Shames JCC

Holiday Tea Musicale at Caramoor Center for the Arts
2024-12-19 13:00 - 16:45 (America/New_York)
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.

Challah and Conversation: Endings and Beginnings
2025-01-10 09:30 - 10:30
Join a conversation about the power of turning the page on the past and starting a new chapter. At this season of new year along with a new administration, we’ll discuss how we can use our past experiences to help us nurture future experiences for ourselves and the generations yet to be.
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.

Family Pizza and a Movie Night: Encanto
2025-01-10 17:30 - 20:00
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.
