Shames JCC

Family Pizza and a Movie Night: Encanto
2025-01-10 17:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Kick off your weekend with your friends at the J over pizza and a screening of Encanto in our new theater! Wear your comfy clothes and we’ll take care of the rest by feeding and entertaining you and your kids.
We are excited to share that Actor Ravi Cabot-Conyers, who stars as Antonio in the movie, will join us for a Meet & Greet and sign autographs before the show!

Gershwin: An Afternoon of Song and Story
2025-01-12 15:00 - 17:00
The New York-based Golden Ticket Series returns with a live orchestra, professional singers, and Broadway producer Jack Viertel to bring the works of legendary team George and Ira Gershwin to life. Memorable selections will include, “S’Wonderful,” “Our Love Is Here to Stay,” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.”

Looted Art Part 2: Who Gets to Keep It?
2025-01-13 10:00 - 11:30
As various forms of looting bolstered public museums around the world, they also prompted the idea of moral responsibility and the practice of restitution. Today, the question of who should be the keeper of cultural heritage is once again transforming museums and private collections alike. We will follow the fascinating stories of some of the most admired masterpieces of world art, how they ended up where they are today, and the unprecedented developments concerning museum ownership of art.

You Give the Verdict: Once Lovers, Now Enemies
2025-01-13 13:00 - 14:00
FREE for members; $5 for non-members
Lynn Daniels, a successful business woman, met Dr. Alan Kaufman, a psychiatrist, as a result of an ad her mother placed in the newspaper seeking a male companion for Lynn. Now Ms. Daniels is suing her husband for intentional infliction of emotional distress. Does she deserve $1 million as compensation for emotional abuse? Join us for a riveting court case reading and find out!

Documentary Screening in The Ark: "‘Til Kingdom Come" (Dir. Maya Zinshtein)
2025-01-15 11:30 - 13:15
FREE for members and non-members
running time 76 minutes + time for discussion
‘Til Kingdom Come explores the powerful alliance between American evangelicals and Israeli politics, revealing how religious beliefs shape global geopolitics. This documentary by Israeli filmmaker Maya Zinshtein, offers a unique perspective on the intersection of faith, politics, and the Middle East. Trailer here.

Challah and Conversation: "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice."
2025-01-17 09:30 - 10:30
Join a conversation about the impact of the life, work and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., its roots deep in biblical themes and its branches reaching towards tomorrow.
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)
2025-01-17 18:00 - 19:30
Safari 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.

The Happiness Show
2025-01-19 10:30 - 11:30
Tickets: $5
This lively, family-friendly, participatory puppet and improv performance is designed to spark joy and laughter for audiences of all ages. Featuring playful puppets, interactive skits, and spontaneous comedy, the show offers a heartwarming experience that celebrates moments of happiness in everyday life. Join us after the show to make your own puppet to take home.
The Happiness Show at the Shames JCC is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

MLK Day of Service
2025-01-20 10:00 - 11:30
There is strength in numbers and power in shared purpose.
This MLK Day, the Shames JCC is joining UJA and a variety of partners from across New York to work together toward a stronger future for all. Join us at the J for a meaningful volunteer opportunity that will make a difference in the lives of individuals, our community, and the greater community to which we all belong. Families and individuals of all ages can decorate and pack “Blizzard Boxes”, which contain the makings of a complete meal, for the Sleepy Hollow High School Food Pantry.
This session is full. Please call (914) 306-9477 to be placed on the waitlist for the afternoon session (1:30-3:00 pm).

MLK Day of Service
2025-01-20 13:30 - 15:00
There is strength in numbers and power in shared purpose.
This MLK Day, the Shames JCC is joining UJA and a variety of partners from across New York to work together toward a stronger future for all. Join us at the J for a meaningful volunteer opportunity that will make a difference in the lives of individuals, our community, and the greater community to which we all belong. Families and individuals of all ages can decorate and pack “Blizzard Boxes”, which contain the makings of a complete meal, for the Sleepy Hollow High School Food Pantry.
Please call us at (914) 306-9477 to be placed on the waiting list.
If you registered for the morning session at 10:00 am, you will receive a confirmation email days before the event.

JCC Book Club: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
2025-01-21 19:00 - 20:15
In this New York Times bestseller, Fredrik Backman explores the unexpected connections between people who are being held hostage after a failed bank robbery. This novel blends humor, heart, and reflection on human relationships, and the struggles we all face.

Virtual Walking Tour: Jewish Vienna
2025-01-22 11:00 - 12:00
FREE for members and non-members
Drop-ins welcome
On this live streamed, virtual tour of Vienna’s Jewish Quarter in the second district, we’ll walk the streets and lanes of this fascinating neighborhood as our guide shares insights into its rich Jewish heritage and culture. Learn about the Quarter’s vibrant intellectual and artistic scenes in the late 1800s and early 1900s, including details about the early life of composer Arnold Schoenberg. Through poignant narratives and historical accounts, gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact of the Holocaust on Vienna’s Jewish Quarter, and how the memories of those dark times are honored and commemorated today. Co-presented with Wowzitude.

