Shames JCC

Laughter Yoga with Dr. Vinodray Shah
2025-05-23 11:30 - 12:30, 2025-05-09 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
FREE for members and non-members
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!

JCC Book Club: "We Begin at the End" by Chris Whitaker
2025-05-22 19:00 - 20:15
FREE for members and non-members
The story of a police chief whose childhood friend has returned from prison after 30 years is called by The New York Times “Part thriller, part bildungsroman, part Dickensian tear-jerker and — most startlingly — part western….” Join us to discuss a novel about two kinds of families―the ones we are born into and the ones we create.

Foreign Affairs Discussion Group: A New World Order
2025-05-21 19:00 - 20:15
Members: Free; non-members: $10
The Trump Administration is gutting the old world order, a democratic-capitalist system dominated by the US since after WWII. Instead he seems to be emulating the new Chinese order in opting for protectionism, subsidies, and authoritarian political control. What kind of new world order are we headed for and what can the west do to make it more sustainable and equitable?

Puppy Cuddle with the SPCA (Children & Families only)
2025-05-21 17:45 - 18:15, 2025-05-21 17:15 - 17:45
Members: $12; non-members: $15
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, come take a paws to relax, recharge, and cuddle with adoptable puppies from the SPCA of Westchester! This experience is designed to promote well-being, reduce stress, and bring smiles—all through the healing power of animals.
All puppies at this event are available for adoption—come for the cuddles, maybe leave with a new best friend!
*All funds will be going to support the SPCA of Westchester.

Verve Book Club: "Frozen River" by Ariel Lawhon
2025-05-21 11:30 - 13:00
FREE for members and non-members
Frozen River is a captivating historical novel set during Prohibition in the 1920s. It follows two women—one an immigrant, the other a wealthy socialite—as their lives intersect in a dangerous world of bootlegging and smuggling across the frozen St. Lawrence River. This gripping story explores themes of survival, resilience, and the complex bonds that form in times of crisis.

Voyages with Verve: Recoleta, Buenos Aires’ Most Storied Cemetery
2025-05-20 14:00 - 15:00
FREE for members and non-members, incl. light snack from the region
Join us live from La Boca, one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, where art, architecture, and culture come together in bold and beautiful ways. Known for its colorful buildings and creative spirit, La Boca has long been a haven for artists, performers, and visionaries. From the vibrant murals of Caminito to the stories behind La Boca’s unique architectural style, this tour offers an inspiring look at one of Argentina’s most creative and expressive communities.

Caregiver Conversation Circle
2025-05-20 12:30 - 13:30
Do you care for a family member with chronic illness or special needs? Join our conversation circle to connect with others in a similar situation. Whether you are responsible for a child with special needs, a spouse with cognitive or physical decline, or any other situation that fits, we welcome your participation. The group will be facilitated by longtime social worker, Joanne Reed. Coffee and tea will be served.

Pop Culture Goes Multipolar
2025-05-19 10:00 - 11:30
We are all familiar with the term “economic globalization,” but less so with the term“cultural globalization,” or the degree to which pop culture has gone multipolar. Pop culture has become an important narrative through which we can understand the ever-changing landscape of world politics. Many older Americans grew up immersed in American culture only in our songs, TV shows, movies, and books. But today, we can access pop culture products from all over the world—which have challenged US pop culture dominance. Join us as we explore this transformation and its implications for global connectedness
About the facilitator: David Cheney is an international economics writer, instructor, and trainer for international and educational institutions. He has held a variety of positions at the International Monetary Fund and has provided communications and writing support for a number of multilateral institutions including the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Sensory Swim (All ages)
2025-05-16 18:00 - 19:30
Luau theme!
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.

Challah and Conversation: "Memorial Day: What happened to the power of memorializing?"
2025-05-16 09:30 - 10:30
Join with Rabbi Symons as we uncover the ways Jewish wisdom invites us to memorialize those who are no longer with us. Lest you think otherwise, it is not through “White Sales”. Our conversation will touch on our collective efforts around Memorial Day and our individual efforts around friends and family.
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.

