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!
Tuesday, February 11 2025
Israel Culture Connection with our Shinshin: Modern Israeli Music and Israeli Mindset at This Time
viewTuesday, February 11 2025
What Happens After I Die?—Jewish Possibilities with Rabbi Ron Symons (Part 1)
viewWednesday, February 12 2025
Diversity within the Jewish Community: Through the Lens of a Graphic Novel
viewThursday, February 13 2025
Common Ground: Artificial Intelligence–Or as Ecclecsiates Calls It, Nothing New Under the Sun
viewFriday, February 14 2025 Jewish Life
Challah and Conversation: You Shall Guard and Work The Garden
viewTuesday, February 18 2025
What Happens After I Die?—Jewish Possibilities with Rabbi Ron Symons (Part 2)
viewTuesday, February 25 2025
What Happens After I Die?—Jewish Possibilities with Rabbi Ron Symons (Part 3)
viewTuesday, February 25 2025
An Evening with Glenn Cohen, Former Mossad Chief Psychologist and Hostage Negotiator
view
Ongoing Programs
Common 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.
February 13: Artificial Intelligence–Or as Ecclecsiates Calls It, Nothing New Under the Sun
RegisterStay tuned for more topics and dates!
Clergy Talk
First Fridays of the month, 9:30-10:30 am
Join us for meaningful conversations with Rivertowns clergy. Your voice matters and makes these conversations all the more valuable.
February 7: “Godshopping” with Rabbi Mara Young
RegisterFuture Dates:
- March 7: Topic TBD
- April 4: Cantor Lauren Phillips Fogelman
“Dances with Timbrels: Women in The Passover Story” - May 2: Rabbi Daniel Reiser
Topic TBD - June 6: Topic TBD
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.
February 14: You Shall Guard and Work The Garden
February 21: Love the Stranger as Yourself
February 28: Looking for Joy, Especially Now
Mark your calendars! Topics TBD
March: 14, 21, 28
April 11, 18, 25
May 9, 16, 23, 30
June 13, 20, 27
Israel Culture Connection with our Shinshin
The Shinshinim program is the “year of service” that offers Israeli high school graduates an opportunity to delay mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces and serve diaspora communities for up to 10 months. The program allows communities to meet young Israeli ambassadors who perform meaningful service prior to entering the army.
Here at the J, connect with our Shishin (Junior Israeli ambassador) Asaf Baider. He will share his experiences growing up on a Moshav in the south of Israel and perspectives as an Israeli.
Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday, February 11; 1:00-2:00 pm: From High School to the Israeli Defense Force: The Mindset of Emerging Adults in Israel
Future Dates:
March 11, April 8, May 13
Events
Israel Culture Connection with our Shinshin: Modern Israeli Music and Israeli Mindset at This Time
Tue, Feb 11, 2025
12:30pm - 1:30pm
What Happens After I Die?—Jewish Possibilities with Rabbi Ron Symons (Part 1)
Tue, Feb 11, 2025
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Diversity within the Jewish Community: Through the Lens of a Graphic Novel
Wed, Feb 12, 2025
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Common Ground: Artificial Intelligence–Or as Ecclecsiates Calls It, Nothing New Under the Sun
Thu, Feb 13, 2025
10:00am - 11:00am
What Happens After I Die?—Jewish Possibilities with Rabbi Ron Symons (Part 2)
Tue, Feb 18, 2025
4:30pm - 5:30pm
What Happens After I Die?—Jewish Possibilities with Rabbi Ron Symons (Part 3)
Tue, Feb 25, 2025
4:30pm - 5:30pm
