Shames JCC

Diversity within the Jewish Community: Through the Lens of a Graphic Novel
2025-02-12 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
What do a Laotian born refugee, an Ethiopian-Israeli woman, and an American Midwestern transperson have in common? They are all Jewish, and their multicultural, diverse, unique journeys are part of “Hyphen,” a slice-of-life comics anthology showcasing extraordinary Jewish stories of everyday people. Hear Souks Soukhaseum, Haftam Yitzhak-Heathwood, and Dubbs Weinblatt in conversation with Be’chol Lashon‘s executive director Julian Voloj and FairSquare’s Fabrice Sapolksy as they discuss their personal journeys and what being part of this anthology means to them.
This program is generously sponsored by a microgrant from The Jewish Education Project.

Common Ground: Artificial Intelligence–Or as Ecclecsiates Calls It, Nothing New Under the Sun
2025-02-13 10:00 - 11:00
How do we negotiate a world that is changing faster than we can control? How can religion help us make sense of the new technologies and ground us when life feels like it is slipping out of our control? We’ll discuss these questions and more from an interfaith perspective.
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: Akebono All You Can Eat Sushi
2025-02-13 12:30 - 14:00
$35 cash includes all you can eat appetizers, sushi, and dessert; tax and tip
Bring your appetite (seriously!). Our next lunch outing is to Akebono in Tarrytown where you’ll enjoy an all-you-can eat menu that includes a variety of sushi, sashimi, cold and hot appetizers, and dessert. The menu is suitable for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike and costs $35 per person (to be brought in cash). Bring a friend, or come make new ones! Space is limited to 20 – sign up early!
NOTE: We will be meeting at Akebono, 53 N. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591. Free parking is available in the parking lot just behind (enter next to CVS) and there is paid parking in the village lot across the street. We always encourage carpooling! If you need a ride to and from the restaurant from the JCC or have room in your car for others, please email cjacobs@shamesjcc.org when you register.

Bitchin’ Babkas Pop-Up Shop
2025-02-14 09:00 - 11:00
Buy a sweet treat for someone you love from Bitchin’ Babkas! They’ll be selling double chocolate chip cookies, raspberry Kit Kat rad rugelach, blueberry linzer tart bars, and more!
Interested in preordering? Email babkasboss@gmail.com by Tuesday, February 11. Full menu available on Etsy.

Challah and Conversation: You Shall Guard and Work The Garden
2025-02-14 09:30 - 10:30
Our earliest stories remind us that we have a responsibility to care for the earth so that we can preserve it for generations to come. In a time when global warming and environmentalism are in the news, join us for a values-based conversation about the balance between using our natural resources with abandon and caring for them.
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.

Pasta with Friends: A Pasta Making Class for Widows
2025-02-15 13:00 - 14:30
Widows are invited to a special warm, welcoming pasta-making class. You’ll learn how to make homemade pasta, and enjoy a delicious lunch while connecting with others who share similar experiences.

Deconstructing Abbey Road
2025-02-15 16:00 - 17:30
Members: $25; non-members: $36
In this multimedia lecture, Beatleologist Scott Freiman will transport you to Abbey Road Studio with tales of the Fab Four’s recording sessions for one of the best albums ever created. As Scott explains the inspiration for and evolution of the songs, you’ll experience this iconic album as never before.
Watch trailer here
About Scott:
Scott is the creator of Deconstructing The Music, a series of multimedia lectures on songwriting and production techniques. He has presented to sold-out audiences nationwide and spoken at institutions like Pixar, Google, and Yale University, where he taught “The Beatles In The Studio.” He is featured in 11 Deconstructing the Beatles films and his six-part TV series will air on PBS stations nationwide in 2025.

Voyages with Verve: Quito, Ecuador
2025-02-18 14:00 - 15:00
Join our group livestream tour of Quito, Ecuador! We’ll explore the Plaza de la Independencia, stroll along Garcia Moreno Street—home to many famous churches—and conclude at San Francisco Square to delve deeper into the history and culture of Quito and its people. Each tour comes with a “trip kit” that contains cultural, culinary, and other resources about the destination—great for both armchair travelers and those who may go in real life.
Can’t make this program? This tour is available to view live at home as well – the link will be sent after registration.

What Happens After I Die?—Jewish Possibilities with Rabbi Ron Symons (Part 2)
2025-02-18 16:30 - 17:30
On Zoom only; link will be sent via email the day before the class starts
From ancient days until today, we wonder what, if anything awaits us after the grave. Join us in open conversations about the development and variety of Jewish answers to this question. Our conversations will begin with the Bible, continue with the Rabbis, be joined by contemporary thinkers, and conclude with room for our own opinions. People of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome.

