Here’s to the Ladies: Women of Musical Theater
2025-03-17 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Join us as veteran theater journalist Eddie Shapiro discusses his experiences with the great women of Broadway history for his book, Here’s to the Ladies: Conversations with the Great Women of Musical Theater. He’ll cover why he wanted to pursue this project, how his experiences aligned with his expectations of the women and their craft, and what surprised him in these interviews.
About the Presenter: Eddie Shapiro grew up singing music from every cast album he could get his hands on. He is the author of “Nothing Like a Dame: Conversations with the Great Women of Musical Theater,” “A Wonderful Guy: Conversations with the Great Men of Musical Theater,” “Queens in the Kingdom: The Ultimate Gay and Lesbian Guide to the Disney Theme Parks,” and hundreds of articles in magazines with much shorter and more sensible titles than his books. He lives in New York City and Los Angeles.

Verve Lunch Bunch: Your Favorite Travel Memories
2025-03-19 11:30 - 13:00
Wednesday, March 19; 11:30-1 pm
FREE for members and non-members
Register Here or drop in
Grab some lunch at the cafe (or bring your own) and come chat with your fellow travel enthusiasts. What were the best trips you have taken? Where do you recommend? Let’s trade tips and learn from each other as we dream of future travels.

JCC Book Club: "The Wedding People" by Alison Espach
2025-03-19 19:00 - 20:15
This New York Times bestseller follows the complicated dynamics of relationships during a wedding celebration, focusing on the lives of the guests and their hidden desires. Through the lens of a young woman attending the event, the novel explores the messy realities of love, loyalty, and the expectations surrounding marriage. The book blends dark humor with moving moments, offering a sharp commentary on the complexities of human connection.
“Espach’s wit and warmth deliver a gratifying story about how people who have given up might find a reason to start caring again.”—The Washington Post

Lunch Outing: Invito Restaurant
2025-03-20 12:30 - 14:00
$33 cash includes appetizer, entree, dessert, tax and tip
Join us for a 3-course upscale Mexican lunch at Invito Restaurant in Elmsford! Your meal includes your choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert (cocktails, for which they’re famous, are extra). Invito specializes in authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine in a colorful and festive atmosphere. Bring a friend, or come make new ones! Space is limited to 20—sign up early!
NOTE: We will be meeting at Invito, 210 Saw Mill River Rd, in Elmsford. Free parking is available in the parking lot just behind. We always encourage carpooling! If you need a ride to and from the restaurant from the JCC or have room in your car for others, please email cjacobs@shamesjcc.org when you register.

Member Mingle
2025-03-20 16:00 - 18:00
We want to give you the opportunity to meet and make meaningful connections with others who have also recently joined the J. This dedicated time will also give you the chance to ask questions or get more information that you may need to get the full experience of your membership. Stop by the Ark have some small bites and refreshments from Chef Noam on us.

Foreign Affairs Discussion: The Past, Present, and Future of Foreign Aid
2025-03-20 19:00 - 20:15
President Trump, spurred on by Elon Musk, has been set on dismantling US foreign aid. Come hear international economist David Cheney explain why countries need aid, and provide the pros and cons of our existing foreign aid system. We’ll discuss what kind of aid has been the most effective and why, and how to make aid more effective in the future.
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: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through Jewish Wisdom
2025-03-21 09:30 - 10:30
In a world in which DEI is being challenged rather than celebrated, let’s come together to uncover the values from Jewish wisdom that might bring clarity to our understanding of the vast array of human expression.
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
2025-03-21 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

Family Movie Night: The Mighty Ducks with J Sports!
2025-03-21 18:00 - 20:00
Kick off your weekend with your friends at the J over pizza and a screening of The Mighty Ducks sponsored by J Sports Academy! Wear your favorite team jersey and we’ll take care of the rest by feeding and entertaining you and your kids with this fun movie about an underdog team.

