Shames JCC

Verve Book Club: "All the Broken Places" by John Boyne
2026-03-25 11:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
FREE for members & non-members
This powerful and quietly moving novel explores memory, guilt, and the long shadows cast by history. Set decades after World War II, it follows an elderly woman living in London who is forced to confront the choices of her past and the cost of silence. With compassion and emotional depth, Boyne explores how time shapes responsibility, forgiveness, and the possibility of reckoning.

Haroset on the Hudson
2026-03-25 10:00 - 14:00
FREE for members & non-members
Chef Amy Pane and Rabbi Ron Symons are happy to share with you a flight of international harosets in preparation for Passover. Amy will offer recipes and culinary advice, and Ron will share with you the inherent value of freedom that Passover represents.

Community Service Hour: Table Settings for Seniors at the Food Pantry
2026-03-24 13:00 - 14:00
FREE for members & non-members
Let’s do good for our neighbors as we wrap and package table settings of placemats, napkins, and flowers for senior clients of the Tarrytown Sleepy Hollow Community Food Pantry.

Third Act Circle: A Peer Support Group
2026-03-24 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-10 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.

Agi Keleti: The Jewish Olympian’s Story of Survival and Triumph
2026-03-23 10:00 - 11:30
FREE for members; $10 for non-members
From Holocaust survivor to Olympic champion—discover the extraordinary journey of Agi Keleti, the most decorated female Jewish Olympian in history. Michael Gyory, Agi’s second cousin and the Vice Chairperson of Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center, will tell the story of her incredible willpower and perseverance, not only surviving the Holocaust and outlasting the Communists, but eventually becoming the greatest female Jewish Olympian champion of all time—winning 10 medals, including 5 gold. This presentation is accompanied by an exhibit of 6 individual panels that chronicles Agi’s incredible life.
About the presenter: JCC Member Michael Gyory is Vice Chairperson and Chairperson Emeritus of HHREC, and a member of GenerationsForward, a group of second and third generation individuals sponsored by the HHREC. After a brief time in the corporate world, he has been a real estate entrepreneur—building and renovating houses, and developing self-storage facilities. He is a graduate of Safekeeping Stories and as a memoirist, he has told his family’s experiences in many schools and civic venues in the New York metro area and across New York State.

Stories and Songs of The ‘60s: Broadway’s Last Golden Decade
2026-03-22 15:00 - 17:00
Members: $55; non-members: $65
Premium Seating (1st three rows)—Members: $65; non-members: $75
Hear the iconic musical hits of the 60s performed by a group of professional singers accompanied by a live orchestra. This decade saw the rise of extraordinarily memorable Broadway shows, including Cabaret, Man of La Mancha, Funny Girl, Fiddler on the Roof, Bye Bye Birdie, and many more. These musicals kept the lights bright on Broadway through a decade that included a tumultuous phase of American history and the post-Eisenhower years, in which the Broadway showtune gave way to rock and roll. Narration from Broadway producer Jack Viertel will provide insight into these popular plays and songs and help you understand their significance in a new light.

Tech Angels
2026-03-22 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-08 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!

"Tramps Like Us": A Night of Bruce Springsteen Hits
2026-03-21 20:00 - 22:00
Members: $32; non-members: $38
Were you born to run? Come dance the night away with the nation’s #1 Bruce Springsteen tribute band, Tramps Like Us. The band rocks out with a repertoire of more than 150 Springsteen classics, delivering these hits with the raw intensity, swagger, and soul of the Boss himself.
About “Tramps Like Us”: “Tramps Like Us” has earned the hard-won reputation as one of the most respected Bruce Springsteen tribute bands on the planet. Praised by dozens of publications, radio stations, and music-industry insiders, they are the only tribute band ever endorsed by members of the Springsteen camp—including former producer and manager Mike Appel and SiriusXM’s official E Street Radio.
Formed in 1990, “Tramps Like Us” has performed more than 2,500 concerts and electrified over one million fans worldwide.

Challah and Conversation: Passover Poetry
2026-03-20 09:30 - 10:30
FREE for members & non-members
With its major focus on freedom and the coming of spring, Passover is a wonderful time to explore the metaphors that might inspire us to live more fully in pursuit of freedom and appreciation of the natural world. Our conversation will uncover both and be enriched by your participation.

Robotics Break Camp, Grades K–5
2026-03-20 09:00 - 12:00
Members: $110; non-members: $125
Turn a day off from school into a morning of creativity and invention. Children will build their own customized robot to take home through a program that combines engineering, arts and crafts, and imaginative play. Taught by Brooklyn Robot Foundry.

