Shames JCC

"New York Times" Puzzle Love: Behind the Scenes
2025-09-07 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Students (under 18): $20; members: $30; non-members: $36
New York Times puzzles have become a cultural phenomenon, with millions of people playing them daily, sharing their scores, and having competitions with friends and family. In this lively conversation, you’ll hear from the minds behind your favorite puzzles. Will Shortz of the famous daily crossword and Wyna Liu of the newer challenge, Connections, will discuss how they found their way to becoming puzzle creators and give a peek behind the curtain at the process required to get the puzzles we love out the door daily. Bring your playful spirit and be ready to participate in some live word games!

Retreat to the Berkshires
2025-09-09 - 2025-09-11
Registration is open!

Register

Come experience the joy of camp as an adult! Our 2nd Verve retreat brings active adults ages 55+ from four metro JCCs* together for three days of fun (and truly excellent meals!) at Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp (BHEC) in Copake, NY. Offerings include fitness classes, yoga & meditation, tennis, pickleball, aqua aerobics, water sports, lectures, Jewish programming, and lots of free time to connect and enjoy nature. And that’s just during the day! Nighttime brings community-building entertainment and s’mores around the campfire. Bring a friend or come make new ones!
Costs:

$500 per person for a shared double room (with private bathroom)
$650 per person for a private room (with private bathroom)
Optional Add-On: $40 for a 90-minute culinary workshop.

Your cost includes:

Round-trip transportation from your JCC by coach bus
Private or shared double room in lodges (all rooms have private bathroom and A/C)
Organic kosher meals, unlimited snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages (wine and espresso drinks are available for purchase)
All activities, including fitness classes, boating, swimming, pickleball, use of indoor spaces, and more (culinary workshop is extra)
Nighttime entertainment and s’mores around the campfire
All linens, pillows, and towels
Souvenir canvas tote bag
Unlimited use of WiFi (cell service is intermittent)

See sample schedule below.

Sample Schedule (subject to change)
Tuesday September 9
12:00 PM Check-in, lunch available
2:00 PM–5:00 PM Lake and pool open for watersports
3:00 PM Choice of yoga class or en plein air art workshop
5:00 PM Wine and cheese mingle / ice breaker activity
6:00 PM Dinner
7:30 PM Trivia Night
9:00 PM S’mores & Campfire
Wednesday September 10
7:30 AM Morning Meditation
8:00 AM Vinyasa Yoga
8:00 AM–9:30 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM Pool, lake, pickleball courts open for the day
10:00 AM Choice of fitness classes, cooking workshop, or Torah study
11:00 AM Aqua Aerobics
12:30 PM Lunch
2:00 PM Choice of art, cooking workshop, fitness classes
5:00 PM Gentle Yoga / Sound bath
6:00 PM Dinner
7:30 PM Evening entertainment
9:00 PM Campfire
Thursday September 11
7:30 AM Morning Meditation
8:00 AM Gentle Yoga
8:00 AM–9:30 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM Lake, pool, pickleball courts are open
9:30 AM Book Club discussion
10:00 AM Choice of cardio dance, art workshop, lecture
11:00 AM Aqua Aerobics
12:00 PM BBQ Lunch
2:00 PM Checkout / board buses for home

*This retreat is co-hosted by Shames JCC, JCC Mid-Westchester, Suffolk Y JCC, and Sid Jacobson JCC, and is made possible by a generous grant from Verve/UJA-Fed NY. All participants will be required to sign a waiver.
**No refunds after August 9

Third Act Circle: A Peer Support Group
2025-09-09 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. Bring your lunch!

Community Service Hour: Tarrytown Department of Public Works Employee Appreciation
2025-09-10 11:30 - 12:30
During this month of Labor Day, we have the opportunity to show our appreciation to those neighbors who see to our highways, water, sewers, sanitation and recycling duties. While they are often overlooked, now is the time for us to do something kind for them. Join us to assemble appreciation bags for each employee along with a note of thanks.

92NY Live presents "Malcolm Gladwell in Conversation with Angus Fletcher: Primal Intelligence"
2025-09-11 13:00 - 14:30
FREE for members & non-members
Join Malcolm Gladwell, bestselling author of The Tipping Point and Blink, for a visionary conversation with Angus Fletcher about the hidden roots and untapped potential of human intelligence as described in his new book, Primal Intelligence: You Are Smarter Than You Think You Know.
How are some people so much smarter than the rest of us? Where do visionaries like Abraham Lincoln, Maya Angelou, Nikola Tesla, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, Warren Buffett, and William Shakespeare get their extraordinary intelligence? In 2021, Angus Fletcher and a research team set out to find out the answer—and what they learned has enormous implications for human intelligence in the age of AI. Primal Intelligence, as Fletcher calls it, expands our definitions of intelligence to value intuition, imagination, and emotion as much as reason and logic.
Tested and adopted by the US Army, Primal Intelligence training has allowed people to cope better with change and uncertainty, experience less anger and anxiety, and make better decisions. Fletcher’s new book is a guide to an expanded sense of what the human mind can do.
In this special conversation, hear Gladwell and Fletcher discuss Fletcher’s groundbreaking research—and find out how this new neuroscientific approach to imagination, emotion, and common sense can tap into a new wellspring of genius, help human beings gain an edge on AI, and much more.