JCC’s Babysitting Certification & Internship Program: Red Cross Babysitting Certification
2025-03-22 09:00 - 16:00
Members: $200; non-members: $240
Lunch provided
The JCC’s Babysitting Certification & Internship Program is for young people ages 11 – 16 years old, offering training and mentorship for all levels of babysitting experience. The program begins with a 7 hour American Red Cross training that provides youth planning to babysit with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly care for children and infants.
Participants will learn:

Leadership skills; how to develop a babysitting business; how to keep themselves and others safe (including basic child care and basic first aid skills); and strategies for encouraging and maintaining calm and appropriate behaviors when on the job.
Participants who successfully complete this training will earn their American Red Cross Babysitting Certification and will be eligible for serving up to 10 internship hours in the JCC’s Kidspace drop-in childcare center.
There they will engage with children ages 6 months to 8, developing their skills and receiving mentorship and feedback from the Kidspace director and staff. Successful interns will receive a letter of reference and may be referred to JCC families looking for trained and certified babysitters.

Red Cross Babysitting Course Instruction and Certification – 7 hours
First Aid kit provided by the Red Cross
10 internship hours at Kidspace with mentorship
Certificate of Completion and possible references and referrals

Pilates March Mat-ness
2025-03-22 10:00 - 11:30
Join our Pilates instructors—Dave, Lauren, and Vanessa—as they guide you through a 90-minute session incorporating various mat Pilates techniques. Each instructor will spend 30 minutes focusing on a different style and method, emphasizing the four S’s of Pilates—strength, stamina, stretch, and stability. This class will help improve your core strength, posture, and flexibility. Participants will be entered into a raffle to receive a 30 min free reformer session.

Citrus and Conflict: The Untold Story of the Jaffa Orange
2025-03-24 10:00 - 11:30
When considering the Israel-Palestine conflict, fruit may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, what if fruit, specifically the orange, played a significant role in that story? In the late 19th century, the Jaffa orange emerged as a thriving crop in Palestine, gaining global recognition from royalty and celebrities. This lecture will explore the Jaffa orange’s transformation from a sought-after export to a symbol of cultural contestation, providing valuable perspectives on how agriculture can both bridge and deepen divides.
About the presenter: John Paap is an accomplished professional with over 17 years of experience in the fresh produce industry. He has been instrumental in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and driving innovation within the sector. Beyond his work in sustainability, John co-hosts The History of Fresh Produce podcast where he explores the fascinating stories behind various fresh produce items and their influence on broader historical events. He is also a contributing writer for the “Produce Provenance” column in Vision Magazine, where he shares his insights on produce history, connecting the past with the challenges of today.

Voyages with Verve: Group Lunch and Virtual Tour to Florence, Italy
2025-03-25 13:00 - 15:00
Members: $15; non-members: $20
Lunch begins at 1:00 pm, tour begins at 2:00 pm
Want to learn more about Florence, Italy–known as the birthplace of the Renaissance– and enjoy its delicious cuisine? Join us for a special Voyages with Verve program that includes a one-hour livestream tour of this magical city and a 3-course catered vegetarian Italian meal by La Catena restaurant in Ardsley! We’ll begin with family-style lunch and aperitif designed to whet our appetites for a sunset tour of Florence with our travel partners, Wowzitude. The journey begins at the iconic Santa Maria del Fiore, aka Il Duomo. From there, your guide will lead you to Piazza della Signoria (Lordship Square), making a stop along the way to admire significant sculptures on the exterior of the historic Orsanmichele church. To conclude the tour, we’ll take in the stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s famous medieval bridge. It’s the next best thing to being there!

Verve Book Club: “How to Be Old” by Lyn Slater
2025-03-26 11:30 - 13:00
Lyn Slater challenges conventional ideas about aging, offering a fresh and empowering perspective on growing older. Drawing from her own life and experiences, she explores how age can be embraced as an opportunity for reinvention, freedom, and self-expression, rather than something to be feared or resisted. With humor and insight, Slater encourages readers to reject societal norms and instead embrace aging as a time of possibility, confidence, and authenticity.