Common Ground: "If I am only for myself, what am I? If I’m not for myself, who will be for me?"
2025-05-15 10:00 - 11:00
Balancing community and self as revealed through Jewish and Christian thought.
The common understanding that “What’s mine is mine and what’s yours is yours” makes for cordial co-existence. However, our faith traditions offer meaningful ways of connecting on a deeper level. Join us for a discussion about how we can “expand the pie” or share resources to raise us all up.
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.

A Workshop for Renewal: Restorative Yoga + River Stone Mandalas
2025-05-14 18:30 - 20:00
Members: $30; non-members: $35
Tap into this restorative workshop that will leave you with a lasting sense of well-being. We’ll start with the deeply restful practices of restorative yoga and yoga nidra. You’ll then create a personal river stone mandala—a literal touchstone of inner peace and reminder of your own inherent beauty, wisdom, and strength.

Blood Drive
2025-05-14 13:00 - 19:00
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Do a mitzvah; sign up to give blood at the J! When you donate blood, you help patients of all ages who may be undergoing treatment for cancer, chronic illness, traumatic accidents and injuries, and more.

Verve Potluck Picnic
2025-05-14 12:00 - 14:00
FREE for members and non-members
Bring a dish to share with friends new and not-new for a potluck picnic at the JCC! We’ll gather under the tent in the front lawn to celebrate spring. Drinks and dessert on us!
NOTE: Please include a list of ingredients with your dish in case of allergies.
Click here to tell us what you’re bringing!

PB&J Sandwich Making for the Food Insecure
2025-05-14 11:00 - 12:00
Before we enjoy our outdoor potluck picnic, join us to support those who are food insecure. We’ll make PB&J sandwiches for the residents of the Broadway Manor Shelter in Yonkers. Feel free to bring sliced bread to contribute to these efforts.
No RSVP needed.

Israel Culture Connection with our Shinshin: “You’re in the army now!”
2025-05-13 12:30 - 13:30
Join our youth ambassador Asaf Bader as he discusses the realities and emotions surrounding graduating high school and entering the Israel Defense Force. With your help, Asaf will compare and contrast the American high school experience with the Israeli. Hummus and pita for swiping will make our conversation all the more festive.

The Pardon Power: Uses and Abuses
2025-05-12 10:00 - 11:30
Jess Velona explores how presidential pardons, while often merciful or remedial for judicial errors, have also been granted amidst some of the greatest political controversies in our history. Some examples include Andrew Johnson’s mass pardons of ex-Confederates, Ford’s pardon of Nixon’s Watergate, Carter’s mass pardons of Vietnam draft evaders, Clinton’s pardon of fugitive Marc Rich, Biden’s pardon of his son, and Trump’s mass pardons of January 6 defendants. Jess will address what limits exist upon the pardon power, particularly after the Supreme Court’s recent decision on presidential immunity.
About the Presenter: Jess Velona has taught courses on Russian history, the Nazi regime, and other topics at Fordham University’s College at 60 and NYU’s School of Professional Studies, as well as African American history at CUNY’s College of Staten Island. He has been a Lecturer-in-Law at Columbia Law School since 2006. Jess graduated from Harvard College and received an MA in history from NYU before completing Columbia Law School, where he has been a lecturer-in-law since 2006. Jess previously served as a law clerk for then-Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As a one time candidate for public office in Manhattan and former aide to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Jess loves sharing his passion for politics and history with students and adult audiences across the New York metropolitan area.

Challah and Conversation: "Mothers and Fathers: Can a Hallmark Card say it all?"
2025-05-09 09:30 - 10:30
Join with Rabbi Symons in a participatory conversation about how Jewish wisdom teaches us to raise up the next generation. We will reflect on the ways we were raised to honor our parents, how our children honored parents in our generation, and how children are honoring parents today. This conversation will be all the richer because you, parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, or friend might share your wisdom.
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.

Pop-Up: Honey and Gold Flower Shop
2025-05-09 09:00 - 12:00
Come get beautiful flowers for the mom in your life, or anyone deserving of some beauty! New local business Honey and Gold Flowers and Coffee Shop will be selling beautiful bouquets that you can conveniently take with you from the J.