JCC Book Club: "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett
2025-09-11 19:00 - 20:15
FREE for members & non-members
The Vanishing Half follows twin sisters who grow up in a Southern Black community but run away as teenagers. Eventually, one returns home with her dark-skinned daughter, while the other passes as white and severs ties from her family. This New York Times bestseller explores the themes of identity, race, family, and the consequences of choice.

Challah and Conversation: "Beyond New Years Day"
2025-09-12 09:30 - 10:30
FREE for members & non-members
Join Rabbi Ron Symons in uncovering how the messages of this High Holiday season are most impactful if we allow them to speak to us all year round, not just on Rosh haShanah. We will explore questions including, why is it so hard to self-improve?

Reel and Meal: "Pitch Perfect" (inclusive event)
2025-09-12 12:00 - 14:00
$5 for members and non-members
Join us for our first “Reel and Meal” event for a lunchtime screening of Pitch Perfect. Enjoy pizza, classic movie snacks, and plenty of laughs as we sing (and snack) our way through this aca-awesome comedy!
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!

Mega WOW
2025-09-13 09:30 - 10:30
Members: $15; non-members: $25
Kick your fall into high gear! Challenge yourself with an extra special class featuring all four of your WOW instructors, 14 stations, and 15 extra minutes! We will be using the entire gymnasium and will have space for 2 people per station.

Welcome Back Bagels and Schmooze
2025-09-15 10:00 - 11:30
Stop by for bagels, coffee, and a schmooze with the JCC program staff to learn about our upcoming Renard lectures and other programs this fall.

Cooking Class: Upside Down Apple Muffins
2025-09-15 13:30 - 14:30
FREE for members & non-members
Chef Amy Pane and Rabbi Ron Symons team up to teach you how to make a seasonal upside down apple muffin and teach you about why apples are such an integral culinary ingredient of the High Holiday season.

Verve Book Club: “Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison
2025-09-17 11:30 - 13:00
FREE for members & non-members
Join us as we dive into this powerful and richly-layered novel that explores identity, family, and the search for personal freedom. Through unforgettable characters and poetic storytelling, Morrison weaves a tale that spans generations and tackles themes of race, heritage, and self-discovery that still resonate today and will inspire thoughtful discussion.

Lunch Outing: Jean-Jacques Culinary Creations
2025-09-18 12:30 - 14:00
$25 cash per person (taxes and gratuity included)
468 Bedford Rd, Pleasantville, NY 10570

Bienvenue to the party room at Jean Jacques for this month’s lunch outing! Your meal includes your choice of entree from the cafe menu, chef’s choice salad for the table, beverage, tax, and tip. Jean Jacques is known for their consistently delicious and homemade French cuisine in a charming atmosphere. Please bring $25 cash to pay at the restaurant; this covers all food costs, tax, and tip.
NOTE ON TRANSPORTATION: This event will be taking place at Jean Jacques Cafe where there is an attached parking lot. If you need a ride to and from the restaurant from the JCC, please email Rena at rdelevie@shamesjcc.org when you register.

Common Ground: America at 250 Years… and Still Praying
2025-09-18 13:00 - 14:00
The Future of Work, Welfare, and Workfare: A Labor Day Inspired Values-Based Conversation
FREE for members & non-members
Join us for a conversation with Rev. Richard Witt, Executive Director at Rural & Migrant Ministry, Inc. in Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY, and Rev. Bill Baker, rector of Christ Episcopal Church, also known as Christ Church San Marcos, in Tarrytown. Rev. Witt brings an understanding of the important role advocacy can play for workers at this sensitive time. Rev. Baker brings an understanding of the power of work on the lives of our neighbors in Tarrytown who, along with their efforts to make a living, make use of the Community Food Pantry and Clothing Wardrobe housed in his church. Together, they will uncover the spiritual power work plays in our lives and the modern day roadblocks to that power.
About Common Ground: America at 250 Years…and Still Praying—Rabbi Ron Symons and Rev. Gareth Evans, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church of Irvington, are happy to host you along with two of their clergy colleagues each month from around the Rivertowns to explore the themes of civic life and civility along with American and religious values. Our conversations are all the richer because of your presence, questions, and comments. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. Feel free to join us whenever you’re available.