A Taste of the Levant
2025-03-27 19:00 - 21:00
Join us for a special Middle Eastern culinary experience! Enjoy a delicious four-course meal in The Ark prepared by Chef Noam Zabari, known for using unique flavors and the freshest ingredients. Wine, beer,** and creative mocktails included. This will be a feast to remember!
MENU
Starter: Lentil soup (vegan/gf)
Mezze (gf) : hummus, tatbile (chickpea ground with garlic chili sauce), babaganoush, pickled purpled cabbage, fatoush garden salad, toasted slivered almonds, matbucha (roasted tomato and pepper dip), imported pickles and olives; fresh pita on the side
Mashawi (Middle Eastern bbq): salmon kebab, shish tawook (chicken), kofta (minced meat, onions and parsley), beef shish kebab, lamb chops, fire-roasted tomatoes
*vegetarian option: roasted cauliflower steak with tahini, sumac, parsley
Dessert: assorted sweets including baklava, mamoul (sugar cookies stuffed with dates), basbusa (semolina almond cookies), ice cream
*Vegetarian option—Please indicate with your purchase if you would like the vegetarian entree option in the “add-ons” section of your ticket purchase.
**Wine and beer for guests aged 21 and older.
Members: $90
Non-members: $110
Drinks, beverages, taxes, and gratuities included.

Challah and Conversation: Yearning for Connection and Good in Our Lives
2025-03-28 09:30 - 10:30
The reality of our 21st-century world is that many of us are isolated and fret over the lack of goodness around us. Our coming together to explore Jewish wisdom and techniques to stay connected and to celebrate the good might actually help each one of us as we step out of winter into the spring.
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)
2025-03-28 18:00 - 19:30
Sports 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.

Rodgers: An Afternoon of Song and Story
2025-03-30 15:00 - 17:00
The Golden Ticket Series returns for another afternoon honoring the iconic work of Richard Rodgers, who wrote some of the most famous musicals of all time, including, “The Sound of Music,” “Oklahoma!” and “South Pacific.” His collaborations with Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II are narrated by Broadway producer Jack Viertel and sung by a quartet of professional vocalists accompanied by an orchestra. You’ll hear masterpieces live such as “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “Some Enchanted Evening,” and more!

The Rise and Fall of Lewisohn Stadium
2025-03-31 10:00 - 11:30
When we think about where one can hear world class music, some distinctive places come to mind like Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, or even Great Performances on PBS. But before these venues, there was the historic Lewisohn Stadium on the campus of City College, a vital space for the city’s diverse communities. This lecture will highlight the stadium’s cultural and historical significance as a hub for major music performances for 50 years, as well as sports events and public gatherings. We will explore its architectural features, decline, and the efforts to preserve its legacy, underscoring the lasting impact of public spaces on urban identity and community life.
About the presenter: Former judge Walter Schwartz has served as the Ardsley Village Historian, a longtime Village Justice in Westchester, and member of the Board of Trustees for the Westchester County Historical Society. He has authored articles on local history in the Westchester Historian among other publications, and has spoken to historical societies in Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Greenburgh, and Briarcliff. Walter is an enthusiastic member of the JCC and lives in White Plains with his family.

Israel Culture Connection with our Shinshin: Living Near Gaza
2025-04-01 12:30 - 13:30
Join our youth ambassador Asaf Bader in a photographic tour of his region of the country, the Gaza Envelope. Asaf will reflect on life before October 7, 2023, showing how Israelis and Palestinians interacted with each other on a day by day basis. We will enjoy this conversation over hummus and pita.

Hot Topics
2025-04-02 11:30 - 13:00
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!

Clergy Talk: "Dances with Timbrels: Women In The Passover Story" with Cantor Lauren Phillips Fogelman, Temple Beth Abraham
2025-04-04 09:30 - 10:30
Gain some new perspective for your Passover seder by exploring the stories of women who made their mark during the time of the Exodus. We’ll examine teachings from feminist Haggadahs, learn a few songs, and discover the real story behind the modern tradition of adding an orange to our seder plate.
Join Cantor Lauren Phillips Fogelman of Temple Beth Abraham 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.

