Shames JCC

Hot Topics
2024-12-04 11:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
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!

Visit Lima Peru! Livestream Tour in The Ark
2024-12-03 14:00 - 15:00
FREE for members and non-members, incl. light snacks
Ever wanted to visit Peru? Join a group livestream tour of one of the most beautiful cities on the planet: Lima. This new monthly program for the culturally curious– brought to us by our partners at Wowzitude–allows travel enthusiasts an insider’s view on a new location every tour. You can even interact live with your tour guide! 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.

Caregiver Conversation Circle
2024-12-03 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.

Pop-Up: Fused-Glass Housewares from Abe Rosenthal
2024-12-03 08:00 - 13:00
Explore beautiful handmade fused-glass gifts, such as plates, bowls, coasters, hearts, and hanging vases.

Linking Creativity and Autism with Rosa Martinez
2024-12-02 10:00 - 11:30
Did you know that some of the greatest artistic minds are also on the autistic spectrum? Join us for a fascinating presentation by Rosa Martinez, president and founder of Strokes of Genius, Inc, to learn more about the amazing skills of autistic savants. Along with a brief history and introduction to the extraordinary art of these individuals, she will show you selections of their paintings, music, and other works–including those currently on display in our halls!.
About the presenter: Dr. Martinez is the President and founder of Strokes of Genius, Inc. SOG is a non-profit organization that empowers individuals on the autism spectrum. She curates art exhibitions in the United States and internationally featuring the artwork of autistic savants. Dr. Martinez has taught at the College of Staten Island, Long Island University, Touro and Hunter College. She has lectured and presented at various conferences regarding Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis and has been instrumental in establishing ABA programs and schools for young children with PDD and Autism in New York City.

Coffee and Games
2024-11-27 11:30 - 13:00
Grab a friend or meet a new one over coffee and a good game. We provide Scrabble, playing cards, Rummikub, Mah Jongg, Othello, chess, and more; you’re also welcome to bring your own. Free coffee for players; feel free to bring your lunch!

Foreign Affairs Discussion Group: Europe in Decline
2024-11-26 19:00 - 20:15
Europe has suffered a loss of competitiveness and business dynamism relative to the US and China. In 1992, the EU accounted for 29% of global output and was a leader in new technologies; by 2022, its share of world output was just 17% and it had lost many of its new tech companies. What has caused this decline, and how can Europe bounce back?

PB&J Sandwich Pop-Up for Neighbors in Need
2024-11-25 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for 5 minutes or an entire hour as we make a lot of PB&J sandwiches for neighbors in need. The Northern Westchester Community Center in Katonah provides food, clothing, and social services to 500 families a week who can’t make ends meet and they have asked us to help. We’ll provide all supplies but welcome your contribution of a loaf or two of bread. Please contact Rabbi Ron Symons at rsymons@shamesjcc.org for more information.

Pass The Turkey but Don’t Talk Politics
2024-11-25 10:00 - 11:30
Do you yearn for those days when you could have a difference of opinion with someone who voted differently than you? Oy! Join Rabbi Ron Symons in a guided conversation about how to live in community across real and perceived differences. Your opinions will help us find paths forward with family, friends, and neighbors whose politics may diverge from your own.

Family Fridays: The Lego Movie 2
2024-11-22 18:00 - 20:00
Kick off your weekend with your friends at the J over pizza and a screening of The Lego Movie 2 in our new theater! Wear your comfy clothes and we’ll take care of the rest by feeding and entertaining you and your kids.
Member price: Kids ages 2-18 $5 (under 2 free); adults $8
Non-member price: Kids ages 2-18 $8 (under 2 free); adults $12

Chair-Based Neshama Body and Soul Demo Class
2024-11-22 11:00 - 12:00
Members: free; non-members: $10
Chair-Based Neshama Body and Soul is a workout-worship practice that combines Jewish prayer and teachings with bodyweight strength training. Engage your physical core by doing various exercises from a seated position, while engaging your spiritual core by singing verses of Jewish prayer and reflecting on questions that come from Jewish texts. Come try this unique method free of charge!
About the instructor:
Rabbi Jaymee Alpert is passionate about exploring the connection between spirituality and physical activity. She is the co-creator of Neshama Body and Soul, a practice that combines exercise with Jewish prayer and Torah reflections. Rabbi Jaymee spent 20 years as a congregational rabbi serving synagogues in the Bay Area, Westchester, NY, and Princeton, NJ. She was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary and holds master’s degrees in Jewish Education and Jewish Women’s Studies. Rabbi Jaymee currently sits on the Conservative Movement’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards and on the board of Lilith Magazine, and she is a certified fitness trainer and life coach.

