions about the way it “really” happened for the Pilgrims and the Native Americans as we learned in 4th grade. By looking at other perspectives, we will learn some techniques about how to identify truth in other areas of our lives.

Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company
2025-11-14 19:30 - 21:00 | The Ark, 371 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, United States
Members: $30; non-members: $36
Top-tier improvisors will crack you up during a night of one-of-a-kind fun!
Enjoy top improv comedians from UCB Theaters in NY and LA at The Ark! With audience help and participation, improvisers at the top of their game perform a high-energy, surprising, and hilarious show that has never been seen before and will never be seen again.

Magic with Illusionist Ryan Dutcher
2025-11-15 16:30 - 18:00
Members: $20; non-members: $24
In this family-friendly show, renowned illusionist Ryan Dutcher will wow you with fast-paced, mind-bending magic combined with musical hits, comedy, and audience participation. This magical event will leave all ages in awe!

Tech Angels
2025-11-16 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!

2025 Shames JCC Mah Jongg Tournament
2025-11-16 13:00 - 17:30
$30 for members; $36 for non-members, space limited to 40 players
Join us for a fun afternoon of friendly competition! This tournament consists of three 1-hour rounds of play for a total of 12 games, with breaks in between. Your ticket includes all supplies, coffee, and light refreshments. Players will need to bring their 2025 NMJL card, a refillable water bottle, and cash for the raffles (if you wish).
Program schedule:
12:45–1:10: Check in
1:15–1:30: Welcome and review of rules
1:30–2:30: Session 1
2:30–2:40: Break
2:40–3:40: Session 2
3:40–3:50: Break
3:50–4:50: Session 3
4:55–5:30: Raffles and awarding of prizes
Space is limited to 40 players and pre-registration is required by November 2, after which no refunds will be given. Players are asked to stay for the entire program. For the full tournament rules click here. If you have any questions, and/or are bringing your own set, please email Elana at elanatree1222@gmail.com (write “Tournament 25” in subject line).
We look forward to seeing you!

Jews and American Popular Music: The Songbook Lives On with Michael Shamosh
2025-11-17 10:00 - 11:30
FREE for members; $10 for non-members
Great American music didn’t end with the classic American Songbook. It continued into the postwar generation with a new, more urbanized, sound. Much of it wouldn’t have been possible without the Jewish record companies who took the risk of recording this music, or without the Jewish producers who sculpted the sound, or without the Jewish composers who gave us this next chapter in the Great American Songbook.
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
2025-11-18 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-02 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.

Planning for Older Years: Last Days
2025-11-18 18:30 - 20:00
FREE for members & non-members
The documents and decisions. What are palliative care and hospice and when might I need them? What about organ donation? Featured speakers are Rabbi Josh Rabin, LiveOn NY and Marya Ugolnick, Hospice Social Worker at Northwell Health.
Planning for Older Years is a 5-week series to help alleviate the challenge of growing older. Learn more about the entire series here.
Need a ride to or from? Please contact Rena DeLevie rdelevie@shamesjcc.org.

Verve Book Club: “Small Things Like These” by Claire Keegan
2025-11-19 11:00 - 12:30
FREE for members & non-members
Set in a small Irish town at Christmastime in 1985, this powerful novella follows Bill Furlong, a coal merchant who uncovers a disturbing secret at a local convent. As he grapples with doing what’s right, the story explores courage, silence, and the quiet impact of kindness in a short but deeply moving read.

Community Service Hour: Meals for Blythedale Children's Hospital
2025-11-19 11:30 - 12:30
FREE for members & non-members
At Blythedale Children’s Hospital, 71% of admitted patients rely on Medicaid. Their families often face additional challenges—including food insecurity—that can intensify stress during an already difficult time. In response to these needs, we will be packing 50 nourishing meals to be distributed through the Community Café at Blythedale. Join us in supporting this meaningful effort to care for those who care for others. We will be joined by staff from Blythedale Hospital to help us understand the challenges these families face and the good we can do.

Friendsgiving Potluck Lunch
2025-11-19 12:30 - 14:00
FREE for members and non-members
Bring a dish to share with friends new and not-new for our 3rd annual friendsgiving potluck at the JCC! We’ll gather to celebrate all we’re grateful for in our community. We’ll provide the turkey, vegetarian main, and beverages; you bring a side or dessert. Click here to tell us what you’re bringing!
NOTE: Please keep foods kosher style (no shellfish, pork, or dairy mixed with meat in the same dish) and bring a list of ingredients in case of allergies.
Need a ride? Adults ages 70+ are eligible for roundtrip transportation from home by emailing Rena at rdelevie@shamesjcc.org.

American Jewish Committee Annual Thanksgiving Diversity Breakfast
2025-11-20 08:00 - 10:00
This year’s Diversity Breakfast—One Table, Many Voices: Standing Together—will once more bring our community together to recognize our rich differences—and encourage us to hear each other, grow in understanding, and act as one. Our focus this year is on building concrete action plans during our facilitated table discussions to address the divisions and challenges we face as a community.
Specific location will be provided upon registration.

