“Beautiful Night”: A New Musical (in The Ark)
2024-07-20 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-07-21 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
A Musical by Anywhere Theatre Company
When the power goes out on a wild, stormy night, a mother makes up songs with humor, imagination, and even a little science to calm her two frightened kids—and get them back to bed. In this new musical for young children and families by James Balestrieri and Maria Jacobi, the night-time world is full of life, heart, and beauty.
Featuring Caturah Brown as Mom and two local young actors playing her kids, Beautiful Night is a gentle and full-of-wonder summer musical, perfect for young children and families!

Sewing Workshop: Make a Tote Bag
2024-07-22 18:00 - 20:00
Looking for a new hobby, or just want to expand your crafting skills? Come learn how to make a beautiful and useful quilted tote bag! You’ll complete the course with a 15×15 tote bag and the quilting skills to repeat this project. Class size is limited to 6 to allow for individual attention. NOTE: All levels welcome but prior experience using a sewing machine is a plus.
About the instructor: Sharon Gross grew up watching her mom at the sewing machine and began sewing on her own at age ten. About 15 years ago, she started using her sewing skills to make quilts. She teaches quilting and sewing and is excited to share her passion. A member of the JCC, Sharon lives in Dobbs Ferry with her family.

Out to Lunch with the JCC: Liebman’s Deli
2024-07-24 12:30 - 14:00
Eager to sink your teeth into the scrumptious, skyscraper-high sandwiches from Liebman’s? You’re in luck! We’ve got a deal for you! The new Ardsley outpost of Liebman’s, the legendary kosher deli from the Bronx, is offering a special to JCC Lunch Clubbers. Your lunch includes soup and half sandwich, pickles, cole slaw, and an assortment of appetizers, tax, and tip, all for $25! This is real Jewish deli, you won’t be sorry. Everyone is welcome.

Afternoon Tea and Tour at Caramoor Center for the Arts
2024-07-28 12:00 - 14:30
Join us for a Sunday of sensory delights as we visit Caramoor Center for the Arts for a historical house tour and afternoon tea. Caramoor founders, Lucie and Walter Rosen, were prominent Jewish arts philanthropists and created a home “built for music.” Our visit begins with a private, docent-led tour of the Rosen House, where you’ll see fine examples of decorative arts from Europe and China including jade, porcelain, and textiles. Afterward, we’ll have afternoon tea in the Music Room and enjoy tea sandwiches, scones with créme fraiche and preserves, delicious desserts, and a selection of fragrant teas. All dietary needs can be accommodated.
Your ticket includes the tour, tea service, and round-trip transportation from the JCC. Space is limited to 28.
149 Girdle Ridge Rd, Katonah, NY 10536
Sunday, July 28; 12 pm-2:30 pm (bus departs the JCC at 11:15 am, returns approx. 3 pm)
$70 for members; $85 for non-members *r/t transportation from the JCC included!

The W Connection Meet and Greet
2024-07-30 11:00 - 12:00
JCC members now have $50 off membership to the W Connection, a group that helps widows rebuild their lives after loss. Come learn more about what this group offers and meet Shelley Levy, a W Connection member and the J’s on-site facilitator.

Massages by Michelle
2024-07-31 11:00 - 14:00
Get a free 10 minute massage at the J! New York State Licensed Massage Therapist Michelle Pachon is back by popular demand. She specializes in Swedish, CTT (deep tissue), sports massage and myofascial release

Verve Book Club and Author Visit: What We Carry by Maya Shanbhag Lang
2024-07-31 11:30 - 13:00
In this special book club, we will be joined by author Maya Shanbhag Lang for a conversation about her memoir “What We Carry.” This book–lauded a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice and an Amazon “Best Memoir of 2020”–explores the relationship between mothers and daughters, lies and truths, caregiving, and how we understand the people who raised us. Moderated by Fran Rosillo, participants will have the chance to hear from Maya about her process and perspective as they discuss the ways in which family stories and secrets shape us.
Copies of the book are available from our friends at Transom Bookshop. Fill out the order form and we’ll have it waiting for you at the event!

Olympics Screening in The Ark: USWNT v Australia (soccer)
2024-07-31 13:00 - 15:00 | The Ark, 371 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, United States
Join us on our massive 18.5′ screen to watch USWNT (with Sleepy Hollow native Sam Coffey) take on Australia! Bring your children, friends, and family!
No registration required, drop-in/out as you want to!