The ReelAbilities Film Festival: The Paper Bag Plan
2025-04-04 18:00 - 20:00
The Paper Bag Plan (Dir. Anthony Lucero, 107 min)
Recommended for ages 18+, Doors open at 5:30 pm
As part of the 17th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York– the world’s largest showcase of accessible international cinema by and about people with disabilities, reframing existing disability narratives–join us for a screening of The Paper Bag Plan. In this film, a terminally ill father transforms from caregiver to coach, teaching his wheelchair-using son job skills for independence before time runs out.
After the screening, we will be joined by Director Anthony Lucero for a discussion.
About the film: After being diagnosed with cancer, Oscar realizes his overprotectiveness may be holding his son Billy back from gaining independence. Determined to secure Billy’s future, Oscar helps him build the skills needed for a job as a grocery store bagger. Their heartfelt journey highlights the challenges and triumphs of fostering self-reliance, revealing the deep love between father and son—and the courage it takes to let go. Recommended for ages 18+
https://youtu.be/LhA3u1tGli4
Presented as part of the 17th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York, running April 3-9 in venues throughout NY+Online. Visit: ReelAbilities.org for full festival information.

Job Fair
2025-04-06 10:30 - 12:30
Help Build a Stronger Community
Join us to explore full-time, part-time, and seasonal opportunities at the JCC!
Hiring for positions including:

Summer day camp counselors
Afterschool counselors
Lifeguards
Swim instructors
Special needs support staff
Receptionists
Personal trainers
Custodial staff
Summer bus drivers

See all open positions.

The ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York
2025-04-06 14:30 - 16:00
We Are Athletes (Dir. Angel Gates Fonseca, 37 mins) and The 17% (Dir. Aaron Johnson, 13 mins)
Recommended for ages 18+, Doors open at 2:00 pm
As part of the 17th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York– the world’s largest showcase of accessible international cinema by and about people with disabilities, reframing existing disability narratives–join us for a screening of two short films, We Are Athletes and The 17%. In We Are Athletes, participants at an adaptive sports program demonstrate innovative approaches to skiing while building a supportive community. In The 17%, an entrepreneur challenges workplace norms through her successful cookie company, reshaping conversations about inclusive employment.
After the screening, we will be joined by Alexis and Farryl Flishman, who are featured in We Are Athletes, and Aaron Johnson, director of The 17%, for a discussion.

Presented as part of the 17th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York, running April 3-9 in venues throughout NY+Online. Visit: ReelAbilities.org for full festival information.

Jews, Music, and the American Dream
2025-04-07 10:00 - 11:30
Did you know that Jews wrote or produced more than half of the top 10 songs of the 20th century? Join us as we discuss the various ways that people of Jewish background contributed to the development of American popular music in the last century and how they are contributing to the current one.
Presenter: Michael Shamosh

Job Fair
2025-04-07 19:00 - 21:00
Help Build a Stronger Community
Join us to explore full-time, part-time, and seasonal opportunities at the JCC!
Hiring for positions including:

Summer day camp counselors
Afterschool counselors
Lifeguards
Swim instructors
Special needs support staff
Receptionists
Personal trainers
Custodial staff
Summer bus drivers

Voyages with Verve: Jewish Budapest
2025-04-09 11:00 - 12:00
FREE for members and non-members
Discover the vibrant culture of Jewish Budapest on this live, virtual walking tour. Your guide will take you through the heart of the historic Jewish quarter of Pest—one of Budapest’s most intriguing areas. Explore Europe’s largest synagogue, the magnificent Dohány Street Synagogue, and uncover the fascinating history of Pest’s Jewish community. Hear inspiring stories of the Righteous Among the Nations and delve into the rich heritage of this thriving community of 100,000 strong.
You’ll have the chance to view exclusive video footage of Rakoscsaba’s old (abandoned) Jewish cemetery, getting an intimate look into their history and significance. Co-presented with Wowzitude.

Common Ground: Resurrection and Redemption: The Last Supper and Passover Seder Explored
2025-04-10 10:00 - 11:00
Join the Rev. Gareth Evans and Rabbi Ron Symons for an open and engaging conversation about the Easter liturgy and the Passover Seder. Through shared quotes from their respective traditions, thoughtful dialogue, and interactive discussion, they invite you to explore the deep connections between these sacred celebrations.
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: Passover: The Birth Song of Freedom for All Subsequent Challenges
2025-04-11 09:30 - 10:30
Join Rabbi Ron Symons in an interactive conversation about how the Passover and Exodus narrative serve as the inspiration for freedom throughout history. The story we tell on Passover night resonates over and over throughout the generations for both Jews and non-Jews alike.
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.
