Shames JCC

Art Making with Upcycled Plastic
2024-03-20 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Artist Natalya Khorover will lead us in making flower-inspired art from single-use plastic bags. We’ll explore the irony in creating symbols of ephemeral nature from plastic which will outlast us all. Bring various soft single-use plastic packaging from home, like shopping bags, bread bags, etc. We’ll supply the rest along with lots of inspiration and snacks!
With Natalya’s guidance, you’ll make art inspired by the flowers we are all awaiting for this spring. Be sure to check out Natalya’s work hanging in the Nature, Climate, and Connection show up now at the JCC.

Birdie’s Batch Pop-Up
2024-03-22 15:00 - 17:00
Local favorite Birdie’s Batch will be at the J with delicious homemade hamantaschen and more!

Laughter Yoga with Vinodray Shah, MD
2024-03-25 10:00 - 11:00
Experience Laughter Yoga, 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!
About the presenter: Vinodray R. Shah, MD was a plastic surgeon for 35 years in Massachusetts before retiring to the Rivertowns. He is a certified Laughing Yoga instructor who runs programs at Phelps Hospital, Gilda’s Club, the senior centers in Elmsford, Ardsley, and Ossining. He is a passionate believer that laughter is the best medicine.

Verve Book Club: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
2024-03-27 11:30 - 13:00
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles (588 pgs) is a fast-paced and reflective adventure story that centers on three young men whose conflicting motives and moralities set them on a course for collision across the United States. It tells the story of 18-year-old Emmett Watson who hits the road with his little brother, Billy, following his release from a working farm in 1950s Kansas after serving time for involuntary manslaughter, the death of their father, and the foreclosure of their Nebraska farm. Towles’ novel is packed with revelations about the American myth, the art of storytelling, and the unrelenting pull of history.

David Cheney Presents Music of the 80’s (Part 1)
2024-04-01 10:00 - 11:30
The 80s have been called “the decade of decadence” as a strong economy fed materialism and consumerism. The mix of wealth with advances in music technology— synthetic instruments, MTV videos, cassettes, CDs, and boom boxes—fed a surge in musical development. Many new genres of music boomed at the same time including new wave, synth-pop, punk rock, hip-hop, heavy metal, dance music, and power ballads, while electric instruments introduced sounds never heard before. Join us as we listen to a mix of songs that defined the 80s and share memories together.
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.

Hot Topics
2024-04-03 11:30 - 13:00
Come discuss the week’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!

Challenging Times, Ageless Insights: Israel on Campus: Zionism, Then and Now
2024-04-05 10:00 - 11:30
The Hamas-Israel war has spotlighted a generational rift about the meaning of Israel in American-Jewish life. Join us to discuss the historical significance of Israel throughout the Zionist movement and the current attitudes expressed on college campuses and beyond.

Passover Cooking: Macaroons and More
2024-04-07 11:00 - 12:00
Experience the joy of Passover with our exciting family culinary workshop! Amy Pane, our expert cooking instructor, will guide us in making delicious Passover treats like matzah pizzas and coconut macaroons. Take home all the recipes to recreate the magic in your own kitchen. This program is designed for children 4 years old and up with their caregiver.

David Cheney Presents Music of the 80’s (Part 2)
2024-04-08 10:00 - 11:30

Parenting is Hard: Teen Mental Health and the Effects of Social Media
2024-04-09 19:00 - 20:15
Join us for the third workshop in our series on adolescent mental health (12-18 years) led by Scott Bloom, LCSW, in collaboration with the Child & Family Institute of Westchester. Through engaging presentations and discussions, we will explore the challenges facing today’s teens, and how parents can address these to set teens up for success. Social media can impact adolescents by exacerbating teens’ concerns about their appearance and being judged, and increasing feelings of anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Come learn how parents can be proactive in setting healthy limits that will protect, but won’t distance, your teen.

Film Screening: “Egypt, A Love Song” (Dir. Iris Zaki)
2024-04-10 11:30 - 13:00
Director Iris Zaki takes her father on a journey that spans generations and continents, unpacking the complex relationship of Jewish/Arab identity and culture, as they follow in the footsteps of her legendary grandmother, the Egyptian singer Souad Zaki. The film combines scripted period scenes from Souad’s life, rare archival materials, and an intimate father-daughter journey that cuts deep into family dynamics through unfiltered conversations. Running time 74 minutes + time for discussion.