Documentary Screening in The Ark: Rosenwald
2025-02-19 11:30 - 13:30
Running time 96 mins
FREE for members and non-members
Rosenwald is the story of how businessman and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald joined with African-American communities in the South to build schools for them during the early part of the 20th century. This historical partnership as well as the modern-day attempts to maintain or reconfigure the schools is a little-known but great dramatic story. Join us for this riveting documentary and discussion afterward.

Sensory Swim (All ages)
2025-02-21 18:00 - 19:30
Carnival theme!
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.

Will the Real Ten Commandments Please Stand Up?
2025-02-24 10:00 - 11:30
From houses of worship to courthouses to our own houses, there’s a lot of talk about the Ten Commandments. But just what do the Ten Commandments say? How do the versions within the Hebrew Bible, the varying translations, and interpretations differ? And if they differ, how are we to follow them? This talk will be presented from a Jewish perspective and touch upon Christian interpretations.
Presenter: Rabbi Barbara Symons

Group Outing: Black History & Culture: "Eyes Wide Open" at Bethany Arts Center
2025-02-24 14:00 - 15:30
Members: $5; non-members: $10
Join us for a private guided tour of this award-winning exhibit that challenges us to commit to observing black history by fully acknowledging and embracing the realities experienced by African Americans in our community, state, and country. Utilizing oral history accounts and genealogical research, this exhibit is not just a display, but a powerful educational tool.
NOTE: Participants are responsible for their own transportation to BAC. If you need a ride from the JCC or have room in your car for others, please email cjacobs@shamesjcc.org.

Caregiver Conversation Circle
2025-02-25 12:30 - 13:30
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.

What Happens After I Die?—Jewish Possibilities with Rabbi Ron Symons (Part 3)
2025-02-25 16:30 - 17:30

An Evening with Glenn Cohen, Former Mossad Chief Psychologist and Hostage Negotiator
2025-02-25 19:30 - 21:00
Join us and UJA Rivertowns for a timely conversation with Glenn Cohen, who spent 30 years as a Mossad officer and chief psychologist, Israeli Air Force pilot, POW expert, and IDF hostage negotiator. Glenn was selected to be the first mental health professional to meet the released hostages upon their return to Israel in November 2023; he subsequently wrote the protocol for absorbing the returned hostages. We’ll also hear about UJA’s powerful work healing and rebuilding Israel, confronting the sharp rise in antisemitism, and helping New Yorkers of all backgrounds.

Verve Book Club: “Remains of the Day” by Kazuo Ishiguro
2025-02-26 11:30 - 13:00
This novel by Nobel Prize-winning author Ishiguro follows Stevens, an English butler who reflects on his years of service at Darlington Hall during a road trip to visit Miss Kenton, a former housekeeper. As he recalls his unwavering loyalty to his former employer, Stevens confronts the moral compromises he made and the emotional distance he maintained. The novel explores themes of duty, regret, and missed opportunities, ultimately revealing Stevens’ realization of the personal cost of his devotion to “dignity” and the lost chances for deeper human connection.

Movies in The Ark: The Frisco Kid
2025-02-27 13:00 - 15:15
FREE for members and non-members
Running time: 2 hours
In this charming comedy, a young rabbi (Gene Wilder) travels from New York to San Francisco in the 1800s. With the help of a tough cowboy (Harrison Ford), he learns valuable lessons about faith and survival. A perfect blend of Jewish humor and Western adventure—don’t miss this unique and heartwarming film!

Challah and Conversation: Love the Stranger as Yourself
2025-02-28 09:30 - 10:30
For thousands of years we have been instructed to love the stranger because of the way the ancient Israelites were once strangers in Egypt and how powers throughout history have poorly treated the Jewish community. With a new emphasis on immigration in America, join us for a relevant values-based conversation about our obligation to and treatment of those deemed “strangers.”
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.

CANCELLED—Aqua Fest
2025-02-28 18:00 - 19:30
Ages 18+
Members: $15; non-members: $20
A sampler of the Aquatic exercise offerings here at the JCC Aquatic Center. Classes from Stretch to Tone to Aqua Aerobics. There will be a chance to experience the Aqua Bikes, Aqua treadmills, and a variety of teaching styles. Come and meet our awesome instructors and join us for 90 minutes of fun!
Note:
Swim cap required for ALL participants
Sign up at the event for bikes and treadmills. Water shoes are required for those wishing to utilize the bicycles and treadmills.