"Your Roots Are Showing" Screening and Panel Discussion
2026-03-19 18:30 - 20:30
Members: $10; non-members: $15 (incl. light refreshments)
This award-winning documentary dives into the cultural shift sparked by the rise of silver hair. During the pandemic, as salons closed, women everywhere embraced their gray roots, and a global online community called Silver Sisters was born. Director and celebrity makeup and hair artist Ilise Harris explores this “greyvolution” through personal interviews and self-recorded stories, shedding light on how this movement challenges traditional beauty standards. With powerful visuals and engaging narratives, the film examines hair dye’s history, cultural significance, and health risks, ultimately celebrating the empowering intersection of feminism, ageism, and self-expression.
Afterwards, hear from director Ilise Harris in a moderated conversation on shifting perspectives on beauty, aging, and the health risks versus rewards that come along with the simple act of dyeing ones’ hair.
See the trailer here and learn more about the film here.
Doors open at 6:30 and film begins promptly at 7:00.

Lunch Outing: Los Abuelos
2026-03-19 12:30 - 14:00
Location: Los Abuelos; 197 S Highland Ave, Ossining, NY 10562
$35 cash includes all food, tax, tip, and r/t transportation from the J
Join us for an authentic Mexican lunch at the no-frills but very delicious Los Abuelos in Ossining! Your meal includes your choice of appetizer, entree, and beverage at this welcoming and family-friendly gem. Space is limited to 20 – sign up early! (no refunds for cancellations after 3/16)
NOTE: Roundtrip transportation from the JCC is included or you may use our subsidized taxi service from home. For those who prefer to drive, we will be meeting at Los Abuelos, 197 S Highland Ave, Ossining, NY. Free parking is available in the adjacent parking lot.

Learning Ludwig
2026-03-16 10:00 - 11:30
FREE for members; $10 for non-members
Beethoven took the musical world into which he was born, mastered it, and then yelled, “Hey, everybody, follow me!”as he transformed the Classical Era into the Romantic Era. Grove’s Dictionary of Music describes him as “probably the most admired composer in the history of Western music” and for good reason. We’ll discuss his life, both the tragedies and triumphs, and the musical gifts he left behind.
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. Learn more about him here.

Midnight at the Masquerade: A Murder Mystery Dinner and Interactive Theater
2026-03-14 17:30 - 20:30
$50 for members; $60 for non-members, includes, dinner, dessert, and performance (cash bar available)
$5 discount using the code EARLYBIRD until Feb. 28

What was meant to be a night of glitz and glamour takes a dark turn when someone is found dead. The clock is ticking, and it’s up to you to figure out who did it!
It’s Purim season, so come in the spirit of fun and mystery and play detective in this immersive theater experience. All guests participate alongside professional actors; everyone interacts and uses clues and their own wits to help crack the case.
Your ticket includes a catered dinner and dessert by Jean-Jacques Culinary Creations, and murder mystery event led by American Immersion Theater. Dress to impress; the theme is the Billionaires’ Club Annual Masquerade Ball, so casual elegance and of course, a mask that hides your true identity.
Stay tuned for an opportunity to make masks before the party! Need a ride? Email rdelevie@shamesjcc.org!

Common Ground—Assimilation in America: Melting Pot, Salad Bowl, or Something Else?
2026-03-12 13:00 - 14:00
FREE for members & non-members
Inspired by the aphorism “Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day,” Rabbi Mara Young (Woodlands Community Temple, Reform Jewish, White Plains), Fr. Tim Wiggins (Church of Magdalene, Roman Catholic Church, Pocantico Hills), and Rabbi Ron Symons will guide us in a conversation about how minority groups in America balance their particular identities in tension with common American identities. Our conversation will include issues of religion, gender, race, and ethnicity.

Foreign Affairs Discussion Group: The Decline of Democracy
2026-03-11 19:00 - 20:15
FREE for members; $10 for non-members
Will democracy survive the rise of authoritarianism?
In the past 15-20 years, nationalism and “authoritarian populism” have spread to many parts of the world while the number of democracies has declined. Today, only 45% of the world’s population lives in a democracy, vs. 63% in 2000. Much of the democratic backsliding is the result of the failures of the liberal democratic order, the rise of China, and social and cultural changes. Come hear more about the failures of the liberal order, the appeal of the authoritarian regimes, and whether democracy will revive over the medium and long term.
About the facilitator: David Cheney is an international economics writer, instructor, and trainer for international and educational institutions. He has held a variety of positions at the International Monetary Fund and has provided communications and writing support for a number of multilateral institutions, including the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. David has served as an adjunct professor of Global Economics and Writing at NYU and currently runs two foreign affairs discussion groups at the Manhattan JCC and Scarsdale Adult School.

