Intergenerational Chess in Westchester
Discover the joy of intergenerational friendship and volunteerism through playing chess. We welcome teens and older adults of any skill level, even first-time players.
Program Type: Intergenerational
Age Group: Adults 60+ Teens
Frequency: Weekly Limited Series
Program Access: At DOROT (Westchester)
Sign Up to Play
Connect with teens and older adults over a chess board to play, share stories, and create meaningful intergenerational friendships.
Registration for Fall 2025 opens later this year.
About Intergenerational Chess
Intergenerational Chess with DOROT Westchester offers a welcoming and lively space where high school students and older adults spend time together, get to know new people, and share the joy of chess. Whether you’re a seasoned player or this is your first time picking up a pawn, you’ll find a supportive environment where everyone can grow.
Each week, a chess master leads the group through a lesson, making sure everyone—no matter their experience level—feels engaged.
At the start of each session, we kick things off with pairs of players answering a fun “question of the day,” then dive into some instruction, play, and personalized coaching. It’s also a great chance to chat, encourage one another, and build connections over a shared love of “the game of kings.”
The Details
Who Can Play? High school students and adults 60+.
When: Wednesday afternoons from 4:30 to 6:00 PM. We offer two 8-week cycles each year—one in the fall/winter and another in the winter/spring.
Fall 2025 Dates: To be announced in September 2025
Location: Hartsdale, NY
Questions? Email us at infowestchester@dorotusa.org.
Want to Play Intergenerational Chess Online?
You can play chess online as part of our GENuine Connections intergenerational program. Learn more.
I enjoyed interacting with the high school students and learning about their academic interests and career pursuits. We shared very similar interests beyond just chess.
How This Program Started
Intergenerational Chess got its start when Zachary Targoff, then 13 years old, decided to create a Bar Mitzvah community service project with DOROT. Zachary was matched by DOROT with Herman Bomze, of blessed memory, and they played chess every week in Herman’s apartment.
At his Bar Mitzvah, Zachary was presented a gift by Herman’s daughter, Bracha – the wooden chess set that had belonged to her father, which Herman inherited from his father and brought from Vienna in 1929. In honor of the bond that Zachary and Herman enjoyed over the years, Zachary and his parents, Josh and Kim Targoff, established DOROT’s onsite Intergenerational Chess program. It has become an impactful addition to our intergenerational programming.
Zachary and Herman Bond Over Chess
Watch a video about Zachary and Herman and their special bond.