Dissonance & Resolution in Jazz and Life
2025-03-03 10:00 - 11:30
In this hybrid lecture/performance, accomplished pianist Rocco Dapice will describe and demonstrate different ways that dissonance and resolution are created by composers and musicians and how they mirror our life experience. In official music terms, this involves cadences, consonant vs. dissonant intervals, and chord qualities. Using samples mostly from the jazz genre, he’ll show how musical dissonance parallels the cadences, tensions, and resolutions in life — which we can all relate to.
About the performer: Rocco Dapice is a pianist, teacher, writer, YAMAHA Performing Artist, and graduate of the Manhattan School of Music. He is on the faculty of the Manhattan School’s summer program and New Visions School for Advanced Math & Science; is a teaching artist for MSM’s Distance Learning center; and teaches privately. Rocco has performed widely in over 390 cities, communicating in word and song in 45 of the 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Rocco is a member of ASCAP, the Jazz Education Network (JEN), and the National Assn. of Record Industry Professionals.

Hot Topics
2025-03-05 11:30 - 13:00
Come 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!

Introduction to Bridge
2025-03-05 13:00 - 14:00
5 Wednesdays, March 5-April 2; 1:00-2:00 pm
Members: FREE; non-members: $25
According to the AARP, bridge is a great social activity and tool for sharpening your mental acuity. Have you ever wanted to learn how to play but felt it was too hard? We’re launching a 5-week intro class just for you! Experienced bridge player Mahesh Varia will patiently help you understand the basics of the game according to American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). This class is geared toward absolute beginners with the goal of getting you to play bridge from day one.
Not sure if bridge is for you? Come to our first session to try it out!
About the instructor: Mahesh Varia is a retired physician from University of North Carolina. He has taught bridge classes for four years and has successfully transitioned novice players to seasoned players.

Challah and Conversation: Purim: Looking for Joy, Especially Now
2025-03-07 09:30 - 10:30
Who couldn’t use just a little more joy? Jewish tradition teaches us that joy increases in the month of Adar (beginning on March 1) as we anticipate the festival of Purim (March 14). Let’s use this tradition to learn how we can infuse simchah (joy) into our daily lives given some of the challenges we face.
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.

Laughter Yoga with Dr. Vinodray Shah
2025-03-07 10:30 - 11:30
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

From Ossining to the South Pacific
2025-03-10 10:00 - 11:30
Journey with Ossining Town Historian Caroline Curvan as she sails the South Pacific as a crew member on the Bark Europa, a Dutch 19th century sailing ship. Following in the wake of the US Exploring Expedition of 1838-1842, she’ll share images and experiences that mirror those of Ossining-born illustrator Alfred Agate from over 184 years ago.
About the Presenter: Caroline Ranald Curvan is the Town Historian of Ossining, as well as a professional researcher, writer and teacher. A writer with a popular local blog (OssiningHistoryontheRun.com), she is also an adjunct professor of Composition and Literature at Mercy University.

Israel Culture Connection with our Shinshin: Modern Israeli Music and Israeli Mindset at This Time
2025-03-11 12:30 - 13:30
Asaf Baider, our Israeli Emissary, will share four of his favorite modern Israeli songs. After enjoying the music with you, he will unpack their English translation so that we can explore the possible meanings behind the music and enter into current Israeli mindsets. And of course, humus and pita will be overflowing.

Giving Retriever Canine-Integrated Social Enrichment Programs
2025-03-11 17:30 - 19:00
Tuesdays, March 11-April 22; 5:30-7:00 pm
Ages 21+
$430 per person

Participants will engage in cooperative activities with Giving Retriever dogs and peers, allowing them to improve social-emotional skills including perspective-taking and communication confidence. We’re excited to introduce a new feature this session: dinner before our dog activities! This communal meal is a perfect opportunity to bond, setting the stage for a productive and enjoyable session as a team.
Key Features:

Collaborative Learning: Work together with dogs and peers to develop problem-solving skills and teamwork.
Individual Challenges: Take on training challenges independently, using trial and error to learn and grow.
Age and Ability-Based Groups: Classes are organized by age, participation goals, and individual abilities to ensure a supportive and effective learning environment.
Shared dinner: We will order pizza each week for participants to share a meal together prior to working with the dogs. The dinner portion of the program will take place in our atrium.
Participants will have the opportunity to observe and learn from each other, gaining insights and developing new skills in a fun, interactive setting.

Please email abridson@shamesjcc.org, broberts@shamesjcc.org or heidi@givingretriever.com to schedule an intake.

Hot Topics: Retirement Edition
2025-03-12 11:30 - 13:00
FREE for members and non-members, incl light snack
Is retirement all it’s cracked up to be? Come have a pastry and discuss the joys, challenges, psychological and financial ramifications, and more in this casual and open setting. Moderated by Joanne Reed, this group welcomes all points of view as we trade stories and support each other.

Purim Midnight Run Care Package Packing
2025-03-12 16:15 - 17:00
In keeping with the Purim custom of sharing gifts with those in need, we will pack care packages for people living in need in NYC that will be delivered in the days to come by the Midnight Run Committee of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. We invite you to order supplies from our Amazon list here and have them conveniently sent to us.
No RSVP needed.