Songs of Protest
2026-03-09 10:00 - 11:30
FREE for members; $10 for non-members
The enlightenment, American Revolution, emancipation of the slaves, failure of reconstruction, Jim Crow laws, women’s rights, labor movement, civil rights, anti-war movement, black lives matter, ICE…the list goes on. People have made their voices heard about the truths of inequity and the lack of justice throughout time. We will listen to and examine American protest songs from the last two and a half centuries, and will sing some familiar songs together.
About the presenter: Adam Hart is dedicated to the cultivation of human expression through song. He has been a producer of the annual RiverArts Music Tour, Jewish song-leader, guitar and vocal teacher, Jewish history teacher, and performer of secular music rooted in the traditions of the folk music revival of the 1960s, as well as the ensuing art rock of the 1070s with the combo Riverrun.

Live Karaoke with Centerstage Karaoke
2026-03-07 19:00 - 22:00
Members: $18; non-members: $23
CenterStage, New York City’s premiere live band karaoke concert experience, puts YOU in the heart of the action—on stage and singing in front of your friends and a big rock crowd, backed by a talented, hard-rocking band of supportive professional musicians. Choose from an eclectic and ever-growing list of over 200 songs, spanning all decades. You can finally live out your dreams of being the lead singer in a rockin’ band for nearly 5 whole minutes!

NYC Trip: No Excuses, No Limit Show (*Inclusive)
2026-03-07 10:15 - 15:45
$50 for members & non-members
Join us for a trip to NYC to see how anything is possible with the ILL-Abilities International Dance Crew. During the performance of their No Excuses, No Limits breakdancing show, we will see that when you set your mind to something and believe in yourself, your differences can become your greatest strength. After the show, we’ll head to the Hard Rock Café for lunch.
Transportation to and from NYC will be provided from the JCC. If you are in need of transportation to and from the JCC, please reach out to Annie Bridson, Director of Supportive Services at abridson@shamesjcc.org.
Scholarship dollars are available; please reach out to Annie if cost is a barrier to attending the event.
*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!

Live Karaoke with Dayrock (Inclusive* Event)
2026-03-06 10:30 - 12:00
$15 for members & non-members
Take the stage and rock out for real at this inclusive karaoke experience! Sing and perform your favorite songs backed by a full band and professional sound equipment. Grab the mic, jump on an instrument, and experience the thrill of a real live performance in one high-energy day of music and fun.
*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!

Clergy Talk—The Danger of Absolutes: Jewish Teachings on Idolatry and Human Power
2026-03-06 09:30 - 10:30
FREE for members & non-members
The third commandment tells us not to make graven images. This, in connection with lots of other discussions, contributes to Judaism’s antipathy toward idolatry. Why is idolatry so bad according to Jewish tradition? Let’s explore!
With Rabbi Mara Young, Woodlands Community Temple

Caregiver Conversation Circle
2026-03-05 12:00 - 13:15
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.

Shames JCC Job Fair
2026-03-04 17:00 - 20:00
FREE for members & non-members
Work at a vibrant, mission-driven community! We are hiring individuals of all ages who are interested in meaningful, people-focused work across our youth programs, camps, aquatics, and community departments. This in-person event offers the opportunity to meet our team, learn about seasonal and year-round roles, ask questions, and explore how working at the JCC is more than just a job—it’s joining a community rooted in connection.
We are hiring for seasonal jobs (camp counselors and leadership, after school counselors, lifeguards), part time positions (facilities, front desk), and full time; find all jobs here.
If you are unable to attend but are still interested in learning more about job opportunities at the J, please fill out the form here.

Hot Topics
2026-03-04 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!

Artist in Residence Drop-in Workshop with Kit
2026-03-04 10:30 - 12:30
In the Atrium
Join us to meet Kit Demirdelen, the JCC’s inaugural Artist in Residence. Chat with Kit about her creative work and process, learn about her plans during her residency, and even make some art alongside her!

Venetian Mask Making with Kit
2026-03-03 12:00 - 14:00
FREE for members & non-members
Get in the mood for Purim (and get ready for our murder mystery dinner) by joining Artist In Residence, Kit Demirdelen, to make masks! We’ll provide the masks and embellishments; you just bring your creativity.
Drop in or register below

Hamentaschen on the Hudson
2026-03-03 10:00 - 14:00
Rabbi Ron Symons will offer you a choice of a raspberry or apricot hamentasch to help you celebrate the inherent joy of Purim.

Purim Craft on the Hudson
2026-03-02 15:00 - 17:00
FREE, drop-in
Drop in with your little ones for a joyful Purim craft project guided by our own Jill Rosenblum.
