JCC Book Club: Remarkably Bright Creatures
2024-12-11 19:00 - 20:15 (America/New_York)
In this New York Times bestseller, Tova Sullivan, a widow, develops an unlikely bond with a giant Pacific octopus while working night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium–and uncovers the truth about her past. This book explores the themes of friendship, reckoning, hope, and grief.

Mohammad Darawshe: Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs Building Shared Society
2024-12-11 19:00 - 20:15
The October 7 Hamas attack and its aftermath deeply impacted all of Israel’s ethnic groups. The Jewish majority experienced indescribable fear, while many citizens comprising the Arab minority–which makes up one-fifth of Israel’s citizenry—faced its own fear of being seen as Hamas terrorists.
Mohammad Darawshe, a faculty member at the Shalom Hartman Institute and director of strategy for the Givat Haviva Center for Shared Society, will discuss his work with Givat Haviva and its impact on Jewish-Arab relations to foster dialogue and mutual respect in Israel and beyond. Q&A will follow.
About the Speaker
Mohammad Darawshe is considered a leading expert on Jewish-Arab relations. He has presented lectures and papers at the European parliament, NATO Defense College, World Economic Forum, and Club de Madrid, US Congress, Herzliya Conference and Israel’s Presidential Conference. Mohammad was the recipient of the Peacemakers Award from the Catholic Theological Union, and the Peace and Security Award of the World Association of NGO’s, and was Leadership Fellow at the New Israel Fund. In 2008, Mohammad Darawshe was elected as a city council member in his hometown Iksal. In 2009, he served as a member of The National Committee which drafted Israel’s Coexistence Education policy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from The Hebrew University in Jerusalem and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Hartford University. He lives in Iksal with his wife and four children.

Pop-Up: Specialty Foods and Accessories from Alexa Brandenberg
2024-12-12 09:00 - 13:00
For the foodie in your life, explore a variety of delicious goods, such as Koroneiki olive oil sourced from the seller’s family olive trees in Greece, homemade cocktail cherries, and espresso walnuts.

Common Ground: God Bless America! Praying in Public for our Elected Leaders— Patriotic Duty or Divisive Practice?
2024-12-12 10:00 - 11:00
In post-election America, we will explore the pros and cons of Jewish and Christian prayers, both formally conceived and spontaneously offered for our elected leaders. Join the Rabbi and Rector for an opportunity to share your thoughts about praying for our elected officials regardless of their— or your— party political affiliation.
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.

Lunch Outing: Royal Palace
2024-12-12 12:30 - 14:00
77 Knollwood Rd. White Plains, NY 10607
$23 cash to be paid at restaurant
Like Indian food? Bring your appetite for our next lunch at Royal Palace! Your meal includes an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch and tea, all for $23 cash. There’s plenty for vegetarians and omnivores alike! These events are always lots of fun and are open to all.
NOTE: We will be meeting at Royal Palace, 77 Knollwood Rd., White Plains, NY 10607 where there is parking in their lot. If you need a ride from the JCC or have room in your car for others, please email cjacobs@shamesjcc.org when you register.

Pop-Up: Jewels of the East
2024-12-13 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.

Challah and Conversation: ‘Tis The Season to Be… Interfaith
2024-12-13 09:30 - 10:30
Join Rabbi Ron Symons in a conversation about the power of and challenges with confronting interfaith dialogue, especially now in a world filled with divisions.
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.

Zumba Dance Jam!
2024-12-14 09:00 - 10:30
Get ready to dance and have fun with four of your favorite Zumba instructors—Gabby, Julie, Krishna, and Elaine! This high-energy, extra-long class is perfect for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. Bring your energy and let’s dance together!
Kidspace is available. Drop off your kids and have a super fun Saturday morning! Details and reservations here.

Pop-Up: Hanukkah Candles from Boy Scout Troop 55 of Irvington
2024-12-14 09:00 - 12:00
Don’t forget to purchase your Hanukkah candles! Boy Scout Troop 55 of Irvington will be onsite selling candles for Hanukkah. Boxes are $20 per box (cash, Venmo, and Zelle all accepted). All sales go to support the local scouts program.

Hanukkah Lights! Family Celebration
2024-12-14 10:30 - 12:00
Join Jill Liflander and Rabbi Ron Symons for a joyful morning filled with puppets, stories, crafts, music, and snacks! Embrace the festive Hanukkah spirit before the holiday and winter break begin. Designed for families with children up to 8 years old.

Taylor Swift Eras Party in The Ark
2024-12-15 14:00 - 17:30
Sing your heart out at our Taylor Swift Eras viewing party! Enjoy Swiftie crafts like DIY friendship bracelets, wear your favorite era-inspired outfit, and eat snacks inspired by her iconic songs. Everyone is welcome to create, sing along, and celebrate in this inclusive, joyful event because anyone can be a Swiftie—no matter your age, gender, or ability.
Adults and families are welcome; drop-off option for children 8 and up. Doors open at 1:30 pm.
Member price: child (with adult) $8; child (dropped off) $15; adult $10
Non-member price: child (with adult) $12; child (dropped off) $20; adult $14

Tami Arnowitz presents Chanukah Songs & Videos - More Than Just Fun
2024-12-16 10:00 - 11:30
Take a trip down memory lane with popular Chanukah song videos. Since 1994, Chanukah videos and songs have become a defining part of the Jewish Festival of Lights. We will see and hear the clever musical takes on the holiday and explore what the different styles, lyrics, and themes say about how the holiday is experienced in different communities around the world and how it remains relevant in so many ways.
About the Presenter: Tami Arnowitz is an educator who teaches in a variety of settings and to a range of ages, including camps, JCCs, and synagogues. Her classes are designed to integrate ancient Jewish texts and traditions with modern life, finding meaning and insight. She has a BA from Wellesley College, an MBA from Columbia Business School and her Life Coach Certification from Life Coach Training Institute. For more than 20 years, Tami has balanced a successful professional life with being a mom to 4, clergy spouse, and active member of her community.

