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, October 15 2024 Jewish Life
Inside the Middle East: Navigating the Storm One Year After October 7
viewSaturday, October 19 2024 Adult Enrichment
Sukkotenanny at the J with The Klezmericana Square Dance Band
viewFriday, January 03 2025 Jewish Life
Clergy Talk: Mental Health and Melody: The Power of Music for Wellness
view
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. Register - October 10 – no class
Stay tuned for more topics and dates!
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
Mark your calendars! Topics TBA
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
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. In a roundtable conversation on the last Tuesday of the month (12:00-1:00 pm), he will share his experiences growing up on a Moshav in the south of Israel and perspectives as an Israeli. See the calendar above for event dates and registration information.