JCC U Great Modern Speeches: JFK and Martin Luther King, Jr.
2025-11-20 13:00 - 14:30

"Music and Lyrics" Screening and Talkback with Danny Michael
2025-11-20 16:00 - 18:00
FREE for members & non-members
Watch the charming chemistry between Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant as they sing their way through this delightful film. After the screening, hear from the film’s sound mixer, BAFTA winner Danny Michael, as he shares behind-the-scenes insights on the making of this film, as well as his cameo appearance! Dessert will be served. Watch the trailer here.

Foreign Affairs Discussion Group: Why is the U.S. Bailing Out Argentina?
2025-11-20 19:00 - 20:15
FREE for members; $10 for non-members
The U.S. has typically relied on the IMF to bail out financially troubled allies, but now it’s risking its own cash to bail out Argentina, despite the $20 billion the country is already getting from the IMF. What is behind this decision? Will this generous aid succeed in putting Argentina on a firm path to recovery and growth–or does the U.S. stand to lose billions?

Challah and Conversation: Can We Just Eat Turkey and Not Talk Politics, Religion, Israel, Gaza, DEI, Economics…?
2025-11-21 09:30 - 10:30
FREE for members & non-members
In our fractured world, it is often difficult to find things to talk about that are not contentious. In preparation for Thanksgiving, we will review the many techniques we can use to facilitate respectful dialogue across differences.

Reel and Meal—"School of Rock" (Inclusive* Event)
2025-11-21 11:30 - 13:30
$5 per person
Join us for this month’s Meal and Reel event featuring a lunchtime screening of School of Rock! Enjoy pizza, snacks, and drinks while rocking out to this hilarious, feel-good classic about music, friendship, and finding your inner rock star.
*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!

Stories and Songs of Broadway: Lerner and Loewe
2025-11-23 15:00 - 17:00
Members: $55; non-members: $65
Premium seating (1st three rows) for members: $65; non-members: $75
The New York-based Golden Ticket Series returns with a live orchestra, acclaimed singers, and producer Jack Viertel for a live performance of the works of the exceptional duo of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, the pair behind My Fair Lady, Brigadoon, Camelot, Gigi, and more.

Thanksgiving Stuffing on the Hudson
2025-11-24 10:00 - 14:00
FREE for members & non-members
Chef Amy Pane and Rabbi Ron Symons will be glad to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving along with a sweet and savory taste of the season. First come first serve.

Thanksgiving Craft on the Hudson Pop-Up
2025-11-24 15:00 - 17:00
FREE for members & non-members
Children can stop by to create a unique decoration for your Thanksgiving Table. Jill Rosenblum and Rabbi Ron Symons are happy to guide them in this work as we schmooze about Thanksgiving.
Drop in, no registration required

The Community Stitch Project
2025-11-25 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-03 12:00 - 14:00
FREE, drop in any time, registration is request.

The Community Stitch Project is a collaborative art workshop with artist Natalya Khorover. We’ll transform discarded plastics into a vibrant mixed-media collage, with everyone sorting, cutting, pinning, and stitching pieces together. Please help by collecting soft, colorful, and clean plastic and bringing it to the J ahead of time or with you to the event. The final piece will be unveiled at the JCC as a bold celebration of creativity, teamwork, and sustainability.
This project is made possible with funds from Arts Alive, a regrant program of ArtsWestchester with support from the Office of the Governor, the New York State Legislature, and the New York State Council on the Arts.

Rivertowns Clergy Association Thanksgiving Interfaith Service
2025-11-25 19:30 - 21:00
FREE for members & non-members
Temple Beth Abraham, 25 Leroy Avenue, Tarrytown
The Rivertowns Clergy Association invites you to join us in giving thanks for the many blessings in our lives at our annual service. We’ll join together with prayers and leadership from across the diversity of the community, with Rabbi Ron Symons representing the Shames JCC.
Please consider donating to the Community Food Pantry of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown during this time of need for many. See details here.
No RSVP required

JCC Closes at 2pm—Happy Thanksgiving!
2025-11-27 14:00 - 21:00

JCC Closes at 2pm
2025-11-28 14:00 - 20:00

Tech Angels
2025-11-30 10:00 - 12:00
Every other Sunday beginning September 7
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!

Manet and the Birth of Modern Art
2025-12-01 10:00 - 11:30
FREE for members; $10 for non-members
When did Modern Art begin? Perhaps it was in 1865 when Edouard Manet exhibited his painting of a reclining female nude, Olympia, in the Paris Salon of that year. Although accepted by the selective exhibition jury, the work caused a scandal. The painting was a purposeful and deliberate critique of the art that came before it. In this lecture, art historian Morgan Ridler dives into Manet’s important contribution to the development of Modernism and the context of Paris during the Second Empire.
About the presenter: Morgan Ridler is an art historian based in Sleepy Hollow, New York. Her book project Collaborative Surfaces: Bauhaus Wall Painting, Wallpaper, and Colored Architecture is being prepared for publication. Dr. Ridler completed her PhD in Art History at The Graduate Center, CUNY in 2016 and has taught extensively including at The Cooper Union, Westchester Community College, Montclair State University and Hunter College. Recently she has taught courses at Kendal-on-Hudson and is a tour guide and trustee for The Historical Society, serving Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown.

Hot Topics
2025-12-03 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!
