The SIJCC has been a central hub of Jewish and cultural life in East Los Angeles for over 75 years. After the closure of JCCLA in the early 2000s, our community came together to purchase the SIJCC building and become a fully independent organization. That means we alone are responsible for keeping the SIJCC financially strong and sustainable.

Membership is one of the most important ways we do that. It helps build reliable, year-round income to fund the staff, programs, building maintenance, and community events that make SIJCC what it is today.

Great question! Both are essential—but they serve different purposes.

Membership is an annual financial commitment that comes with year-round benefits: free or discounted event admission, program access (like Early Childhood Education or the Jewish Learning Center), and other perks. Membership helps cover our day-to-day operational costs—keeping the doors open and the lights on.

Donations, on the other hand, are additional contributions that help SIJCC go above and beyond—funding special events capital improvements, and maintenance of our beautiful old buildings. Donations do not include membership benefits unless you also enroll as a member.

In short:
Membership keeps our community running. Donations help us grow and dream bigger.

Membership fees go toward essential operating expenses like:

• Building maintenance and repairs

• Staff salaries for our educators, program team, and facilities crew

• Community-wide programs, festivals, and cultural events

• Subsidizing tuition, program costs, and tickets so we can keep SIJCC affordable and accessible to more people

Event tickets and tuition do not fully cover these costs. Membership and fundraising help fill the gap.

We offer four membership types. All required a 12-month commitment. 

• Stakeholder Membership: $1,000 per year or $100 per month

• Family Membership: $350 per year or $35 per month

• Individual/Adult Membership: $125 per year or $15 per month 

• Young Adult/Senior Membership: $50 per year or $8 per month

Membership benefits vary depending on your membership level, but in general, members receive:

• Discounted member pricing for SIJCC programs and events (like Days of Awesome, Cabaret, and more)

• Free admission to select community-wide events

• Access to programs like the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program, Jewish Learning Center (JLC), Teen Group, and East Side Jews Book Club (where applicable)

• Quarterly Insider Newsletter

• An SIJCC Magnet

• Discounts on SIJCC swag and facility rentals

• Special recognition and exclusive gatherings for Stakeholder Members

• Monthly streaming access to 92NY.org programming

Yes! We have the perfect space for your next event. All membership levels include a discount on SIJCC space rentals. (Please link the word space to our rentals landing page)

• Stakeholder Members receive 20% off the hourly rental rate.

• All other membership levels receive 10% off the hourly rental rate.

Please note this discount applies only to the hourly rental rate, and does not include any add-ons such as furniture, a/v equipment or cleaning fees.  

Contact Curt at rentals@sijcc.net if you're interested in renting our space!

Yes! All membership levels offer a monthly payment plan.

Here’s how it works:

• Monthly payments are processed automatically on the 10th of each month.

• Monthly plans require a 12-month commitment

Please note: If you choose to pay monthly and later decide to cancel, you are still responsible for completing your 12-month payment agreement.

Your membership is valid for 12 months from your enrollment or renewal date.

For families enrolled in Early Childhood Education, Jewish Learning Center, or the Teen Group, your membership aligns with the school year: August 1 – July 31.

Yes. All memberships auto-renew each year to help ensure uninterrupted benefits and SIJCC’s financial stability.

We’ll send you a reminder email at least 30 days before your renewal date, giving you time to update your membership, change your plan, or opt out if needed.

You can cancel your membership at any time by contacting SIJCC.

However, please note:

• Membership fees are nonrefundable, even if you cancel before your term ends.

• If you’re on a monthly plan, you are still responsible for completing your 12-month payment commitment.

We accept both ACH (bank debit) and credit card payments via Stripe.

ACH payments are free of processing fees.
Credit card payments will include standard processing fees.

Yes! Your SIJCC membership is 100% tax-deductible.

You will receive a tax acknowledgment letter for your records.

We’re happy to help!

Please email babs.gray@sijcc.net with any questions.