Olympics Screening in The Ark: Team USA Men's Basketball v South Sudan
2024-07-31 15:00 - 16:30 | The Ark, 371 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, United States
Join us on our massive 18.5′ screen to watch the Dream Team take on South Sudan! Bring your children, friends, and family!
No registration required, drop-in/out as you want to!

Olympics Screening in The Ark: Women's Gymnastics All-Around Artistic Final
2024-08-01 12:30 - 15:00 | The Ark, 371 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, United States
Join us on our massive 18.5′ screen to watch the Simone Biles and the rest of Team USA! Bring your children, friends, and family!
No registration required, drop-in/out as you want to!

Hot Topics: The Grand Jury System
2024-08-07 11:30 - 13:00
FREE for members and non-members
Ever wonder about the inner workings of a grand jury–something so powerful that Judge Sol Wachtler once said “could indict a ham sandwich”? Whether you’re well-versed in the justice system or curious about what goes on behind the scenes in a grand jury, join us for this informative and entertaining discussion with JCC member and former criminal defense attorney, Miram Alers .

Film Screening in the Ark: “Keeping the Faith” (Dir. Edward Norton)
2024-08-14 11:30 - 13:00
Join us in our new theater for a viewing of this heartwarming comedy that follows two friends, a rabbi (Ben Stiller) and a priest (Edward Norton), competing for the affections of a childhood friend who reappears in their lives. Amidst the lively backdrop of NYC, the film tackles the ups and downs of interfaith relationships, blending heartfelt moments with sharp wit to show how love and friendship can transcend religious boundaries in the most unexpected ways. Running time: 1 hour 45 mins

Laughter Yoga with Dr. Vinodray Shah
2024-08-16 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-09-09 10:30 - 11:30
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

Friday Night Sensory Friendly Swim
2024-08-16 18:00 - 19:30
Join us for our monthly Friday night free-swim to families who have an immediate member with a disability. The pool will be exclusively reserved for this event, so that we can ensure a sensory-friendly pool environment for a fun family night out!

Murder or Assisted Suicide? A Dramatic Courtroom Transcript Reading
2024-08-19 13:00 - 14:00
Join us for a new courtroom transcript roundtable reading that explores the legal nuances between murder and assisted suicide. You’ll be assigned parts (judge, attorney, plaintiff, etc.) from an edited trial transcript. The outcome will unfold as if you are witnessing the case in real time with plenty of space to discuss the inner workings of law and justice. Bring your curiosity and playful spirit!

Coffee and Games
2024-08-21 11:30 - 13:00
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!
FREE for members and non-members

Verve Book Club: “Sea of Tranquility” by Emily St. John Mandel
2024-08-28 11:30 - 13:00
Olivia is a renowned photographer who retreats to a remote island in British Columbia after a series of personal and professional setbacks. As she delves deeper into the island’s history and its inhabitants, she uncovers secrets that challenge her understanding of reality, blurring the lines between memory and imagination. The novel explores themes of identity, loss, and the haunting power of the past, weaving together a compelling narrative that keeps readers questioning what is real.

CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY
2024-09-02

Hot Topics: Jews, The Election, and The Media
2024-09-04 11:30 - 13:00
At this pivotal moment in a U.S. election year, join Rabbi Ron Symons, our Senior Director of Jewish Engagement, for a facilitated conversation that will touch on some of these questions:

What is the history of how Jews have served in public office?
How has the media portrayed this?
How does this moment in history, given the increased Jew-hatred (i.e. anti-Semitism), compare to previous moments?

Our conversation will be all the richer because of your presence and/or participation. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome.
Ron joins the Shames JCC as a facilitator of neighbors learning and living in community with one another across real and perceived differences amplifying our shared humanity. He is a weaver of spirituality with a realistic and optimistic vision of community, and welcomes you to weave with him.

Clergy Talk: Messiah or Martyrdom: Religion and Violence in the Name of God
2024-09-06 10:00 - 11:00
Join Rabbi Jay Stein of Greenburgh Hebrew Center 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.

