Shames JCC

Behind the Scenes: "Crossing Delancey": Film Screening and Q&A with Production Sound Mixer Danny Michael
2024-12-04 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
FREE for members; $10 non-members
Every wonder what goes into making a Hollywood film? Join us for a screening of the classic romantic comedy Crossing Delancey, then stay for a discussion with the film’s production sound mixer, Danny Michael. An Academy Award nominee, Danny, has worked on over 90 films and has lots of stories to share. Bring your questions!

Pop-Up: Ceramics from Maggie Chow
2024-12-05 09:00 - 13:00
Explore handmade, functional ceramics with special designs, all created locally in Westchester and without any toxic materials.

YAI Unique Boutique
2024-12-05 15:00 - 17:00
Driven by a mission to see beyond disabilities, YAI creates opportunities for people to live, love, work, and learn as integral members of their communities. Every item they sell is thoughtfully designed and crafted by adults with disabilities. Your purchase of homemade items including jewelry directly supports these talented artisans, helping them build fulfilling careers and fostering a more inclusive society.

Clergy Talk: The Maccabees in Their Own Words
2024-12-06 09:30 - 10:30
The Books of the Maccabees were written too late to be included in the Hebrew Bible, and too early to make it into the New Testament. They tell the story of Hanukhah from the perspective of those who experienced it, and that retelling is as fascinating for what it leaves out as for what it includes. We’ll look at selected passages and get the eyewitness account of the origin of the Festival of Lights.
Join Rabbi David Holtz of Temple Beth Abraham for this month’s Clergy Talk (formerly Challenging Times, Ageless Insights). Each month, we feature meaningful conversations with Rivertowns clergy. Your voice matters and makes these conversations all the more valuable. These are on the first Friday of every month.

Laughter Yoga with Dr. Vinodray Shah
2024-12-06 11:00 - 12:00
Laughter Yoga is a unique exercise routine that combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing. Laughter reaps many scientific benefits including reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression; lower blood pressure; a strengthened immune system; and much more. Laughter is initially stimulated as a physical exercise and soon leads to real and contagious laughter. Bring your playful spirit!
FREE for members and non-members

Raising Resilience: Help Your Children Thrive in Times of Uncertainty With Tovah P. Klein PhD
2024-12-07 10:30 - 12:00
How can parents help children thrive in an uncertain world? Renowned child development psychologist Dr. Tovah Klein’s work explores how parents can help children build resilience to adapt, handle life’s challenges, and have confidence and compassion when confronted with adversity and stress. In this talk, Dr. Klein will outline the “Five Pillars of Resilience” explored in her best-selling book, providing concrete, evidence-based strategies to help parents understand their children’s current needs, foster strong relationships, and support their healthy growth and development. A Q&A session will follow.
“In these uncertain times, there is no more important book than Raising Resilience.” Eve Rodsky, NYT bestselling author of Fair Play
“Raising Resilience will guide you in raising a child who feels secure in their relationship with you, knows how to navigate their own feelings, and not only adapts to challenges or traumas but also thrives after them.” — Richard C. Schwartz, PhD, author of No Bad Parts
Ticket to the event plus a signed copy of the book: $35
Two tickets to the event plus one copy of the signed book: $40
Members receive 10% off
About Tovah:
Tovah P. Klein, PhD, is Director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development, a psychology professor at Barnard College, Columbia University, and the author of How Toddlers Thrive: What Parents Can Do Today for Children Ages 2-5 to Plant the Seeds of Lifelong Success and the recently published Raising Resilience: How to Help our Children Thrive in Times of Uncertainty. Dr. Klein has worked with and conducted research on parents and children of all ages for over three decades. She and her works appear frequently in the media, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Huffington Post, Parents, Motherly, Business Insider, Popsugar, Purewow, and Slate. She has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, MSNBC, Tamron Hall show, the Today show, and NPR. A former developmental advisor to Sesame Street, she advises organizations worldwide, including Room to Grow, Ubuntu Pathways South Africa, Hunts Point Alliance for Children, and Children’s Museum of Manhattan. She lives in New York City with her family and is the mother of three sons.

Pop-Up: Hanukkah Candles from Boy Scout Troop 55 of Irvington
2024-12-08 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-12-14 09:00 - 12:00
Don’t forget to purchase your Hanukkah candles! Boy Scout Troop 55 of Irvington will be onsite selling candles for Hanukkah. Boxes are $20 per box (cash, Venmo, and Zelle all accepted). All sales go to support the local scouts program.

J Sports Academy: Kick It with the Coaches
2024-12-08 11:00 - 12:30 | The Masters School, 49 Clinton Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, NY
49 Clinton Ave, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
Join J Sports Academy at The Masters School for a taste of what’s to come this summer. You’ll get to see the beautiful facilities where camp is happening, meet camp leadership, and learn more about our program. Your child will also have the opportunity to play with J Sports coaches, so make sure to bring sneakers! They’ll enjoy activities and games in soccer, basketball, Pickleball, and fencing with Westchester sport lovers!
Snacks and refreshments will be served.

