Shames JCC

Birdie’s Batch Pop-Up Shop
2024-10-01 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
It’s tradition on Rosh Hashanah to eat apples and honey, so grab some local honey, apple-honey jelly, honey spice cakes, apple galettes, and Grandma’s apple cake from local mom-and-daughter duo. Preorders must be placed by 9/25.

Coffee and Games
2024-10-02 11:30 - 13:00
FREE for members and non-members
Grab a friend or meet a new one over coffee and a good game. We provide Scrabble, playing cards, Rummikub, Mah Jongg, Othello, chess, and more; you’re also welcome to bring your own. Free coffee for players – feel free to bring your lunch!

CLOSED—Rosh Hashanah
2024-10-02 15:00 - 2024-10-04 20:00

Art Fakes and Forgeries with Serdar Arat
2024-10-07 10:00 - 11:30
Art fakes and forgeries provide the satisfaction of a criminal mystery and inspire contemplation of our expectations of art. As fakes and forgeries get more outrageous and damaging, some forgers enjoy celebrity status. Most alarmingly, museums around the world are also full of undetected fakes that are proudly exhibited as genuine art. Join art historian Serfer Arart for an exploration of how forgers convince, how they are detected, and why authenticity matters.
About the Presenter: Serdar Arat is an artist working in NY since 1980. He has nearly forty individual exhibitions, mostly in NYC and Istanbul, and more than sixty group exhibitions. His work has been reviewed in half a dozen New York Times articles, a monograph, catalogs, and a documentary. Serdar is a retired Prof. Emeritus of Art and Gallery Director-Curator, and frequently lectures on the intersection of art and other issues, including a TEDx-talk.

A Communal Remembrance: October 7 and a Year of War
2024-10-07 19:00 - 20:00
We will come together to acknowledge all of our losses since October 7, 2023, including the loss of innocent lives across faiths, ethnicities, and nationalities; the loss of physical and emotional security felt in the Middle East, the U.S., and around the world; the loss of relationships across differences; and more. Our time together will be a-political and filled with music, readings, and private reflection time.

Tasty Tuesday: No Place Like Home (Spanish Food)
2024-10-08 11:30 - 13:30
Join us for Spanish omelettes, assorted Argentinian empanadas, and jarred goods such as ratatouille, paprika, fresh tomato sauce!

Hot Topics: Supreme Court Edition
2024-10-09 11:30 - 13:00
Is the US Supreme Court too supreme? Bring your thinking cap to a “Hot Topics” discussion about what might be done about it. A former judge will lead the conversation.
FREE for members and non-members

Common Ground: Has Politics Replaced Religion in America?
2024-10-10 10:00 - 11:00
Given the divisiveness throughout our country, is it possible that some people think political affiliation is more important than religious affiliation? Join us to discuss with Rabbi Jay Stein from the Greenburgh Hebrew Center and Rev. Gareth Evans from the St. Barnabas Episcopal Church of Irvington.
This is part of the Common Ground: Interfaith Dialogue series. Rabbi Jay Stein, Greenburgh Hebrew Center, and Rev. Gareth Evans, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church of Irvington, come together 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. These are on the 2nd Thursday of every month.

Game Night with Desserts and Drinks
2024-10-10 20:00 - 23:00
Tara’s Tables is hosting Game Night with Desserts and Cocktails featuring Family (or friends) Feud! Enjoy a night of sweet treats, great drinks and a dash of friendly competition.
The evening will include an assortment of desserts from local bakeries, festive cocktails, and a chance to test your wits and have some laughs as we recreate the classic Family Feud game show at the JCC. Bring your competitive spirit and a sweet tooth. It’s a night you won’t want to miss!
Tara’s Tables is a locally owned company dedicated to curating beautiful and intentional “tablescapes,” unique themed table settings that transform any gathering into an unforgettable experience.
Ticket prices will cover the cost of the event. If you are able to make an additional donation, you will help the JCC provide amazing programs and services to many of our most vulnerable neighbors. If you’d like to donate, please choose the donation option in addition to your tickets. We greatly appreciate your support!

Challah and Conversation: The Power of My Word
2024-10-11 09:30 - 10:30
With all the words that easily fly around us on the news, social media, and in conversation, it seems that the weight of our words is less than it used to be. We’ll discuss the importance of sticking to what you say. While this conversation is inspired by the themes of Yom Kippur, its application can touch our everyday lives, no matter your background or faith.
In the Challah and Conversation series, Rabbi Ron Symons, Shames JCC Sr. Director of Jewish Engagement, leads interactive guided conversations about life that weave the world around us with general spirituality through Jewish and other lenses. We begin our time together by lighting candles and end with a little grape juice and challah… all in a very inclusive way. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. These are on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Fridays of each month.

