The Chicago 8: A Dramatic Transcript Reading
2024-02-26 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
In the aftermath of the 1968 Democratic National Convention, eight anti-Vietnam war activists were tried for criminal conspiracy and incitement to riot. The “Chicago 8” trial was one of the most intense in American history, characterized by the judge’s uncloaked hatred of the defendants; star testimony from some of the era’s cultural icons, including Allen Ginsberg, Norman Mailer, Jesse Jackson, and Judy Collins; and disturbing visuals, like the only Black defendant being shackled and gagged in court. In this popular program, Aytan Adler will lead participants in a dramatic reading of the edited trial transcript. Much like a table reading for a play, participants will be assigned parts (judge, attorney, plaintiff, etc.) with time for discussion. Bring your curiosity and creative spirit.

Birdie’s Batch Pop-Up
2024-02-27 15:00 - 17:00
Stop by the J for some special treats! Looking for a gift for a loved one? Birdie’s Batch will be selling hot chocolate mug gift sets which include a dark chocolate blend with homemade marshmallows. There will be raspberry and passion fruit curd linzers, chocolate cakes, apple butter rugelach, and peanut butter s’mores! Craving something savory? Grab a crostata for an easy dinner (flavors include broccoli rabe, eggplant, zucchini, and potato and spicy miso).

Parenting is Hard: Teen Mental Health - Mental Health 101
2024-02-27 19:00 - 20:15
Join us for the first workshop in our series on adolescent mental health (12-18 years) led by Scott Bloom, LCSW, in collaboration with the Child & Family Institute of Westchester. Through engaging presentations and discussions, we will explore the challenges facing today’s teens, and how parents can address these to set teens up for success. This class we will cover core aspects of teen mental health. Participants will gain greater understanding in order to strengthen their ability to support youth during this time that both presents challenges and holds so much promise and possibility.
The registration fee includes Mental Health 101 Workshop ONLY.

A Brief History of Jazz Through the Eyes of its Performers
2024-02-28 08:00 - 17:00
In this hybrid talk and saxophone performance, teaching artist Albert Rivera will take us through a brief history of jazz from the 1930s through the present day. He’ll discuss how different styles of jazz were created in response to the socio-economic and political themes of certain decades and how jazz music shaped the sounds of music we hear today.
About the instructor: Described by WNPR’s Owen McNally as “A modern Jazz messenger,” saxophonist Albert Rivera has been a consistent force on a national and international level since finalizing his studies at The New School University Jazz and Contemporary Music Program. Born and raised in the Bronx, Albert is a recipient of a Chamber Music America Residency award, an ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award, and most recently a City Arts Corp Grant. He is the current Director of Operations at the Litchfield Jazz Camp and serves on the Jazz Faculty at SUNY Purchase.

Verve Book Club: The Tale of Love and Darkness by Amos Oz
2024-02-28 11:30 - 13:00
Join us to discuss the bestselling memoir, The Tale of Love and Darkness by Amos Oz (560 pgs), from award-winning author Amos Oz, “one of Israel’s most prolific writers and respected intellectuals” (The New York Times), about his turbulent upbringing in the city of Jerusalem in the era of the dissolution of Mandatory Palestine and the beginning of the State of Israel. Winner of the National Jewish Book Award, this is a powerful, nimbly constructed saga of a man, a family and a nation forged in the crucible of a difficult, painful history.

JCC Book Club: The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store
2024-02-28 19:00 - 20:30
“A murder mystery locked inside a Great American Novel . . . Charming, smart, heart-blistering, and heart-healing.” —Danez Smith, The New York Times Book Review
Named a 2023 best book of the year by NPR/Fresh Air, Washington Post, The New Yorker, and Time Magazine, James McBride’s novel tells the story of small-town secrets and the people who keep them. In 1972, workers in Pottstown, Pennsylvania digging the foundations for a new development found a skeleton at the bottom of a well. Who the skeleton was and how it got there were two of the long-held secrets kept by the residents of Chicken Hill, the dilapidated neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans lived side by side. As these characters’ stories overlap and deepen, it becomes clear how much the people who live on the margins struggle and what they must do to survive.

Challenging Times, Ageless Insights: Hear My Voice: Jewish Women in Biblical and Contemporary Song
2024-03-01 10:00 - 11:30
With Cantor Lauren Phillips Fogelman, Temple Beth Abraham
Using the Biblical stories of Miriam, Deborah, and Hannah, we will explore the ways in which women are frequently linked to songs in Hebrew scripture. We will study the Biblical texts related to these women and listen to examples of liturgical and popular music that tell their stories. We will compare these stories to real-life contemporary Jewish women whose lives have also been depicted in song, on stage, and on screen.