Mah Jongg Tournament
2024-12-08 13:00 - 17:30
Members: $30; non-members: $36
Space limited to 40 players
Looking to take your Mah Jongg skills to the next level? Join us for our first-ever Mah Jongg tournament and see if you’ll walk away with a prize! This tournament includes three rounds of 20-minute games with breaks in between. Tournament rules can be found here.
Your ticket includes all supplies, coffee, and light refreshments. Enjoy a fun afternoon of friendly competition!
Players will need to bring their 2024 NMJL card and cash for the raffles, and be able to stay for the entire program.
Register by November 25!

Pop-Up: Handcrafted Home Decor and Interactive Designs with Elizabeth Naughton and Vanessa Pineda Fox
2024-12-09 09:00 - 11:00
Explore unique, thoughtfully created gifts with interactive designs including calendars, ornaments, greeting cards, jewelry and jewelry dishes, artwork and more!

1927 and the Year Modern America Began with Evan Weiner
2024-12-09 10:00 - 11:30
The year 1927 may be one of the most influential in American history. Charles “Lucky Lindy” Lindbergh flew solo between Long Island, New York and Paris, France. In entertainment, the first talkie movie, “The Jazz Singer,” was released; Clara Bow was the “it” girl; and Laurel and Hardy teamed up. In sports, Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs and the New York Yankees swept Pittsburgh in the World Series. In speakeasies, flappers were having fun and the Nazis were a fringe party in Germany. Come learn about this incredibly important year and its impact on American culture.

Pop-up: Ariane's Jewel Box
2024-12-10 09:00 - 13:00
For the trendsetter in your life, explore this carefully curated collection of jewelry.

You Give the Verdict: A Dramatic Courtroom Reading
2024-12-10 13:00 - 14:00
Free for members; $5 non-members
When Joan Storm became involved in a cult, her concerned father, Dr. Storm, hired a deprogrammer named George McClure to kidnap and deprogram his daughter. After Joan was released and promised that she would quit the cult, she went to the district attorney and charged her father and McClure with kidnapping. Did Dr. Storm and McClure act responsibly to save a child, or did they commit a crime and deserve punishment? Join us to take part in this riveting trial read!

Documentary Screening in The Ark: The Wild One (Narrated by Willem Dafoe)
2024-12-11 11:30 - 13:15
FREE for members and non-members
(running time 94 minutes)
The Wild One illuminates the journey of an unsung artist, Jack Garfein – Holocaust survivor, celebrated Broadway director, Actors Studio West co-founder, and controversial filmmaker. The film delves into how his experience in the concentration camps shaped his vision of acting as a survival mechanism and propelled his engagement with themes of violence, power, and racism in postwar America in two explosive films: The Strange One (1957) and Something Wild (1961). The Wild One examines the importance of Garfein’s legacy as an artist who confronted censorship and reveals how art can draw on personal memory to better enlighten our present.
Winner Best Cinematography | Tribeca Film Festival

Pop-Up: Mice for Peace
2024-12-11 15:00 - 17:00
For a unique gift made by an artist whose aim is to repair the world and shine Jewish joy, consider Mice for Peace gifts, such as little sachets with tiny inspiring prints, and Hanukkah games, cards, mugs, and other festive products.

JCC Book Club: Remarkably Bright Creatures
2024-12-11 19:00 - 20:15
In this New York Times bestseller, Tova Sullivan, a widow, develops an unlikely bond with a giant Pacific octopus while working night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium–and uncovers the truth about her past. This book explores the themes of friendship, reckoning, hope, and grief.

Mohammad Darawshe: Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs Building Shared Society
2024-12-11 19:00 - 20:15
The October 7 Hamas attack and its aftermath deeply impacted all of Israel’s ethnic groups. The Jewish majority experienced indescribable fear, while many citizens comprising the Arab minority–which makes up one-fifth of Israel’s citizenry—faced its own fear of being seen as Hamas terrorists.
Mohammad Darawshe, a faculty member at the Shalom Hartman Institute and director of strategy for the Givat Haviva Center for Shared Society, will discuss his work with Givat Haviva and its impact on Jewish-Arab relations to foster dialogue and mutual respect in Israel and beyond. Q&A will follow.
About the Speaker
Mohammad Darawshe is considered a leading expert on Jewish-Arab relations. He has presented lectures and papers at the European parliament, NATO Defense College, World Economic Forum, and Club de Madrid, US Congress, Herzliya Conference and Israel’s Presidential Conference. Mohammad was the recipient of the Peacemakers Award from the Catholic Theological Union, and the Peace and Security Award of the World Association of NGO’s, and was Leadership Fellow at the New Israel Fund. In 2008, Mohammad Darawshe was elected as a city council member in his hometown Iksal. In 2009, he served as a member of The National Committee which drafted Israel’s Coexistence Education policy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from The Hebrew University in Jerusalem and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Hartford University. He lives in Iksal with his wife and four children.

