Shames JCC

Common Ground: God Bless America! Praying in Public for our Elected Leaders— Patriotic Duty or Divisive Practice?
2024-12-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
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.

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.

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.

JCC Book Club: Remarkably Bright Creatures
2024-12-11 19:00 - 20:15
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.

Pop-Up: Mice for Peace
2024-12-11 15:00 - 17:00
For a unique gift made by an artist whose aim is to repair the world and shine Jewish joy, consider Mice for Peace gifts, such as little sachets with tiny inspiring prints, and Hanukkah games, cards, mugs, and other festive products.

Documentary Screening in The Ark: The Wild One (Narrated by Willem Dafoe)
2024-12-11 11:30 - 13:15
FREE for members and non-members
(running time 94 minutes)
The Wild One illuminates the journey of an unsung artist, Jack Garfein – Holocaust survivor, celebrated Broadway director, Actors Studio West co-founder, and controversial filmmaker. The film delves into how his experience in the concentration camps shaped his vision of acting as a survival mechanism and propelled his engagement with themes of violence, power, and racism in postwar America in two explosive films: The Strange One (1957) and Something Wild (1961). The Wild One examines the importance of Garfein’s legacy as an artist who confronted censorship and reveals how art can draw on personal memory to better enlighten our present.
Winner Best Cinematography | Tribeca Film Festival

You Give the Verdict: A Dramatic Courtroom Reading
2024-12-10 13:00 - 14:00
Free for members; $5 non-members
When Joan Storm became involved in a cult, her concerned father, Dr. Storm, hired a deprogrammer named George McClure to kidnap and deprogram his daughter. After Joan was released and promised that she would quit the cult, she went to the district attorney and charged her father and McClure with kidnapping. Did Dr. Storm and McClure act responsibly to save a child, or did they commit a crime and deserve punishment? Join us to take part in this riveting trial read!

Pop-up: Ariane's Jewel Box
2024-12-10 09:00 - 13:00
For the trendsetter in your life, explore this carefully curated collection of jewelry.

1927 and the Year Modern America Began with Evan Weiner
2024-12-09 10:00 - 11:30
The year 1927 may be one of the most influential in American history. Charles “Lucky Lindy” Lindbergh flew solo between Long Island, New York and Paris, France. In entertainment, the first talkie movie, “The Jazz Singer,” was released; Clara Bow was the “it” girl; and Laurel and Hardy teamed up. In sports, Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs and the New York Yankees swept Pittsburgh in the World Series. In speakeasies, flappers were having fun and the Nazis were a fringe party in Germany. Come learn about this incredibly important year and its impact on American culture.

Pop-Up: Handcrafted Home Decor and Interactive Designs with Elizabeth Naughton and Vanessa Pineda Fox
2024-12-09 09:00 - 11:00
Explore unique, thoughtfully created gifts with interactive designs including calendars, ornaments, greeting cards, jewelry and jewelry dishes, artwork and more!

Mah Jongg Tournament
2024-12-08 13:00 - 17:30
Members: $30; non-members: $36
Space limited to 40 players
Looking to take your Mah Jongg skills to the next level? Join us for our first-ever Mah Jongg tournament and see if you’ll walk away with a prize! This tournament includes three rounds of 20-minute games with breaks in between. Tournament rules can be found here.
Your ticket includes all supplies, coffee, and light refreshments. Enjoy a fun afternoon of friendly competition!
Players will need to bring their 2024 NMJL card and cash for the raffles, and be able to stay for the entire program.
Register by November 25!

J Sports Academy: Kick It with the Coaches
2024-12-08 11:00 - 12:30 | The Masters School, 49 Clinton Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, NY
49 Clinton Ave, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
Join J Sports Academy at The Masters School for a taste of what’s to come this summer. You’ll get to see the beautiful facilities where camp is happening, meet camp leadership, and learn more about our program. Your child will also have the opportunity to play with J Sports coaches, so make sure to bring sneakers! They’ll enjoy activities and games in soccer, basketball, Pickleball, and fencing with Westchester sport lovers!
Snacks and refreshments will be served.

