

Christmas Eve
CLOSED— Christmas Day
New Year's Eve
New Year's Day
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!
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!
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:
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
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
12:30pm - 1:30pm
4:30pm - 5:30pm
3:00pm - 4:00pm
10:00am - 11:00am
4:30pm - 5:30pm
4:30pm - 5:30pm