Membership to the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center of Taiwan

The Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center of Taiwan is a non-profit, membership-based cultural organization that welcomes anyone who is inspired by and supports our organization’s mission and values. We invite applications for membership from people who are sincerely committed to deepening their understanding of and appreciation for Jewish culture.

We welcome members of other faiths to participate in our cultural activities, enjoy our services, and apply for membership.

We do not seek to convert anyone to the Jewish faith, both as a matter of our organization’s policy, and in line with Jewish tradition.

Please read on to learn about membership benefits, types, and fees, and our Code of Conduct. When you are ready to apply, click the button at the bottom of this page which will take you to our online application form.

 

Membership Benefits

As a member of the JCC, you will enjoy priority access to our facilities and services. Members will be eligible to receive a number of benefits including:

  • Digital membership pass providing expedited pre-cleared access to the JCC
  • Priority access to holiday and cultural events
  • Selected members-only discounts on events and services
  • Access to the JCC members-only app

 

Membership types and prices

We currently offer three types of membership packages. These rates are offered at substantial discounts to the rates charged at most JCC’s in the US and elsewhere, thanks to the generosity of the Jeffrey D. Schwartz & NaTang Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association (JTCA):

  • Annual adult membership: NTD1,800
  • Annual family membership: NTD2,500
  • Memberships are only given to people 18 and over

 

Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center Code of Conduct

We hope that all of our members and guests will have enjoyable and memorable experiences visiting our center. To ensure we have an environment that is secure, safe, and welcoming to all members and guests, we ask that all new members as well as visitors carefully read and agree to abide by our Code of Conduct:

Respectful behavior: To foster an environment that is warm, welcoming, and respectful to all members and staff, we ask that you communicate and behave respectfully toward other members and staff at all times. This includes communications pertaining to the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center, the Jeffrey D. Schwartz & NaTang Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association, and any members or staff, whether in person, or through digital channels such as social media, blogs, email, or established media outlets. Verbal or written remarks, or physical gestures, that are deemed disparaging, disrespectful, harmful, or threatening will be grounds for expulsion from the premises, and suspension or cancellation of membership.

Food and drink: We offer a unique kosher dining experience through our kosher culinary lab and dining spaces. Serving delicious authentic kosher food takes a lot of hard work and meticulous observance of the intricate rules and traditions governing kosher food preparation. Therefore, with the exception of bottle water, please do not bring any food or drink into the center. While in the center, please do not consume any food or drink that has not been prepared in the center.

Orthodox services: We observe the well-established traditions and practices of Orthodox religious services and behavior. All members and visitors are expected to respect these practices at all times.

Observing Shabbat: Every week, from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday, we observe Shabbat, a traditional day of rest and renewal. To ensure a peaceful and restful Shabbat experience for our community, we kindly ask that you refrain from using phones and other electronic devices inside the center. Please turn off mobile phone alerts and ringers to avoid disruptions.

Photography: Taking photographs or videos, or making audio recordings or certain events, are acceptable with a few important exceptions and precautions. Please do not take photographs, videos, or audio recordings on Shabbat (see “Observing Shabbat”) or other key holidays that are considered holy days on the Jewish calendar. If you take photographs of adults, please ask their permission first, and do not share them on social media or other external channels without their prior permission. Photography inside the mikveh—the ritual bathing room—is not allowed at any time.

Proper attire: Given its status as a holy sanctuary, all members and visitors must wear appropriate attire at all times. Please do not wear shorts or tank tops. Long slacks and long skirts or dresses are preferred. Please do not wear sandals, “flip-flops”, or other shoes that do not cover the feet completely.

Head coverings: Men are required to wear yarmulkes (kippot) in the Schwartz Synagogue on the 4th floor at all times, and during holidays and other holy days on the Jewish calendar. Yarmulkes are generally considered optional throughout the rest of the center, but we encourage you to wear them out of respect for Jewish tradition. We will provide yarmulkes at the front desk which we ask you to kindly return to the center after use.

Respect for property: Please take special care not to damage any building property. Do not remove any of the items in the center. Do not touch any of the objects in the museum.

Smoking: The JCC is a strictly smoke-free environment. Smoking is not allowed inside the facilities or on the building premises at any time.

Proselytizing: This is a center where we observe the principles and traditions of Jewish law and ritual observance; proselytizing (attempted conversion or education) on behalf of other religions is considered unacceptable.

Commercial activities: This is a center for cultural, educational, and religious activities. Please do not use the facilities or access to members to promote business activities or sell products or services, without the prior written permission of the JCC management.

Children: Children 13 years of age and under must be supervised by an adult at all times in the center. For their safety, and for the safety of other members and staff, children are not permitted to run, climb, or throw items at any time. Children are not permitted to touch or move any objects in the center. Parents and guardians are responsible for any damage caused to the center. Children use the center at their own risk.  The Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center of Taiwan nor the Jeffrey D. Schwartz & NaTang Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association will assume responsibility for injuries that may be caused. 

Anyone found to be in violation of these rules is subject to disciplinary action, including immediate removal from the center premises or social media groups, suspension or revocation of membership, or even prosecution according to relevant R.O.C. laws.

 

How to apply and pay

If you’ve read our Code of Conduct and you’re ready to apply for membership, simply click the button below which will take you to a separate page containing our application form.

For security purposes, whenever you visit the JCC, you must always bring at least one valid form of photo identification such as your Taiwan ID card, student ID, ARC card, or passport.

If you have any questions about the application or payment process, please email us at reservations@jtca.org.tw or call us at +886 2 2700-0366