Navigating Grief: Embracing Symbols of Hope
2024-04-11 18:30 - 20:00
In partnership with COPE, we present our third Healing Workshop. Join Grief and Death Doula (a person who guides individuals and their families through the dying process), Madhu Matthew Dwyer for an exploration of the mystery of grief, the seen and unseen as we explore signs from spirits. We will create a compassionate and inclusive atmosphere where we can openly talk about our longing to connect with our loved ones who have died.

Super Seder Science
2024-04-13 11:00 - 12:00
Join Kimberly Marcus, author of Frankenstein’s Matzah: A Passover Parody, for an interactive program that combines Passover stories with hands-on science experiments. Explore traditional Passover tales with a fresh perspective. For children 4 years old and up with their caregiver.

Dinner Theater at the J: Stories and Songs of Freedom
2024-04-14 16:00 - 18:00
Set the stage for Passover with an entertaining and uplifting evening featuring professional storytellers, live music, and a delicious dinner! Passover is a time for telling tales and we’re thrilled to welcome award-winning storytellers and performers Bill Gordh and Therese Folkes Plair to explore the themes of freedom as told through Jewish and African sources. They will be accompanied by violinist Lisa Gutkin from the renowned Klezmatics and other musicians. After the performance, guests will be prompted to share their own stories over a delicious kosher-style dinner by Jean-Jacques catering. Includes entertainment and dinner.
About the Performers:
Bill Gordh
Bill Gordh is an award-winning storyteller, author, educator, songwriter, and banjoist. He has performed with the New York Philharmonic, at the Clearwater Festival, The Museum of Natural History, the Tribeca Film Festival Family Day, Celebrate Brooklyn, the Byzantine Fresco Museum (Houston, TX), the Gerald Ford Amphitheater (Vail, CO) and for the last 3 years of the Clinton administration Bill was a featured storyteller at the White House Easter Egg Roll.
Lisa Gutkin
Recognized as violinist and vocalist for the groundbreaking Jewish Roots band, The Klezmatics, and as fiddler for the Downtown Celtic band Whirligig, Lisa is also known for her scoring, performance, and music direction in the two-time Tony Award winning play, Indecent. She has performed in Sting’s Broadway musical The Last Ship and her song “Gonna Get Through This World” – with words by Woody Guthrie – was hailed by Pete Seeger, as “a piece of genius.” Lisa’s playing and stories are fun and poignant, and her voice has been praised by the LA Times as “hauntingly emotional.”
Therese Folkes Plair
Therese Folkes Plair, an award-winning performing artist, is a classically trained singer who in 1979 changed her artistic direction from opera to world music and storytelling. Her research, performances, and teaching focus on the music and the oral and written literature of people of African descent. A graduate of in from Sarah Lawrence College, Ms. Plair has been on the forefront of developing arts education in Westchester Country and Tri-State New York areas since 1980. Her roles have included conducting residencies, integrating core curriculum with music, and storytelling for students of all ages.
This event is made possible by a generous grant from Verve 55+ Living/UJA Federation of NY.

Walter Schwartz presents The Brooklyn Dodgers: The Inside Stories
2024-04-15 10:00 - 11:30
Join us on Jackie Robinson Day to celebrate the contributions of Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers. Robinson was not only a great athlete but a civil rights champion and American icon. We’ll reminisce about his accomplishments through literature and music, all dedicated to the first Black American to play in organized baseball.

Israeli Culture Connection with Noy
2024-04-16 11:00 - 12:00
Come connect with our Shishin (Junior Israeli ambassador) Noy Laufer, born in Haifa. Noy is spending her gap year after graduating high school working with different institutions. In a roundtable conversation, she will share her experiences and perspectives as an Israeli. Light refreshments will be served.

Passover Appetizers Cooking Workshop
2024-04-16 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-04-19 13:00 - 13:30
Finding Passover-friendly appetizers can be a hassle, or expensive, or both. In this workshop, teaching chef Amy Pane will teach you how to make two simple and delicious recipes for Passover while we discuss our favorite holiday traditions and recipes. Get hands-on experience making the apps, or just come and observe. Everyone will go home with recipes and samples to eat.