Group Outing: Marc Chagall’s Windows— Art Exhibition and Visit to Union Church
2025-01-22 11:30 - 13:30
$10 for members; $20 for non-members
Join us for an illuminating afternoon as we learn about renowned artist Marc Chagall, who was commissioned by the Rockefeller family in the 1960s to create a series of stained-glass windows for Union Church of Pocantico Hills. Our visit will begin at the David Rockefeller Creative Arts Center for a private curator-led tour of Sketching Light, an exhibit that features 27 studies by Chagall and which provides a rare opportunity to explore his creative process. Afterwards, we’ll visit Union Church for a tour of these remarkable windows in person. Participants are responsible for their own transportation; carpooling is also available from the JCC.

Lunch Outing: O Mandarin Chinese Restaurant
2025-01-23 12:30 - 14:00
$20 cash covers all food, tax, and tip
Join us for our next lunch outing to beloved O Mandarin Restaurant in Hartsdale! Your meal includes your choice of soup and lunch entree (drinks are extra). O Mandarin is known for its fresh and creative Chinese cuisine served in an elegant dining room.
The menu is suitable for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The cost is $20 per person (to be brought in cash), and includes all taxes and gratuity. These events are always lots of fun and a great way to meet new people.
NOTE: We will be meeting at O Mandarin, 361 N Central Ave in Hartsdale, NY 10530. There is plenty of parking available. If you need a ride to the restaurant from the JCC or have room in your car for others, please email cjacobs@shamesjcc.org when you register.

Three Paths to Inner Peace: Movement, Stillness, and Sound
2025-01-26 10:00 - 11:30
Members: $20; non-members $25
Join the incredible yoga teachers of the Shames JCC–Stephany, Bari and Lisa– for a special extra-long class incorporating three distinct styles of movement and relaxation. We will offer breathing practices, yoga asana (poses) as well as guided meditation and sound healing to guide you through a holistic and nurturing experience. This class is open to all levels.
Please consider bringing a yoga mat and blanket/towel.

Ten Films That Changed America
2025-01-26 16:00 - 18:00
We often think of movies as entertainment, an escape from the pressures and crises of the world around us. Yet there is a group of films that have not only enchanted audiences but also influenced society, and even changed America. Award-winning film producer Will Kuhn will discuss remarkable cinematic masterpieces that have profoundly impacted our nation’s culture, history, and politics. This fascinating presentation will help you understand and appreciate even the most complex films and how each of them remade American society in unique ways.
Click here for a sneak peak!

The Supreme Court in Crisis: What Can Be Done?
2025-01-27 10:00 - 11:30
Once among the most revered institutions in America, the Supreme Court is under a cloud. Several justices have been harshly criticized for failing to report large gifts from people likely to have cases before the Court, and for political displays that undercut the Court’s claim to impartiality. Longstanding precedents establishing basic freedoms, and ensuring that no one is above the law, have been overturned. In this lecture, Jess Velona will review how we got here and address some of the major reform proposals, including expanding the Court, term limits, and a binding ethics code.
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. He was 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.

Caregiver Conversation Circle
2025-01-28 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.

Voyages with Verve: Mexico City
2025-01-28 14:00 - 15:00
FREE for members and non-members, light snack from the country included
Journey through Mexico City’s pulsating core, where centuries of history blend with modern urban energy. Experience the grandeur of the Zócalo, one of the world’s largest city squares, flanked by the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace with its famous Diego Rivera murals. Immerse yourself in the capital’s vibrant street life, where the aroma of local cuisine mingles with the sounds of mariachi music. From colonial landmarks to bustling markets, discover why this megalopolis remains Latin America’s cultural powerhouse and a city of endless fascination.
Can’t make this program? This tour is available to view live at home as well – the link will be sent after registration.

Verve Book Club: “Just Kids” by Patti Smith
2025-01-29 11:30 - 13:00
FREE for members and non-members
Patti Smith’s autobiography, “Just Kids,” is a salute to 60s and 70s New York City,its rich and poor, its hustlers and hellions. A true fable, it is a portrait of two young artists’ ascent, a prelude to fame. What begins as a love story ends as an elegy in this National Book Award winner.

Planning for Retirement: Financial Planning
2025-01-29 18:00 - 20:00
FREE for members; $10 for non-members
Learn how to plan for a financially secure retirement from a top professional in the field. Dr. Harry Mamaysky will explain that two steps of retirement planning: (1) figuring out how much you need to have saved and (2) figuring out how to get there. Harry will also discuss market uncertainty and risk management, share historical data on stock and bond market performance, and provide suggestions for future self study. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions! Current retirees and those planning to retire any time in the next 40 years will benefit from this conversation!
Join our lecture, Defining Your Vision, on Wednesday, February 5!