Challah and Conversation: Cultivating Gratitude and Joy: How Every Day Might be Thanksgiving
2024-11-22 09:30 - 10:30
If only we could be thankful the other 364 days of the year. We will gather around in preparation for Thanksgiving to feast on an array of morsels of wisdom and insight to help us strengthen our gratitude muscles. As always, your presence makes our conversation all the richer.
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.

Verve Book Club: "City of Thieves" by David Benioff
2024-11-20 11:30 - 13:00
Set during the Siege of Leningrad in World War II, City of Thieves follows the story of a young Jewish man who finds himself imprisoned for looting. In a twist of fate, he is paired with a charismatic, roguish soldier named Kolya, and together they embark on a dangerous quest. Their journey through a war-torn city filled with danger, humor, and unexpected camaraderie is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Verve Book club is FREE for members and non-members. Whether you’ve read the book or just want to hear about it, all are welcome!

Should You Care About Language Diversity?
2024-11-18 10:00 - 11:30
Do you speak a foreign language? Unfortunately, most American speak only English and our education system gives language facilities a low priority, unlike most other countries. Americans miss out on a lot by being monolingual: the broadened perspective that knowing a foreign language offers; the added intellectual and creative stimulation; the enjoyment of traveling to countries whose language you speak; and the enhanced job prospects in an international labor marketplace. Join us as we discuss the many aspects of foreign languages and what knowing–or not knowing– another language has meant for your life.
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.

Stephen Sondheim: An Afternoon of Song and Story
2024-11-17 15:00 - 16:30
We are bringing Broadway to The Ark in an unforgettable afternoon combining history with a musical production! In this special event from the Golden Ticket Series, Broadway legend Jack Viertel provides insight into the life and mind of Stephen Sondheim, one of the modern masters of the American musical. While exploring the background of his iconic songs, you’ll be treated to a performance of his famous works by a quartet of professional singers, accompanied by a live orchestra. A selection of books by Jack Viertel (that he is available to sign!) and about Sondheim will be available for sale by Transom Bookshop at the show, or preorder here.
“The shows produced by Rebecca Cooper are nothing short of fabulous! The vocalists and musicians are extremely talented, and the shows are productions worthy of Broadway or the West End!”- Rabbi Joui Hessel, former Director of Bronfman Center for Jewish Life at 92NY.

J Sports Academy: Open House
2024-11-17 11:00 - 12:00
Join J Sports Academy at The Masters School (park and meet at the Fonseca Center) 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. Snacks and refreshments will be served.

Sensory Swim (All ages)
2024-11-15 18:00 - 19:30
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.

Challah and Conversation: Patriotism, Nationalism, Partisan Politics, and Jewish Wisdom
2024-11-15 09:30 - 10:30
In this hypersensitive partisan time in American life, we will benefit from a discussion that draws from the wisdom of Dan Rather from his book What Unites Us, along with 3,000 years of Jewish wisdom to help us make our way through these challenging weeks. As always, your presence makes our conversation all the richer.
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.

Common Ground: God Bless America! Praying in Public for our Elected Leaders— Patriotic Duty or Divisive Practice?
2024-11-14 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.

Friendsgiving Potluck Lunch
2024-11-13 12:00 - 14:00
FREE for members and non-members
Bring a dish to share with friends new and not-new for a friendsgiving potluck at the JCC! We’ll gather to celebrate all we’re grateful for in our JCC community. We’ll provide the turkey, 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.

Devotion, Luck, and Fortitude: A Holocaust Survival Story
2024-11-11 10:00 - 11:30
Shelley Greenspan always knew that her parents survived the Holocaust and took her job as a “Memory Keeper” seriously. But it wasn’t until she traveled to Eastern Europe this past summer that she truly understood her parents’ experiences during the war and their struggles to rebuild a life afterwards. Join us for an intimate talk about their lives and the effect on Shelley’s own life.
About the presenter: Since retiring from a career in international banking, Shelley became a speaker with the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center presenting her parents’ stories to local high and middle school students. She lives in Irvington with her husband and is a member of the Shames JCC.

Thriving in Menopause and Perimenopause with Fempower Health
2024-11-10 16:00 - 17:30
Members: $10; non-members: $15
Menopause is a natural phase that every woman will experience, yet it’s a topic we don’t discuss–and understand– nearly enough. Georgie Kovacs– the founder of Fempower Health, a podcast dedicated to providing trustworthy, research-backed information on women’s health– will lead a comprehensive discussion that will answer many of your questions. Having completed over 150 interviews with top women’s health experts, Georgie brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to ensure you have the information you need to feel empowered as you navigate this journey.