J Sports Academy Open House—Masters School
2024-03-03 14:30 - 16:00
Join us at the Masters School to meet camp leadership and our director of soccer, Conrado Torres! Learn about all that J Sports Academy has in store for this summer.
About J Sports Academy
Elevate your game this summer! J Sports Academy offers campers ages 8-14 expert coaching in basketball, soccer, and tennis, as well as recreational swim and other camp activities—all in the world-class facilities at The Masters School. Experienced coaches ensure athletes of all levels improve their skills while making friends and having fun! Flexible scheduling and transportation options make J Sports Academy the perfect choice for parents, too. Register now to secure your spot!
Register for camp at the event and receive a FREE CAMP T-SHIRT!

Rabbi Joshua Rubin Presents True Acts of Kindness: Organ Donation and Judaism
2024-03-04 10:00 - 11:30
Thanks to medical science, people who pass from this world into whatever comes next are able to engage in a final selfless act of kindness through the mitzvah of organ donation. But is organ donation allowed under Jewish law? This talk will introduce the organ donation process while examining key Jewish texts and common misconceptions.
About the Instructor: Rabbi Joshua Rabin is a community and government affairs liaison at LiveOnNY, specifically focusing on the Jewish community. Josh also serves as the rabbi of the Astoria Center of Israel in Astoria, Queens. He received his rabbinic ordination and certificate in pastoral counseling from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2011 and is a recipient of the Wexner Field Fellowship and the Ruskay Fellowship for Jewish Professional Leadership.

Outing to Bethany Arts Community: Black History Exhibit
2024-03-04 14:00 - 15:30 | Bethany Arts Center, 40 Somerstown Rd, Ossining, NY, 10562, United States
Join us for a private guided tour of the award-winning exhibit at Bethany Arts Community that portrays the histories of Black entrepreneurs and Black organizations from all facets of the community’s business and social life. Each unique gallery highlights a particular period in American history where the Black presence made a profound impact on the community. A notable addition is an exhibit room dedicated to the history of the Rosenwald schools, highlighting the partnership between Black and Jewish communities during the Jim Crow era.
NOTE: Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Carpooling from the JCC is available once you register.

“No Place Like Home” Pop-Up
2024-03-05 11:00 - 13:30
Stop by and get a taste of Spain for lunch! Local chefs and JCC members Alberto Alvarez and Jennifer Bahme will be serving Spanish tortilla (omelets), Argentinian empanadas, and jarred goods including Pisto Manchego (Spanish ratatouille).

Artificial Intelligence Made Personal: A Broad River Conversation
2024-03-05 19:00 - 20:30
Does the increasing prevalence of AI fill you with dread, relief, or some combination? Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion where we will delve into the multifaceted world of artificial intelligence. We’ll explore and dissect the pros and cons of AI technology, and consider its impact on our professional and personal lives.
Whether you’re passionate about technology, ethics, or social impact, or simply curious to learn more, we invite you to join us for an enriching conversation. As always, Broad River provides a space for women to network, connect, and empower one another in this welcoming and inclusive space. Light refreshments will be served. And don’t forget to bring business or personal cards, flyers, or anything else you’d like to share!
This description was generated by AI and tweaked by humans at the JCC.
About the facilitator: Laurie Hirsch Schulz is the founder of Broad River and the president of the board of the Westchester Youth Alliance. Through her business LHS Coaching, Laurie partners with career explorers, solopreneurs and non-profit founders to navigate through change to clarify, embrace and activate new opportunities.
NOTE ON TIMING: Doors open at 6:30 PM for extra mingle time, and the program starts at 7 PM.

Baptism to B’ Mitzvah: exploring Rituals in Judaism and Christianity; End of Life
2024-03-06 10:00 - 11:30
No one can script their end; people pass away in many different ways. Both the Christian and Jewish people seek to find an end that consoles and supports those who remain behind. We will discuss the rituals both traditions offer to mark the end of life.

Hot Topics
2024-03-06 11:30 - 13:00
FREE for members and non-members
Come discuss the week’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!

Soul Shuffle 2024 Line Dancing Party
2024-03-10 14:00 - 17:00
Rock the Wobble, Cupid Shuffle, and lots of original dances during our 3-hour line dancing extravaganza on March 10! R&B/soul line dancing instructor Steve “The Fun Bunch” Dillard and special guest choreographers Darlene Johnson Barnaby (Brooklyn NY) and Mr. Charles Doss Jr. (Spartanburg, SC) will lead you through easy-to-follow steps to music that will uplift your soul. All ages are welcome!
This program 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.

Albert Rivera Presents: A Brief History of Jazz Through the Eyes of its Performers
2024-03-11 10:00 - 11:00

Caregiver Conversation Circle
2024-03-11 13:00 - 14:00
FREE for members and non-members
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. Groups can serve as an invaluable tool to help ourselves and others deal with the consequences of being a family caregiver. 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.