Advanced Canasta Workshop: Special Hands
2024-12-16 13:00 - 15:00
$30 members; $40 non-members
Take your canasta game to a higher level through supervised play and learning to master special hands. Learn strategy, scoring, special hands, and defensive strategies. Students must know how to play canasta or have taken the beginner series with Lori Greene.

Pop-Up: Paintings and Jewelry from Susie Brubaker
2024-12-17 09:00 - 12:00
For the art lover in your life, explore beautiful small acrylic paintings, acrylic jewelry, fused-glass jewelry, and other artistic home items.

Verve Latkes and Vodkas Hanukkah Party
2024-12-18 18:00 - 20:00
Members: free; non-members: $12
Adults of all ages are invited to enjoy crispy latkes from Liebman’s Deli, homemade sufganiyot, and a signature Hanukkah cocktail (or mocktail!) as we celebrate the Hanukkah season together.

Holiday Tea Musicale at Caramoor Center for the Arts
2024-12-19 13:00 - 16:45
149 Girdle Ridge Rd, Katonah, NY 10536
Bus departs the JCC at 1:00 pm, returns approx. 4:45 pm, show from 2:00-4:00 pm
*r/t transportation from the JCC included!
Get in the holiday spirit as we visit Caramoor Center for the Arts for a lively concert and afternoon tea! Enjoy the sounds of tenor Scott Rubén La Marca and pianist Amber Scherer in the festively decorated Music Room; afterward, we’ll have a sumptuous tea with finger sandwiches, scones, holiday treats, and a variety of fragrant teas or hot chocolate. All dietary needs can be accommodated!

J on Stage: Finding Nemo Kids
2024-12-19 17:00 - 17:30
Come see J on Stage’s first every production: Finding Nemo Kids!

Challah and Conversation: Don’t Let The Light Go Out
2024-12-20 09:30 - 10:30
Join Rabbi Ron Symons in uncovering the deeper meanings of Hanukkah beyond candles, dreidels, latkes, and gelt. Our conversation will help us return to the core light that might spark something new or old deep down inside.
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
2024-12-20 11:00 - 12:00
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

Sensory Swim (All ages)
2024-12-20 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.

JCC CLOSES AT 3 PM
2024-12-24 15:00 - 21:00

JCC CLOSED
2024-12-25

JCC CLOSES AT 3PM
2024-12-31 15:00 - 21:00

JCC OPENS AT 10AM
2025-01-01 05:15 - 10:00

Voyages with Verve: Jerusalem at Hanukkah
2025-01-02 13:45 - 15:00
FREE for members and non-members
Join a group livestream tour of Jerusalem on the last night of Hanukkah. This new monthly program, brought to us by our partners at Wowzitude, allows travel enthusiasts an insider’s view on a new location every tour. You can even interact live with your tour guide! Each tour comes with a “trip kit” that contains cultural, culinary, and other resources about the destination – great for both armchair travelers and those who may go in real life.
Can’t make this program? This tour is available to view live at home as well – the link will be sent after registration.

Clergy Talk: Mental Health and Melody: The Power of Music for Wellness
2025-01-03 09:30 - 10:30
Our sacred texts are rife with stories about the mental health of our ancestors. So too do the teachings of our sages grapple with our mental and emotional well-being. We’ll explore how mental health has played a role in Jewish texts, thought, and practice, as well as how Jewish composers have written–and continue to write– music to illustrate and soothe personal turmoil.
Join Cantor Jenna Mark of Woodlands Community Temple 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.

Abstract-ed Exhibition Reception
2025-01-05 15:00 - 17:00
Free; registration encouraged but not required
Join us to celebrate the JCC’s inaugural art exhibition in the Cohen Family Atrium featuring the artwork of 15 local artists. We’ll have drinks and snacks and some art-making, of course! Hope to see you there!
The Abstract-ed Exhibition Reception 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.

Looted Art Part 1: How Napoleon Changed Museums
2025-01-06 10:00 - 11:30
Artworks have been subjected to looting throughout history, especially during times of war. However, Napoleon Bonaparte’s unprecedented looting at the end of 18th century and what followed after his fall from power has been transformative in unexpected ways. In the first of a two-part series, we’ll explore the fascinating stories of some of the most famous artworks, how they ended up where they are today, and the long-lasting consequences of Napoleon’s looting, from the idea of public “universal museums” to the practice of restitution of looted art.

Hot Topics
2025-01-08 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!

Common Ground: Who Made You the Boss?
2025-01-09 10:00 - 11:00
From where and how is authority acquired? Does authority come from God, institutions, community or self? How do we decide on the correct course of action in our daily lives? We’ll discuss these questions and more from an interfaith perspective.
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.