The Especially Everyone Experience
2024-11-10 13:30 - 16:00
While live music holds the potential to bring great happiness to many individuals, those with sensory challenges may find it too overstimulating. In this inclusive concert, the Especially Everyone Ensemble leads a sensory friendly show featuring upbeat, positive tunes that ensures those with sensitivities can actively participate. Special accommodations including noise-canceling headphones, modified lights, and a sensory break area ensure a positive and fulfilling concert experience.
For support staff tickets, use promo code EESUPPORT24 for $10 off your ticket. We will contact you for your individual’s information.
Special thanks to our sponsors: Breakthrough Fit Co, New York State Council of the Arts (NYSCA), Relationspot, Fit 4 All, Brick It Again, Future Centered Care, Westchester Institute for Human Development, Fitzgerald & Sadove, The Nicholas Center, and Swim Angelfish
Especially Everyone at the Shames JCC is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
By entering this event at the Shames JCC, you are entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur. View the Shames JCC’s public event photo policy here.

Challah and Conversation: Patience
2024-11-08 09:30 - 10:30
As we wait for the election results to be finalized, let’s all take a deep breath and find that place inside where we can wait for resolution. The soul trait of patience is a useful tool when it comes to election results and so much more in our lives. We will dust off the cobwebs that prevent us from accessing patience in hopes that we can use it well now and into the future. As always, your presence makes our conversation all the richer.
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.

Reel to Real Film Series: The Miracle Worker (Dir. Arthur Penn)
2024-11-07 18:00 - 20:30
Members: $10; non-members: $18; includes light refreshments
Join us for our next Reel to Real in which we have some snacks, watch a movie together, then explore the cinematic themes and how they play out in real life. This month’s selection is The Miracle Worker (1962).
In this film we witness the Keller family centered around the blind and deaf daughter, Helen, played by Oscar-winner, Patty Duke. Her father offers her every kind of help that he can afford, while her mother allows her everything she wants, expecting nothing of Helen. Then Annie (Anne Bancroft) arrives, who understands that unless Helen really learns what language is, and how to use it to relate to others, she will be doomed to isolation.
This Reel to Real presentation will explore the human condition through the lens of the parent-child relationship (our first relationship) and examine ideas of containment, trust, unconditional love and the struggle we all face, like Helen, to break through walls of silence and darkness towards connection.
About the presenter: Scott Bloom has spent his 33-year career at the intersection of mental health, schools, and communities. He was the founding director of School Mental Health Services for the New York City Department of Education, where he built a city-wide system of mental health services and resources in over 1800 city schools to better serve the needs of 1.2 million students and families. Mr. Bloom has certification as a psychotherapist and a private practice and supervision in New York City.

Hot Topics: Election Edition
2024-11-06 11:30 - 13:00
Up all night waiting for the election results? Have some coffee on us as we discuss the 2024 election with your fellow news enthusiasts. As always, all points of view are welcome in this lively, thought-provoking, and civil discussion. Feel free to bring your lunch and/or a friend!

Thirteen Drivers' Licenses
2024-11-04 10:00 - 11:30
In November 2018, Lisa Salko, along with her sisters and cousins, traveled to Lichtenfels, Germany to recover their grandfather’s and two great uncles’ drivers’ licenses, which had been confiscated by the Nazis 80 years earlier and rediscovered in 2017. What started as a trip about reclaiming a part of their family turned into something so much bigger. Lisa will share her story about this fateful trip as she encountered a small town coming to terms with its darkest past–and charting a path forward. After the talk, all participants are welcome to explore the “13 Drivers’ Licenses” exhibit on display in The Atrium.
Lisa Salko is a member of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center’s Generations Forward group of second and third generation of Holocaust survivors. A former resident of Armonk, Lisa and her husband Larry live in Elmsford. They are proud parents to their three children and loving “Mima” and “Poppy” to their three grandchildren.

Thirteen Drivers’ Licenses Exhibit
2024-11-04 07:00 - 2024-11-08 20:00
Thirteen Drivers’ Licenses is a portable exhibit that tells the individual stories of Jewish citizens of Lichtenfels, Germany, persecuted by the Nazis, whose licenses were discovered in 2017. Come explore this powerful exhibit at the Cohen Family Atrium and learn about the lives behind the photos, and the story of their discovery.

A Day of Renewal For Widows at D.I.G Farm
2024-11-02 10:00 - 13:00
Join us for a rejuvenating day at D.I.G Farm, created especially for widows to connect through a shared experience of nature, reflection, and renewal. The day will include: a hands-on farm and garden activity a peaceful walk along serene trails, a relaxing picnic lunch.

Flu Shot Clinic
2024-11-02 10:00 - 11:00
Get your flu shot at the J and stay healthy this winter! We are hosting a flu shot clinic with Sleepy Hollow Pharmacy for anyone 6 months and up. Please make sure to bring your insurance card and pharmacy card.
