Learning & Conversations
Jewish Life at the 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!
If you’d like to subscribe to the monthly Jewish Life newsletter, please click here.
Friday, May 30 2025 Jewish Life
Challah and Conversation: “The Ten Commandments: A Reading for Today”
viewFriday, June 06 2025 Jewish Life
Challah and Conversation: “Adam & Eve and Adam & Steve: Exploring Religious Perspectives on Gay Marriage”
viewFriday, June 13 2025 Jewish Life
Challah and Conversation: “Hatikvah and the Star-Spangled Banner—Among Other National Anthems”
viewFriday, June 20 2025
Clergy Talk: “Juneteenth in the Jewish Community: How Can the Day Speak to Us All?”
viewFriday, June 27 2025 Jewish Life
Challah and Conversation: “The Golden Medinah: Jewish Life in America over 249 Years”
view
Ongoing Programs
Clergy Talk
Join us for meaningful conversations with Rivertowns clergy. Your voice matters and makes these conversations all the more valuable.
June 20: “Juneteenth in the Jewish Community: How Can the Day Speak to Us All?” with Rabbi Barbara Symons, Temple Beth El of City Island
RegisterCommon Ground: Interfaith Dialogue
2nd Thursday of the month; 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.
There is no Common Ground session in June. Stay tuned for future dates!
Challah and Conversation
2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Fridays of the month; 9:30–10:30 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 begin our time together by lighting candles and end with a little grape juice and challah. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. Feel free to join us whenever you’re available to do so.
May 23: No session
May 30: “The Ten Commandments: A Reading for Today”
More Information
June 6: Adam & Eve and Adam & Steve: Exploring Religious Perspectives on Gay Marriage
More Information
June 13: Hatikvah and the Star-Spangled Banner—Among Other National Anthems
More Information
June 27: The Golden Medinah: Jewish Life in America over 249 Years
More Information
Events
Challah and Conversation: “The Ten Commandments: A Reading for Today”
Fri, May 30, 2025
9:30am - 10:30am
Challah and Conversation: “Adam & Eve and Adam & Steve: Exploring Religious Perspectives on Gay Marriage”
Fri, Jun 06, 2025
9:30am - 10:30am
Challah and Conversation: “Hatikvah and the Star-Spangled Banner—Among Other National Anthems”
Fri, Jun 13, 2025
9:30am - 10:30am