Pop-Up: Ceramics from Maggie Chow
2025-05-08 09:00 - 13:00
Explore handmade, functional ceramics with special designs, all created locally in Westchester and without any toxic materials.

Hot Topics
2025-05-07 11:30 - 13:00
FREE for members & non-members
Discuss the month’s social and political issues with your fellow news enthusiasts. With timely and changing international, national, and local issues from the news arenas of government, arts, sports, science, and religion, we welcome all participants to voice their ideas. All points of view are welcome in this lively, thought-provoking, and civil discussion. Feel free to bring your lunch and/or a friend!

Pop-Up: Jewels of the East
2025-05-06 09:00 - 13:00
Purchase one-of-a-kind Baltic Amber jewelry and gorgeous silk, wool and cashmere scarves, shawls, and ponchos with and without embroidery.

The History of Film Music
2025-05-05 10:00 - 11:30
Members: free; non-members: $10
Movies always had music, even before they had sound. This lecture uses audio and video examples to explore the history of music written for film—its aesthetics, its uses, its various styles, and its changing technology—from its beginnings in the late 19th century to recent trends.
About the Presenter: Allen Cohen is Professor of Music at Fairleigh Dickinson University. His compositions have been played in Carnegie Hall and across the United States and Europe. He has also written dance arrangements for Broadway musicals, scores for off-Broadway musicals and plays, and music for several films and many radio and television commercials. Allen has conducted three musicals on Broadway and many elsewhere. He has served as a judge for the American Prize in music for many years, and has presented papers about music and musical theater at conferences in New York City, Hawaii, Greece, and Germany.

Pop-up: Ariane's Jewel Box
2025-05-05 09:00 - 12:00
For the trendsetter in your life, explore this carefully curated collection of jewelry.

The Especially Everyone Experience
2025-05-04 13:30 - 15:30
General admission: $30
JCC Members use discount code SHAMESJCC
Live music brings great happiness to many individuals, but those with sensory challenges may find concerts too overstimulating. In this inclusive concert, the Especially Everyone Ensemble leads a sensory-friendly show featuring upbeat, positive tunes that ensures those with sensitivities can actively participate. Special accommodations, such as noise-canceling headphones, soft lighting adjustments, and a designated sensory break are provided to guarantee a positive experience for all attendees.

J Sports Academy High Performance Training Clinic and Pool Party
2025-05-04 13:00 - 16:00
Campers: $10; non-campers: $15
At The Masters School: 49 Clinton Ave, Dobbs Ferry
Get ready for an afternoon of sports, swimming, fun, and friends! This is a great opportunity for new, returning, and prospective campers to sharpen their skills, get trained by expert coaches, and have a blast cooling off in our pool.

American Tune: A Paul Simon Tribute Concert
2025-05-03 19:00 - 21:00
Doors to the cocktail area open at 6:00 pm. Doors to the theater open at 6:45 pm
Beer and wine available for purchase
An all-star ensemble of NYC-based musicians will perform the music of Paul Simon, one of the most influential and beloved American singer-songwriters of the 20th century. The band of top talent– assembled for this performance by Congregation B’nai Jeshurun’s music director Dan Nadel– mirrors Simon’s range, representing roots in gospel, r&b, jazz, rock n roll, and traditional world music. You’ll enjoy favorite songs from different eras including Sound of Silence, American Tune, Mrs. Robinson, and Graceland, as well as stories about Simon and his creative process.
After the concert, join us for a dessert reception!

Clergy Talk: "Outspoken: Free Speech, Hate Speech, and the Jewish Tradition"
2025-05-02 09:30 - 10:30
Do social media platforms have the responsibility to remove content that is factually untrue? Do universities have the responsibility to prohibit hate speech?
Where do American law and Jewish ethics overlap, and where do they differ on these issues of speech? Join us as we explore these timely questions of our era.
Join Rabbi Daniel Reiser of Temple Beth Shalom for this month’s Clergy Talk (formerly Challenging Times, Ageless Insights). Each month, we feature meaningful conversations with Rivertowns clergy. Your voice matters and makes these conversations all the more valuable. These are on the first Friday of every month.