Pop-Up: Hanukkah Candles from Boy Scout Troop 55 of Irvington
2024-12-08 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.

Raising Resilience: Help Your Children Thrive in Times of Uncertainty With Tovah P. Klein PhD
2024-12-07 10:30 - 12:00
How can parents help children thrive in an uncertain world? Renowned child development psychologist Dr. Tovah Klein’s work explores how parents can help children build resilience to adapt, handle life’s challenges, and have confidence and compassion when confronted with adversity and stress. In this talk, Dr. Klein will outline the “Five Pillars of Resilience” explored in her best-selling book, providing concrete, evidence-based strategies to help parents understand their children’s current needs, foster strong relationships, and support their healthy growth and development. A Q&A session will follow.
“In these uncertain times, there is no more important book than Raising Resilience.” Eve Rodsky, NYT bestselling author of Fair Play
“Raising Resilience will guide you in raising a child who feels secure in their relationship with you, knows how to navigate their own feelings, and not only adapts to challenges or traumas but also thrives after them.” — Richard C. Schwartz, PhD, author of No Bad Parts
Ticket to the event plus a signed copy of the book: $35
Two tickets to the event plus one copy of the signed book: $40
Members receive 10% off
About Tovah:
Tovah P. Klein, PhD, is Director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development, a psychology professor at Barnard College, Columbia University, and the author of How Toddlers Thrive: What Parents Can Do Today for Children Ages 2-5 to Plant the Seeds of Lifelong Success and the recently published Raising Resilience: How to Help our Children Thrive in Times of Uncertainty. Dr. Klein has worked with and conducted research on parents and children of all ages for over three decades. She and her works appear frequently in the media, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Huffington Post, Parents, Motherly, Business Insider, Popsugar, Purewow, and Slate. She has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, MSNBC, Tamron Hall show, the Today show, and NPR. A former developmental advisor to Sesame Street, she advises organizations worldwide, including Room to Grow, Ubuntu Pathways South Africa, Hunts Point Alliance for Children, and Children’s Museum of Manhattan. She lives in New York City with her family and is the mother of three sons.

Laughter Yoga with Dr. Vinodray Shah
2024-12-06 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

Clergy Talk: The Maccabees in Their Own Words
2024-12-06 09:30 - 10:30
The Books of the Maccabees were written too late to be included in the Hebrew Bible, and too early to make it into the New Testament. They tell the story of Hanukhah from the perspective of those who experienced it, and that retelling is as fascinating for what it leaves out as for what it includes. We’ll look at selected passages and get the eyewitness account of the origin of the Festival of Lights.
Join Rabbi David Holtz 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.

YAI Unique Boutique
2024-12-05 15:00 - 17:00
Driven by a mission to see beyond disabilities, YAI creates opportunities for people to live, love, work, and learn as integral members of their communities. Every item they sell is thoughtfully designed and crafted by adults with disabilities. Your purchase of homemade items including jewelry directly supports these talented artisans, helping them build fulfilling careers and fostering a more inclusive society.

Pop-Up: Ceramics from Maggie Chow
2024-12-05 09:00 - 13:00
Explore handmade, functional ceramics with special designs, all created locally in Westchester and without any toxic materials.

Behind the Scenes: "Crossing Delancey": Film Screening and Q&A with Production Sound Mixer Danny Michael
2024-12-04 18:30 - 20:30
FREE for members; $10 non-members
Every wonder what goes into making a Hollywood film? Join us for a screening of the classic romantic comedy Crossing Delancey, then stay for a discussion with the film’s production sound mixer, Danny Michael. An Academy Award nominee, Danny, has worked on over 90 films and has lots of stories to share. Bring your questions!

Hot Topics
2024-12-04 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!

Visit Lima Peru! Livestream Tour in The Ark
2024-12-03 14:00 - 15:00
FREE for members and non-members, incl. light snacks
Ever wanted to visit Peru? Join a group livestream tour of one of the most beautiful cities on the planet: Lima. This new monthly program for the culturally curious– 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.