Foreign Affairs Discussion: The Iran-Saudi Arabia Struggle
2025-01-30 19:00 - 20:15
Saudi Arabia and Iran have two sharply contrasting plans for the future. The Saudis’ forward-looking strategy seeks to build a modern economy and society and join the world while Iran’s backward-looking vision wants to consolidate its theocracy, spread its influence in the region, and sustain its war on Israel. Iran’s military has had greater success in building its power in the region, but ultimately, it’s the Saudi vision that will redeem the Middle East. Join us to discuss the best outcome for the region and whether or how it can be achieved.
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. David has served as an adjunct professor of Global Economics and Writing at NYU and currently runs two foreign affairs discussion groups at the Manhattan JCC and Scarsdale Adult School.

Challah and Conversation: The Power of Work
2025-01-31 09:30 - 10:30
Join a conversation about the impact good work has played on our lives and how those who have organized workers have advanced the common good. We can reflect on how meaningful work is an essential part of our individual and collective identities. Our conversation will reach back to the days of the Torah, to the good work of labor organizers of the 20th century, and to our own experiences of work.
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.

J Sports Basketball Clinic and Open House
2025-02-01 10:00 - 11:00
The Masters School (park and meet at the Fonseca Center)
49 Clinton Ave, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
Join the camp for kids who love sports for a taste of what’s to come this summer! J Sports Academy’s new basketball partner, Rising Sport Stars, will be hosting a FREE basketball clinic for children in grades 2nd-8th. You’ll get to see the beautiful facilities where camp is happening, meet camp leadership and coaching staff, and learn more about the incredible summer we have in store. Snacks and refreshments will be served.

An Evening with Judy Gold
2025-02-01 19:00 - 20:30
Doors open at 6:00 pm
Enjoy a special evening with acclaimed stand-up comedian, actor, author, and producer, Judy Gold! Judy’s stand-up specials have aired on Comedy Central and HBO and she has been featured in multiple documentaries including Trevor Noah’s XCLD: The Story of Cancel Culture. Judy has written and starred in three critically acclaimed Off-Broadway hit shows, including Yes I Can Say That!. An Emmy award-winner, she has appeared on The View, The Today Show, The Drew Barrymore Show, and on MSNBC, CNN and NewsNation.

Janitorial Training Program: Information Session (via Zoom)
2025-02-02 10:00 - 11:00
Age requirement: Applicants must be of working age
The Shames JCC on the Hudson, in partnership with AHRC NYC and Goodwill NYNJ, is pleased to announce the launch of OPWDD Funded Career Specific Vocational Training in the field of Janitorial-Environmental Services. We invite you to join us for an information session to learn more and determine if this is the right fit for you, your clients, or someone you know!

Chill Out With River Friends: A “Frozen” Sleep Under
2025-02-02 14:00 - 16:00
Wear your coziest pjs and come enjoy a special “sleep under”, sponsored by River Friends Day Camp! Watch “Frozen” with old friends and new friends while drinking frozen hot chocolate and enjoying snacks!

Archaeological and the American Revolution in the Mid and Lower Hudson Valley
2025-02-03 10:00 - 11:30
Did you know that events in what is now Westchester County played a big part in our nation’s founding? The extent to which our fledgling nation teetered on collapse after the Declaration of Independence is often forgotten– and Westchester was the site of some of the period’s most significant events that allowed the new nation to endure. This lecture will discuss the history and archaeology of the achievements that occurred during that fateful period, including local historic landscapes of events that have been lost to development.
About the Presenter: Eugene Boesch is a professional archaeologist and cultural resources and historic preservation specialist who has undertaken compliance and research oriented investigations and related work for over 45 years in rural and urban settings documenting Pre-Contact, Historic, and Industrial sites and resources. He received a Ph.D. and other graduate degrees from New York University. Dr. Boesch’s work has primarily focused on Pre-Contact period cultures and adaptations in the Eastern Woodlands of North America and on early Euro-American settlement in the Hudson Valley region.

Hot Topics
2025-02-05 11:30 - 13:00
Come 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!

Planning for Retirement: Defining Your Vision
2025-02-05 18:00 - 20:00
FREE for members; $10 for non-members
Whether you’re just beginning to think about retiring and don’t know where to start, or you’re already retired but are feeling stuck in a rut and want to re-energize your retirement, this workshop is for you. You’ll come away with clarity for immediate action steps you can take that align with your values and purpose, as well as ideas for ongoing practices and resources to support you through your retirement.
Elizabeth Knell, Professional Certified Coach, will guide you through several activities, exercises, and small-group discussions to help you define your retirement chapter and navigate the feelings that may arise around it.
**Note: this workshop will not cover financial planning for retirement – see our talk on Jan. 29 for financial planning.