Coffee and Games
2024-04-17 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. Feel free to bring your lunch!

Birdie’s Batch: Passover Pop-Up
2024-04-18 15:00 - 17:00
by the J for all of your seder desserts–or treats to enjoy throughout Passover! Get a Passover cookie box (brown butter coconut macaroons, peanut butter s’mores, and more) or a cake box (including (flourless chocolate cake and apple crisp). All recipes are grain and leavening-free.

Laughter Yoga
2024-04-19 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!

Friday Night Sensory Friendly Swim
2024-04-19 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!

Macaroons and More
2024-04-20 15:00 - 16:00
Location: Yorktown Heights, Location provided upon registration
Experience the joy of Passover with our exciting family culinary workshop! Amy Pane, our expert cooking instructor, will guide us in making delicious Passover treats like matzah pizzas and coconut macaroons. Take home all the recipes to recreate the magic in your own kitchen. This program is designed for children 4 years old and up with their caregiver.

JCC Closes at 3pm (Passover)
2024-04-22 15:00 - 21:00

JCC Closed (for Passover)
2024-04-23 05:00 - 21:00

Passover Friendly Lunch at the J
2024-04-24 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for a spread of deli salads (tuna, egg, veggies), drinks, dessert, and of course, matzah!

Trip to “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” + post-show talk with the cast
2024-04-24 13:00 - 17:30
White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place, White Plains, 10601
$45 members; $60 non-members, includes tickets and r/t transportation from the JCC
Join us for a matinee performance of the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical “Beautiful,” based on the life of songstress Carole King. This uplifting show chronicles the life of Carole King (born Carole Klein), from her days as a spunky, young songwriter in Brooklyn, to chart-topping hitmaker, and finally, to her own life-changing, trailblazing success with Tapestry.
Featuring unforgettable classics such as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “So Far Away,” “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” and “Natural Woman,” this musical phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember and a story you’ll never forget.
NOTE: Transportation to and from the theater from the JCC is included. After the show, we’ll be treated to a post-show conversation with the cast —just for JCC participants!
Tickets are non-refundable after April 7.

Bonding Brunch and Photoshoot (Fashion, Beauty, and Bonding Women’s Group)
2024-04-27 10:30 - 13:00
Ages 18+
This social group intends to provide a special, welcoming place for folks identifying as females with disabilities to come together and connect. In partnership with professionals including from Neiman Marcus, we will learn make-up, hair, and fashion techniques in a fun, supportive environment that celebrates diverse beauty.
Our final session will culminate in a brunch and a photoshoot! Participants will be able to practice the skills that they have learned throughout our first three sessions. We will have a makeup station and hair station so that the participants can get all glammed up before their photoshoot! Please note, this photoshoot will only be open to individuals who have taken part in one or more of the other sessions.
To register, email abridson@shamesjcc.org

Croton Point Park: Westchester’s Jewel on the Hudson With Caroline Curvan and Ross Craven
2024-04-29 10:00 - 11:30
Croton Point Park encompasses miles of Hudson River shoreline with astonishing views and remnants of the region’s past. Ancient shell mounds shed light on the Indigenous peoples who inhabited the area for generations prior to European colonization. Remains of the first commercial vineyard in the northeast are just steps away from historic brickyards that helped build Manhattan. Though the Point served as a dumping ground for much of the twentieth century, local efforts have restored the park into a model of environmental conservation. This talk will explore the past, present, and future of this remarkable park.
About the Presenters:
Scott Craven is a former Ossining Police Captain and Historian of the Town of Ossining. His masters’ thesis focused on the environmental history of the area. An avid fisherman, paddler and cyclist, Scott has a unique in-depth knowledge of the Point..
Caroline Ranald Curvan is the Town Historian of Ossining, as well as a professional researcher, writer and teacher. A writer with a popular local blog (OssiningHistoryontheRun.com), she is also an adjunct professor of Composition and Literature at Mercy University.

Freedom of Speech, Majority Rule, and Cancel Culture—with Rabbi Daniel Reiser, Temple Beth Shalom
2024-05-03 10:00 - 11:30
We live in a country with freedom of speech. Does that freedom apply even to offensive opinions? We live in a democracy. Does that mean that the majority is always right? We will reflect on how a story from the Talmud helps us to unpack these important questions.