CLOSED—Yom Kippur
2024-10-11 15:00 - 2024-10-12 18:00

What’s the Right Thing to Do? An Ethics Exploration with Edward Ginsberg
2024-10-14 10:00 - 11:30
Modeled after Harvard political theorist Michael Sandel’s book and course, this interactive class will examine the modern definition of happiness and the impact of this definition upon our actions. Using a historical case study, we will examine contemporary events through a Jewish ethics lens.
About the Presenter: Edward Ginsberg has been teaching history for over a half century, most recently at Marist College and SUNY Dutchess. He also served as director of human rights education for the New York State Education Department in the late 1970s. Edward currently participates in the Westchester County Climate Crisis Task Force. He has also studied and traveled extensively in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Greenland.

Community Information Table: LiveOnNY
2024-10-15 10:00 - 13:00
Stop by our lobby to discuss with Rabbi Joshua Rabin of LiveOnNY the power of committing to donate an organ after your death.

Who Killed Sarah Parsons? A Courtroom Transcript Reading Part 2
2024-10-15 13:00 - 14:00
Members: free; non-members: $5
Join us for the conclusion of this riveting court case in which a developmentally disabled young man is charged with a murder from 11 years ago. You’ll take on roles of detectives, suspects, and witnesses, delving into the complexities of the case. Navigate through shifting evidence, hidden motives, and unanswered questions as you work together to uncover the truth. Previous attendance not necessary!

Inside the Middle East: Navigating the Storm One Year After October 7
2024-10-15 19:00 - 20:30
As the Middle East navigates a storm of unprecedented challenges, we stand at a pivotal juncture that will define the future of Israel, the Palestinians, and the entire region. Avi Melamed, former Israeli intelligence official and senior advisor on Arab affairs, will lead a special briefing on the issues underscoring the escalating conflict. We’ll delve deep into the forces driving these turbulent times, unravel the intricate complexities beneath the surface, look at “the day after,” and assess the far-reaching implications for both the region, and the world.
Avi Melamed is a Middle East geopolitical expert and intelligence analyst. He is the founder of Inside the Middle East, an apolitical non-partisan educational nonprofit providing analysis on current affairs. Avi is the author of Inside the Middle East: Entering a New Era, and has been a featured expert in the media including CNN, Newsweek, and USA Today.

Community Information Table: League of Women Voters
2024-10-16 10:00 - 13:00
Get the non-partisan facts about voting registration, where to vote, and how to vote. Come by the front lobby to learn from our trusted partners at the League of Women Voters of The Rivertowns. Who knows, you might even find a way to become a leader in their organization.

Film Screening in The Ark: “The King’s Speech” (Dir. Tom Hooper)
2024-10-16 11:30 - 13:30
FREE for members and non-members
Watch this Best Picture winner starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter in our state-of-the-art theater! Shortly after becoming king, George VI seeks help from unconventional therapist Lionel Logue to help him overcome his speech impediment. Through their bond and Logue’s unique methods, George prepares for a crucial speech that unites the nation as World War II looms. The film highlights perseverance, friendship, and the power of communication in leadership. Running time: 118 mins.

Get-Out-the-Vote Postcarding
2024-10-17 12:30 - 14:00
Write postcards from MomsRising and other nonpartisan organizations to help encourage voters to exercise their democratic right on November 5!

Challah and Conversation: Shelter Us!
2024-10-18 09:30 - 10:30
On this second day of the fall holiday of Sukkot, which celebrates the power of shelter in our lives, we will explore both the contemporary challenges of affordable housing in our region and the spiritual power of being sheltered in all kinds of ways. While this conversation is inspired by the themes of Sukkot, its application can touch our everyday lives, no matter your background or faith. (Weather permitting, we might hold this session in our Sukkah (Harvest Hut) on the quad of the JCC.)
In the Challah and Conversation series, Rabbi Ron Symons, Shames JCC Sr. Director of Jewish Engagement, leads interactive guided conversations about life that weave the world around us with general spirituality through Jewish and other lenses. We begin our time together by lighting candles and end with a little grape juice and challah… all in a very inclusive way. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. These are on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Fridays of each month.

Sensory Swim (All ages)
2024-10-18 18:00 - 19:30
Come spend your Friday night with us at our special Sensory-Friendly Swim Night, exclusively for families with an immediate member with a disability. The pool will be reserved just for you, providing a sensory-friendly environment where you can enjoy a relaxing swim without the usual distractions. This event is designed to accommodate sensory sensitivities and ensure a comfortable, enjoyable experience for all participants.

Second Annual “One-of-a-Kind Pop-Up Shop”
2024-10-19 10:00 - 14:00
Join us for our second annual “One-of-a-Kind Pop-Up Shop!” You will be able to explore a diverse array of handmade crafts, artworks, tasty treats, and innovative creations crafted by neurodiverse artists, bakers, and employees. Not only will this be a great opportunity to find that one of a kind gift for the upcoming holiday season, but you will also be helping to support the dreams and opportunities for competitive employment within the neurodiverse community.