Rosh Hashanah Crafts on the Hudson Pop-Up
2025-09-18 15:00 - 17:00
Rosh Hashana Crafts With Jill Rosenblum
Join us for a festive craft pop-up! We’ll create an apple and honey project to take home, complete with a taste of honey. We’ll also decorate a large shofar for our JCC community to display, bringing in the sound, spirit and sweetness of the New Year.

Challah and Conversation: "Poetry for the Season"
2025-09-19 09:30 - 10:30
FREE for members & non-members
Join Rabbi Ron Symons in unpacking the power of High Holiday based poetry on the ways we can reflect on the power of the season in nature and the spirit.

Salsa for Beginners—Free Demo Class
2025-09-19 13:30 - 14:00
FREE for members & non-members
This is a FREE DEMO where you learn the basic steps of Salsa, no partner needed.
The 7-week session runs from Friday, September 26–November 7. For more information, click here.

Shabbat at Shames
2025-09-19 17:15 - 19:30
Dinner begins at 6:00 pm
Shabbat Mingle—Members: $10; non-members: $15
Shabbat Dinner—Members: $30; non-members: $35
Shabbat Mingle + Dinner—Members: $36; non-members: $50
Gather with friends to fill your spirit and your belly. We will begin with unstructured time for mingling, holiday-related snacks, and opportunities to engage in self-guided Shabbat rituals. Those registered for dinner will stay on for a Shabbat meal and experience guided by Rabbi Ron Symons, including discussion starters, blessings, songs, and time for engaging conversation. Salmon dinner, along with a vegetarian option, will be catered by DeCicco and Sons.
Need a ride to or from? Please contact Rena DeLevie at rdelevie@shamesjcc.org by September 15.

Sensory Swim Night
2025-09-19 18:00 - 19:30
FREE for members: $20 for non-members
Come spend your Friday night with us; our pool will be reserved exclusively for families with an immediate member with a disability. In this sensory-friendly environment, 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.

Rooted: A Jewish Day of Service for the Earth
2025-09-21
Powered by Adamah NY
Join us to kick off the High Holidays and Climate Week NYC by participating in the first large-scale Jewish day of environmental service in the NY metro area. With Adahmah NY, volunteers will roll up their sleeves at local sites for meaningful work caring for the earth. Select “Shames JCC on the Hudson” on the dropdown menu when you sign up to be placed with other members. Teens will be placed at a dedicated trail clean up project in Yonkers to connect with each other. Families with young children (8 and under) will gather at the J for a special day of earth-friendly activities and celebrations

Tech Angels
2025-09-21 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!

Protect Yourself from Scams
2025-09-22 10:00 - 11:30
FREE for members & non-members
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, how AI is making scams harder to identify, 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.

Apple Muffins on the Hudson Pop-Up
2025-09-22 10:00 - 14:00
Enjoy a bite of the season! Chef Amy Pane and Rabbi Ron Symons share her recipe for a great Rosh HaShanah season morning snack and his resources for a meaningful season. No RSVP needed, just stop by the front lobby.

JCC Closes at 3pm—Rosh Hashanah
2025-09-22 15:00 - 21:00

CLOSED—Rosh Hashanah
2025-09-23 05:00 - 2025-09-24 21:00

Challah and Conversation—The Book of Life: These Days In Between
2025-09-26 09:30 - 10:30
FREE for members & non-members
Join Rabbi Ron Symons in redefining the work of self-renewal during these 10 days of awe between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. What might the Book of Life actually be and what is written in it about me?

Back to Bach with Barry Wiesenfeld
2025-09-29 10:00 - 11:30
FREE for members; $10 for non-members
Johann Sebastian Bach embodied all that was Baroque, and literally and figuratively wrote the book on how music works. The forms, harmonies, progressions we use today were outlined by him more than 300 years ago, but his influence continues to be everywhere. We’ll listen to some of the remarkable works Bach left us and learn why they were so remarkable.
About the presenter: Barry Wiesenfeld is an internationally recognized award-winning musician, published author, and is on the music faculty of SUNY and Ramapo College. He has accompanied Grammy, Tony, and RMI-winning artists, performed on three continents and has played on numerous recordings, radio and TV. Barry’s lecture series has been enjoyed both around the U.S. and abroad. For more information, visit his website here.

Hot Topics
2025-10-01 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!

JCC Closes at 3pm—Yom Kippur
2025-10-01 15:00 - 21:00

CLOSED—Yom Kippur
2025-10-02