Caregiver Conversation Circle
2024-12-03 12:30 - 13:30
Do you care for a family member with chronic illness or special needs? Join our conversation circle to connect with others in a similar situation. Whether you are responsible for a child with special needs, a spouse with cognitive or physical decline, or any other situation that fits, we welcome your participation. The group will be facilitated by longtime social worker, Joanne Reed. Coffee and tea will be served.

Pop-Up: Fused-Glass Housewares from Abe Rosenthal
2024-12-03 08:00 - 13:00
Explore beautiful handmade fused-glass gifts, such as plates, bowls, coasters, hearts, and hanging vases.

Linking Creativity and Autism with Rosa Martinez
2024-12-02 10:00 - 11:30
Did you know that some of the greatest artistic minds are also on the autistic spectrum? Join us for a fascinating presentation by Rosa Martinez, president and founder of Strokes of Genius, Inc, to learn more about the amazing skills of autistic savants. Along with a brief history and introduction to the extraordinary art of these individuals, she will show you selections of their paintings, music, and other works–including those currently on display in our halls!.
About the presenter: Dr. Martinez is the President and founder of Strokes of Genius, Inc. SOG is a non-profit organization that empowers individuals on the autism spectrum. She curates art exhibitions in the United States and internationally featuring the artwork of autistic savants. Dr. Martinez has taught at the College of Staten Island, Long Island University, Touro and Hunter College. She has lectured and presented at various conferences regarding Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis and has been instrumental in establishing ABA programs and schools for young children with PDD and Autism in New York City.

Coffee and Games
2024-11-27 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!

Foreign Affairs Discussion Group: Europe in Decline
2024-11-26 19:00 - 20:15
Europe has suffered a loss of competitiveness and business dynamism relative to the US and China. In 1992, the EU accounted for 29% of global output and was a leader in new technologies; by 2022, its share of world output was just 17% and it had lost many of its new tech companies. What has caused this decline, and how can Europe bounce back?

PB&J Sandwich Pop-Up for Neighbors in Need
2024-11-25 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for 5 minutes or an entire hour as we make a lot of PB&J sandwiches for neighbors in need. The Northern Westchester Community Center in Katonah provides food, clothing, and social services to 500 families a week who can’t make ends meet and they have asked us to help. We’ll provide all supplies but welcome your contribution of a loaf or two of bread. Please contact Rabbi Ron Symons at rsymons@shamesjcc.org for more information.

Pass The Turkey but Don’t Talk Politics
2024-11-25 10:00 - 11:30
Do you yearn for those days when you could have a difference of opinion with someone who voted differently than you? Oy! Join Rabbi Ron Symons in a guided conversation about how to live in community across real and perceived differences. Your opinions will help us find paths forward with family, friends, and neighbors whose politics may diverge from your own.

Family Fridays: The Lego Movie 2
2024-11-22 18:00 - 20:00
Kick off your weekend with your friends at the J over pizza and a screening of The Lego Movie 2 in our new theater! Wear your comfy clothes and we’ll take care of the rest by feeding and entertaining you and your kids.
Member price: Kids ages 2-18 $5 (under 2 free); adults $8
Non-member price: Kids ages 2-18 $8 (under 2 free); adults $12

Chair-Based Neshama Body and Soul Demo Class
2024-11-22 11:00 - 12:00
Members: free; non-members: $10
Chair-Based Neshama Body and Soul is a workout-worship practice that combines Jewish prayer and teachings with bodyweight strength training. Engage your physical core by doing various exercises from a seated position, while engaging your spiritual core by singing verses of Jewish prayer and reflecting on questions that come from Jewish texts. Come try this unique method free of charge!
About the instructor:
Rabbi Jaymee Alpert is passionate about exploring the connection between spirituality and physical activity. She is the co-creator of Neshama Body and Soul, a practice that combines exercise with Jewish prayer and Torah reflections. Rabbi Jaymee spent 20 years as a congregational rabbi serving synagogues in the Bay Area, Westchester, NY, and Princeton, NJ. She was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary and holds master’s degrees in Jewish Education and Jewish Women’s Studies. Rabbi Jaymee currently sits on the Conservative Movement’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards and on the board of Lilith Magazine, and she is a certified fitness trainer and life coach.