Sukkot'enanny at the J with The Klezmericana Square Dance Band
2024-10-19 18:00 - 20:00
Members: $50; non-members: $65
What happens when you mix the harvest holiday of Sukkot with an old fashioned hootenanny? A Sukkot’enanny, of course! Join us in The Ark for live music, Yiddish and American-style square dancing, and a delicious buffet dinner from Liebman’s Deli. This joyful event will feature special guests Cantor (and dance caller) Sarah Myerson and the award-winning Lisa Gutkin and her Klezmericana Square Dance Band.
Don’t like to dance? No problem! You can still enjoy this unique musical evening with great food and company. JCC members and non-members are welcome, so tell your friends!
This Verve event is generously sponsored by UJA-Federation of NY.
About the Performers:
Lisa Gutkin
Lisa is the renowned violinist and vocalist for the groundbreaking Jewish Roots band, The Klezmatics, and fiddler for the Downtown Celtic band, Whirligig. She is also known for her scoring, performance, and music direction in the two time Tony Award winning play, Indecent. Lisa has performed in Sting’s Broadway musical, The Last Ship, and her song “Gonna Get Through This World” – with words by Woody Guthrie – was hailed by Pete Seeger, as “a piece of genius.”
Cantor Sarah Myerson
Cantor Sarah Myerson proudly serves the community of Kane Street Synagogue in Brooklyn, New York and actively works to bridge the worlds of Jewish religion and Yiddish culture. Since 2008, she has led Yiddish social dancing and taught workshops and private lessons in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Israel, and Australia. She continues to write and perform new Yiddish and sacred Jewish music, often accompanying herself on banjolele, piano, accordion, or percussion. Sarah received her cantorial investiture and Master of Sacred Music degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (NY), and her cantorial commission from the Cantors Assembly.
Also featuring:
Wayne Fugate on mandolin, Mike Kobetitsch on guitar, Christina Crowder on accordion and banjo, and Brian Glassman on bass.

How Electric Guitar Changed the World with Michael Shamosh
2024-10-21 10:00 - 11:30
The dominance of the electric guitar in modern popular culture can, in large measure, be traced to the influence of the three Kings (Albert, B. B., and Freddie) as well as the lesser known Earl Hooker. Join us to discuss and hear their contributions to American culture, and learn how and why the instrument took center stage in popular music.
About the presenter: Michael Shamosh is a musician and historian of American music. He was known as “Sunnyside Slim,” the harmonica player for the local band Sunnyside Slim and The Hudsons. Michael has been a chief investment strategist for brokerage firms, and a manager of mutual funds and a hedge fund. He is a JCC member and lives in Irvington, New York where he raised two sons with his wife Renee.

Tasty Tuesday: Empanadas with Cantuña
2024-10-22 11:30 - 13:30
Join us for delicious empanadas handmade by Cantuña! Gluten free will be available too.

Community Information Table: It Takes a Village (ITAV) 10591
2024-10-23 10:00 - 12:00
ITAV provides support and service that help seniors in our community remain independent in their homes. Learn from ITAV representatives what it takes to volunteer or utilize their services.

FREE! Cooking and Connection: Exploring Family Recipes
2024-10-23 12:30 - 14:30
Make social connections while learning new recipes in this collaborative cooking workshop! As part of their Day for Doing Good, Regeneron employees will join Shames JCC members in a hands-on workshop that explores cooking, food memories, and family recipes led by teaching chef Amy Pane. Participants will pair up to make (and eat!) one of Amy’s family favorites, spaghetti and meatballs (both meat and vegetarian), while discussing their own meaningful family recipes. At the end of class, participants will go home with recipes from the day’s meal and receive copies of each other’s family recipes. Advance registration required.

Challah and Conversation: Voting is Good for Your Health
2024-10-25 09:30 - 10:30
We all know that voting is a good thing to do so that your voice is heard, but what if there was more to it? Join us for a values-based conversation about the way the election process impacts our neighbors: not the political impact, the moral impact on us as neighbors.
In the Challah and Conversation series, Rabbi Ron Symons, Shames JCC Sr. Director of Jewish Engagement, leads interactive guided conversations about life that weave the world around us with general spirituality through Jewish and other lenses. We begin our time together by lighting candles and end with a little grape juice and challah… all in a very inclusive way. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. These are on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Fridays of each month.

Laughter Yoga with Dr. Vinodray Shah
2024-10-25 13:30 - 14:30
Laughter Yoga is a unique exercise routine that combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing. Laughter reaps many scientific benefits including reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression; lower blood pressure; a strengthened immune system; and much more. Laughter is initially stimulated as a physical exercise and soon leads to real and contagious laughter. Bring your playful spirit!
FREE for members and non-members

Fall Fest with River Friends
2024-10-27 10:00 - 12:00
Join your River Friends Family for a morning filled with fun and games for the whole family. Enjoy live music, bounce house, sand art, pumpkin decorating, Gaga with J Sports and much more!

Verve Book Club: "Night Watch" by Jayne Anne Phillips
2024-10-30 11:30 - 13:00
Night Watch follows the intertwined lives of a group of characters in a small, tumultuous town as they navigate love, loss, and the haunting shadows of the past. Phillips explores themes of memory, trauma, and the delicate connections that shape our lives, inviting readers into a world where every moment holds significance.
Verve Book club is FREE for members and non-members. Whether you’ve read the book or just want to hear about it, all are welcome!