“PI Day” Pizza Party
2024-03-13 12:00 - 13:30
FREE for members; $5 for non-members
March 14 marks “Pi Day,” an annual acknowledgment of the mathematical sign pi, whose first three digits are 3.14. And even though we’re a day early, what better way to celebrate than with a pizza (PI)e lunch? Come join us for a casual lunch enjoying kosher-style pizza and salad in the community room. Everyone is welcome– science-related conversation topics optional!
Pizza is kosher style

Foreign Affairs Discussion Group: The Rise of Failed States
2024-03-13 19:00 - 20:30
Some 50 nations have either collapsed or are teetering on the edge of failure. The causes include the lingering effects of the pandemic, terrorism, huge public debt, climate disasters, drug-related crime, and corrupt governments. Join us to discuss what the overstretched international community can do to address this problem and reduce a growing source of instability in today’s world.

Friday Night Sensory Friendly Swim
2024-03-15 18:00 - 19:30
Join us for our monthly Friday night free-swim to families who have an immediate member with a disability. The pool will be exclusively reserved for this event, so that we can ensure a sensory-friendly pool environment for a fun family night out!

Fashion Fundamentals (Fashion, Beauty, and Bonding Women’s Group)
2024-03-16 13:00 - 15:00
Ages 18+
This social group intends to provide a special, welcoming place for folks identifying as females with disabilities to come together and connect. In partnership with professionals including from Neiman Marcus, we will learn make-up, hair, and fashion techniques in a fun, supportive environment that celebrates diverse beauty.
We will be partnering with Neiman Marcus to learn about and experiment with clothing. At Neiman Marcus Westchester, participants will be led through practical lessons and discussions about when to wear what, in addition to defining their style and shopping! A highly skilled personal stylist will walk the participants through understanding diverse body types, mobility considerations, and unique fashion needs, fostering creativity and confidence in their style choices. All money paid for this program will be put toward a gift card for your participant to purchase something for their wardrobe or beauty collection.
Please only register for one participant; if the participant needs a staff member present, please email abridson@shamesjcc.org to give us the staff member’s information.

Evan Weiner presents Germany's Troubling Olympics History, 1936 and 1972
2024-03-18 10:00 - 11:00
Germany is currently bidding to host the 2036 Summer Olympics in Berlin.Proponents of this idea think it could be a teachable moment about how propaganda was used to promote the Olympic Games and the Nazi regime when they hosted in 1936 and 1972. But for many, the idea of the Olympics in Germany brings up terrible memories.
In this talk, journalist Evan Weiner will go into detail about the past games hosted by Germany, including Germany’s exclusion of Jewish athletes, American boycotting of the Games, and the devastating terrorist attack in Munich.

Camp Day
2024-03-19 09:00 - 12:00
Summer is around the corner! Stop by for a bagel and learn more about our sleepaway and day camps on Tuesday, 3/19 from 9am-12pm. We will have staff members and informational materials from Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Sleepaway Camp, J Sports Academy, and River Friends Day Camp.
Do you enjoy working with children and are looking for a fun and rewarding summer job?
River Friends Day Camp is looking for Group Leaders and Junior Counselors for the summer of 2024!
To apply email your resume and/or cover letter to Arden at Riverfriends@shamesjcc.org.

Group Leaders should be 21 years of age or older and have experience in working in early childhood educational or recreational settings
Junior Counselors must be 16 years of age or older and have an interest in early childhood education and/or development.

Israeli Culture Connection with Noy
2024-03-19 11:00 - 12:00
Come connect with our Shishin (Junior Israeli ambassador) Noy Laufer, born in Haifa. Noy is spending her gap year after graduating high school working with different institutions. In a roundtable conversation, she will share her experiences and perspectives as an Israeli. Light refreshments will be served.

Purim Pop-Up: Rain Sticks
2024-03-19 15:00 - 17:00
Get ready to add a rhythmic twist to your Purim festivities! Join Yanira to create your own rain stick—a magical instrument that not only lets you unleash your creative flair but also brings the enchanting sounds of rainfall right to your celebration!

Documentary Screening: Rosenwald
2024-03-20 11:30 - 13:00
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.
FREE for members and non-members

Purim Pop-Up: Mask Making
2024-03-20 15:00 - 17:00
Join Yanira for Purim Mask Making! Stop by for a joyful afternoon of crafting unique masks with mixed media.

Purim Pour
2024-03-20 16:00 - 19:00
Sample a selection of kosher wines from Aries Wine & Spirits and place orders for your Passover Seder to pick up at the J!

Art Making with Upcycled Plastic
2024-03-20 18:30 - 20:00
Artist Natalya Khorover will lead us in making flower-inspired art from single-use plastic bags. We’ll explore the irony in creating symbols of ephemeral nature from plastic which will outlast us all. Bring various soft single-use plastic packaging from home, like shopping bags, bread bags, etc. We’ll supply the rest along with lots of inspiration and snacks!
With Natalya’s guidance, you’ll make art inspired by the flowers we are all awaiting for this spring. Be sure to check out Natalya’s work hanging in the Nature, Climate, and Connection show up now at the JCC.

Birdie’s Batch Pop-Up
2024-03-22 15:00 - 17:00
Local favorite Birdie’s Batch will be at the J with delicious homemade hamantaschen and more!
