Learning & Conversations
Jewish Life at the Shames JCC
The Shames JCC inspires and grows community connections through Jewish teachings, values, spirituality, and culture in ways that are accessible, caring, and inspiring. Our diverse programs and events include discussions that impact our greater community and provide valuable lessons; celebrations of the heritage, traditions, and values of Jewish culture; actions that repair our corner of the world (tikkun olam); and invitations to reach across real and perceived religious, ethnic, racial, economic, and cultural differences to focus on our shared humanity.
Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome to join us.
Ongoing Programs
Common Ground: Interfaith Dialogue
2nd Thursday of the Month, beginning September 12; 10:00-11:00 am
Join Rabbi Jay Stein, Greenburgh Hebrew Center, and Rev. Gareth Evans, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church of Irvington, 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.
September 12 – People of Faith and The Election: Gun Control, Abortion, Economy, Immigration, Character.
We may not all agree with the correct solutions to every problem in our country, but can we agree on what the problems are? In this session, Reverend Evans and Rabbi Stein will explore what our sacred traditions believe are the important issues that should guide our decisions when we enter the voting booth.
Clergy Talk (Formerly “Challenging Times, Ageless Insights”)
First Fridays of the month, 10:00-11:00 am
Join us for meaningful conversations with Rivertowns clergy. Your voice matters and makes these conversations all the more valuable.
Schedule:
September 6: Rabbi Jay Stein, Greenburgh Hebrew Center
Messiah or Martyrdom: Religion and Violence in the Name of God Register
October 4 – No Session – Happy New Year!
November 1 – Cantor Robin Joseph, Temple Beth Shalom
“Racism: What’s Judaism got to do with it?” Register
December 6 – Rabbi David Holtz, Temple Beth Abraham
“The Maccabees in Their Own Words” Register
January 3 – Cantor Jenna Mark, Woodlands Community Temple
“Mental Health and Melody: the power of music for wellness” Register
February 7 – Rabbi Mara Young
Topic TBA
March 7 TBA
April 4 Cantor Lauren Phillips Fogelman
“Dances with Timbrels: Women in The Passover Story”
May 2 – Rabbi Daniel Reiser
Topic TBA
June 6 TBA
Challah and Conversation
2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Fridays of the month; 10:00–11:00 AM
Rabbi Ron Symons, Shames JCC Sr. Director of Jewish Engagement, will lead an interactive guided conversation about life that weaves general spirituality with a Jewish lens. Topics are drawn from the human condition, anti-Semitism/hate in our world, holidays, Israel, current events, and more, with a focus on our shared humanity. Our conversations will be all the richer because of your presence, questions, and comments. We end our time together with a little grape juice and challah. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome.
September 13, 20, 27
- 9/13 – Can I Have a Do Over… Please?
Uncover the importance of mulligans or do-overs; not just in sports and games, but also in the most important moments of life. This conversation is inspired by the Jewish New Year and will expand into our everyday lives no matter your faith tradition. Register
- 9/20 – Apologies are So 20th Century!
Explore the power of authentic apologies and the damage of inauthentic apologies. Think about the last time you received a really good apology… How long ago was it? This conversation is inspired by the Jewish practice of apologizing on Yom Kippur and will expand into our everyday lives no matter your faith tradition. Register
- 9/27 – Happy Birthday to You!
Join with Rabbi Ron Symons in discussing the history of birthdays and their celebration rituals. With Rosh Hashanah, often called the “birthday of the world,” just days away, this conversation will help us appreciate why marking time is valuable, no matter how old in body or young in heart you are. While this conversation is inspired by Rosh Hashanah, it will expand into our everyday lives no matter your faith tradition. Register
October 11, 18, 25
November 8, 15, 22, (no 29)
December 13, 20, (no 27)
January 10, 17, (no 24), 31
February 14, 21, 28
March 14, 21, 28
April 11, 18, 25
May 9, 16, 23, 30
June 13, 20, 27