Tasty Tuesdays: Birdie's Batch
2024-09-10 11:30 - 13:30
Birdie’s Batch is back with homemade brown bag lunches for sale! Your lunchbox ($12) comes with savory and sweet for a mid-day pick me up: a mini roasted eggplant & whipped ricotta crostata; piece of seasonal, local fruit from The Orchards of Conklin; and a mega chocolate chip cookie.
Prefer a la carte? Mix and match your favorite crostata and sweet treat. From tomato and pesto and zucchini and honey goat cheese to coffee cake and brownies, you can’t go wrong!
This event is part of the Tasty Tuesday series, where you can treat yourself to a special lunch at the J with local vendors! On select Tuesdays during the month, chefs will bring their fresh, homemade specialties for sale on site. Pick up on your way home, or stay awhile and eat in our Atrium!

Retreat to the Berkshires
2024-09-10 12:00 - 2024-09-12 13:00
Join other active 55+ adults September 10–12 for nature, fitness and fun!
Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp, Copake, NY
Come experience the joy of camp as an adult! The inaugural Verve retreat is bringing active adults ages 55+ from four metro JCCs together for two days of fun at Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp (BHEC) in Copake, NY. And some of your favorite fitness instructors are coming along, too! Sample offerings include strength classes, yoga and meditation, tennis, pickleball, swimming, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, card games, and lots of free time to connect with friends and enjoy nature. And that’s just during the day! Nighttime brings entertainment and s’mores around the campfire. Bring a friend or come make new ones!
Costs:

$450 for a shared room (with private bathroom)
$550 for a private room (with private bathroom)
Optional Add-On: $35 for a 90-minute culinary workshop with Chef Katie Hickey, who is leading classes based on the cookbook “The Kripalu Kitchen: Nourishing Food for Body and Soul.

Your cost includes:

Private or shared room with private bathroom in cabins
All meals and non-alcoholic beverages (alcoholic beverages are BYOB)
All activities, including fitness classes, yoga, boating, swimming, pickleball, use of indoor spaces, and more (culinary workshop is extra)
Nighttime entertainment and s’mores around the campfire
All linens and towels
Roundtrip transportation from your JCC by coach bus
Verve T-shirt

Sample schedule and FAQ to come!
*No refunds after August 10

Interfaith Dialogue: People of Faith and The Election: Gun Control, Abortion, Economy, Immigration, Character
2024-09-12 10:00 - 11:00
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.
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.

Challah and Conversation: Can I Have a Do Over? Please?
2024-09-13 10:00 - 11:00
Join with Rabbi Ron Symons in uncovering 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.
In the Challah and Conversation series, 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. We end our time together with a little grape juice and challah. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. These are on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Fridays of each month.
for more Jewish Life events, click here

Rock 101 with Thoughtful Productions (in The Ark)
2024-09-15 16:00 - 18:00
Ask fans of rock ‘n’ roll to name ten classic songs, and no two people will agree. But the discussion will be animated because rock ‘n’ roll is part of everyone’s experience. Rock 101 is a fascinating new show that explores the rock ‘n’ roll experience.
In a fun, fast-paced 90 minutes, we’ll cover ten songs with incredible stories and a fascinating multimedia presentation. You’ll learn something new while listening to something familiar and have a blast. Rock 101 does what rock ‘n’ roll has always done: it makes us feel alive.

About Thoughtful Production
Thoughtful Productions was founded to create fun, entertaining events, coupled with unique opportunities to learn something new. We work with remarkable storytellers, artists, musicians and thought leaders to craft experiences that will delight and inspire.

Israel Culture Connection with our Shinshin: Meet Asaf, our Shinshin
2024-09-16 00:00

Welcome Back Bagels and Schmooze
2024-09-16 10:00 - 11:30
Stop by for bagels, coffee, and a schmooze with the JCC program staff to learn about our upcoming Renard lectures this fall. Have an idea for a speaker? Bend our ear….we’re open to all suggestions! You’ll also have the chance to meet and welcome the J’s new Senior Director of Jewish Engagement, Ron Symons.

Free Demo: Soccer Boot Camp (ages 18 & up)
2024-09-16 19:00 - 20:30
Open to all levels of soccer players and the soccer-curious!
Take your fitness and soccer skills to the next level with like-minded futbol fans in a fun and non-competitive environment! Join us for a soccer boot camp experience with Coach Danny Cadena, founder of Train Like a Pro, that will give you a great workout in a creative way. This class focuses on strength, speed and agility, ball work, and small-sided games. Open to all!
This class will run ongoing on Mondays from 9/23–11/18. Register for the series here.

Coach Danny Cadena of Train Like a Pro
