June 1, 2023
After careful consideration and extensive community consultation, the Soloway Jewish Community Centre’s Board of Directors has made the decision to follow suit with other Jewish Community Centre’s across Canada to open on Saturdays and some Jewish Holidays.
On Saturdays, the SJCC will offer Shabbat-themed family programs, giving members of our community an opportunity to come together and celebrate the day. Our health and wellness facilities will be available, and no business will be conducted (no exchange of money) on this day.
Beginning on July 8, we will be open on Saturdays throughout the summer from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. In the Fall, we will be open on Saturdays from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. The SJCC will remain closed on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and the first two days of Passover and will be open for all other Jewish holidays.
We are looking forward to this new chapter for our Ottawa community and hope you will take advantage of everything happening at the Soloway JCC now on Saturdays as well as other days.
Shabbat & Holiday Opening FAQ
► What can I do on a Saturday at the SJCC?
All facilities will be available for members on Saturdays. Play basketball in the gym, use the fitness centre, and swim laps in the pool. The Village Café will be closed.
► Will there be any special Shabbat programming on Saturdays?
Yes! We will be offering free monthly family-friendly programming for young children where we will celebrate the day and enjoy an activity at the SJCC. You must be a member of the SJCC to be part of the Saturday Shabbat program. We hope to partner with various synagogues for these programs.
► What are the Saturday hours of operation?
July & August: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
September – May: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
► Will I be able to purchase a membership or make a payment on a Saturday?
No. There will be no business transacted at the SJCC on Saturdays.
► What if I observe Shabbat but would like to use the facilities at the SJCC on a Saturday?
Just knock on the front doors and someone will let you into the building without needing to swipe your membership card.
► Will the SJCC be open on Jewish holidays?
We will still be closed for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and the first two days of Passover. We will be open for all other Jewish holidays.
► Do I need to be an SJCC Member to use the building on a Saturday?
Yes. You need to have an active SJCC Membership to access the building.
► Why after all these years of being closed on Saturdays have you made the decision to open on Shabbat?
The decision to open on Saturdays was made by the SJCC Board of Directors after careful and thoughtful community consultation and feedback from active SJCC members. In terms of outreach and engagement, we feel that we are better able to serve our members and our community by being open on Saturdays. The Ottawa JCC is currently the only JCC in Canada that does not open on Shabbat.