Pop-Up: Specialty Foods and Accessories from Alexa Brandenberg
2024-12-12 09:00 - 13:00
For the foodie in your life, explore a variety of delicious goods, such as Koroneiki olive oil sourced from the seller’s family olive trees in Greece, homemade cocktail cherries, and espresso walnuts.

Common Ground: God Bless America! Praying in Public for our Elected Leaders— Patriotic Duty or Divisive Practice?
2024-12-12 10:00 - 11:00
In post-election America, we will explore the pros and cons of Jewish and Christian prayers, both formally conceived and spontaneously offered for our elected leaders. Join the Rabbi and Rector for an opportunity to share your thoughts about praying for our elected officials regardless of their— or your— party political affiliation.
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.

Lunch Outing: Royal Palace
2024-12-12 12:30 - 14:00
77 Knollwood Rd. White Plains, NY 10607
$23 cash to be paid at restaurant
Like Indian food? Bring your appetite for our next lunch at Royal Palace! Your meal includes an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch and tea, all for $23 cash. There’s plenty for vegetarians and omnivores alike! These events are always lots of fun and are open to all.
NOTE: We will be meeting at Royal Palace, 77 Knollwood Rd., White Plains, NY 10607 where there is parking in their lot. If you need a ride from the JCC or have room in your car for others, please email cjacobs@shamesjcc.org when you register.

Pop-Up: Jewels of the East
2024-12-13 09:00 - 13:00
Purchase one-of-a-kind Baltic Amber jewelry and gorgeous silk, wool and cashmere scarves, shawls, and ponchos with and without embroidery.

Challah and Conversation: ‘Tis The Season to Be… Interfaith
2024-12-13 09:30 - 10:30
Join Rabbi Ron Symons in a conversation about the power of and challenges with confronting interfaith dialogue, especially now in a world filled with divisions.
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.

Zumba Dance Jam!
2024-12-14 09:00 - 10:30
Get ready to dance and have fun with four of your favorite Zumba instructors—Gabby, Julie, Krishna, and Elaine! This high-energy, extra-long class is perfect for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. Bring your energy and let’s dance together!
Kidspace is available. Drop off your kids and have a super fun Saturday morning! Details and reservations here.

Hanukkah Lights! Family Celebration
2024-12-14 10:30 - 12:00
Join Jill Liflander and Rabbi Ron Symons for a joyful morning filled with puppets, stories, crafts, music, and snacks! Embrace the festive Hanukkah spirit before the holiday and winter break begin. Designed for families with children up to 8 years old.

Taylor Swift Eras Party in The Ark
2024-12-15 14:00 - 17:30
Sing your heart out at our Taylor Swift Eras viewing party! Enjoy Swiftie crafts like DIY friendship bracelets, wear your favorite era-inspired outfit, and eat snacks inspired by her iconic songs. Everyone is welcome to create, sing along, and celebrate in this inclusive, joyful event because anyone can be a Swiftie—no matter your age, gender, or ability.
Adults and families are welcome; drop-off option for children 8 and up. Doors open at 1:30 pm.
Member price: child (with adult) $8; child (dropped off) $15; adult $10
Non-member price: child (with adult) $12; child (dropped off) $20; adult $14

Tami Arnowitz presents Chanukah Songs & Videos - More Than Just Fun
2024-12-16 10:00 - 11:30
Take a trip down memory lane with popular Chanukah song videos. Since 1994, Chanukah videos and songs have become a defining part of the Jewish Festival of Lights. We will see and hear the clever musical takes on the holiday and explore what the different styles, lyrics, and themes say about how the holiday is experienced in different communities around the world and how it remains relevant in so many ways.
About the Presenter: Tami Arnowitz is an educator who teaches in a variety of settings and to a range of ages, including camps, 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. 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.

Advanced Canasta Workshop: Special Hands
2024-12-16 13:00 - 15:00
$30 members; $40 non-members
Take your canasta game to a higher level through supervised play and learning to master special hands. Learn strategy, scoring, special hands, and defensive strategies. Students must know how to play canasta or have taken the beginner series with Lori Greene.

Pop-Up: Paintings and Jewelry from Susie Brubaker
2024-12-17 09:00 - 12:00
For the art lover in your life, explore beautiful small acrylic paintings, acrylic jewelry, fused-glass jewelry, and other artistic home items.

Verve Latkes and Vodkas Hanukkah Party
2024-12-18 18:00 - 20:00
Members: free; non-members: $12
Adults of all ages are invited to enjoy crispy latkes from Liebman’s Deli, homemade sufganiyot, and a signature Hanukkah cocktail (or mocktail!) as we celebrate the Hanukkah season together.
