Learn About Membership

Membership Policy

The J does not refuse membership solely based on race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, marital, or military status. 

The J reserves the right to suspend and/or terminate any membership at any time for any reason whatsoever, at its sole discretion, without prior notice to the member. The J reserves the right to refuse membership to any applicant for any reason, including without limitation, based on a prior suspension and/or termination of membership, and the J need not establish or communicate cause for such refusal.

Notes:

• The J reserves the right to raise membership rates but will provide at least a 2 week notice to its members in advance of any increase
• A parent or legal guardian aged 18 or older must be present to sign a membership agreement/waiver for members under the age of 18.
• Summer/vacation memberships are available. Contact the Membership Director.

Facility Code of Conduct

To ensure the highest quality experience for its members, the Springfield Jewish Community Center (“the J”) has created this Code of Conduct for its facility which outlines its expectations of members and staff while on the campus. We expect conduct consistent with the J’s tradition of kindness, tolerance, and acceptance.

Members and guests are expected to be respectful on our campus. All are responsible for their personal conduct and are permitted to ask any person whose behavior threatens their comfort or safety to refrain from such conduct. If, however, a member or guest feels uncomfortable speaking to the person directly, they should seek assistance from a J staff person.

Prohibited behaviors and actions include, but are not limited to:

• Attire that is inappropriate or offensive
• Vulgar or offensive language
• Unwanted physical contact with another person
• Verbal or physical harassment
• Photography, video, or audio recording without prior approval
• Theft, destruction of property, or behavior that results in same
• Carrying or concealing any weapon, or object that may be used as a weapon
• Use or possession of alcohol or illegal substances on the campus
• Use of any tobacco or marijuana products including vaping and e-cigarettes
• Any other conduct considered inappropriate, threatening, or offensive in nature
• Soliciting

Facility Rules

The J reserves the right, in the exercise of its sole discretion, to amend all rules, regulations and/or directions at any time without notice to members, including as set forth in this document, its Facility Code of Conduct and other documents, and members should expect to immediately comply with such amended rules, regulations, and directions.

1. Facility Access
   • Members and guests should expect that bags may be subject to search. Every member aged 13 and older receives a membership fob which enables access to the J. Every member is expected to bring their membership fob with them whenever they visit. For the safety and security of all, the J requires each member to swipe their membership fob upon entering the facility at the main entrance, and at any other fob reader located at areas they wish to access. Tailgating (allowing others to pass on your swipe) is prohibited.
   • If you lose your fob, please stop by the Welcome Desk to report this and the J will deactivate your lost fob and issue you a new one (for a small replacement fee). Damaged fobs will be replaced for free.
2. Clean Air Campus
   • The J is proud to be a clean air campus. There is no smoking or vaping at the J or on the J campus.
3. Guest Policy and Day Passes
   • We encourage you to bring guests to the J. Guests must register at the Welcome Desk, sign an exercise waiver, and provide emergency contact information. The cost for drop in basketball or pickleball is $5 and full access to the J is $10 (Swimming pool & fitness rooms and classes). One $10 guest pass can cover a family with up to 3 children under 13. All children under 13 need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian in order to go into the pool area. No children under 13 are allowed to utilize the gym.
4. Policy Concerning Supervision of Children
   • Student membership at the J is available for people aged 13 and above. Children aged 13 years and older may use the pool and gym without adult supervision. Children under age 13 are not permitted in the Fitness Center.
   • Children 12 years or younger (who are part of a family membership) may not use the J unsupervised. A child 12 years or younger may use the gymnasium or pool only if a family member aged 18 or older is supervising. If a child under 13, but older than 10 years old has a parent in the building they are able to be in the game room or common lobby area without supervision. People aged 18+ may supervise more than one child at a time.
   • Parents/guardians will be contacted if underage members violate the rules of the J and/or exhibit behavior which is harmful to the facility, other members, or staff. Parents or guardians must be aware of J hours of operation for the area of the facility the child will be using. Children under 10 found at the J unsupervised will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including temporary suspension of membership and/or access to the J.
5. Personal Care & Support Policy
   • The Springfield JCC is committed to providing an inclusive environment where individuals of all abilities can participate in our programs. While we strive to provide an accessible environment in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the JCC is not able to provide one-to-one personal care assistance for daily living needs.
   • Participants who require support with activities of daily living (ADLs) — such as eating, toileting, dressing, mobility, or medication administration — must arrange to have a qualified support person (family member, aide, or personal care attendant) present as needed. If you require a support person please contact the membership department, eking@springfieldjcc.org or afrechette@springfieldjcc.org, to have your personal care assistant added to your account for no additional charge.
6. JCC Reciprocity
   • There are approximately 150 Js across North America, and when you travel out of town, most Js welcome you to use their facility for one week when you present your valid membership fob. The front desk staff will confirm your membership status with your JCC. Visit www.jcca.org for a complete listing of Js in North America. Restrictions may apply or differ at other J’s so be sure to contact the J at your destination prior to your trip.
7. Dress Code
   • Please dress appropriately for your activity. Wear closed-toe athletic shoes in the workout and gymnasium areas. Swimsuits are required in the pool. Babies are required to wear swim diapers. Shirts are required in all fitness areas.
8. Cell Phones, Camera and Video Usage
   • Use of cell phones as a camera or video device in locker rooms and the Fitness Center is prohibited. Use of cell phones on fitness equipment without headphones is not permitted. Telephone conversations are discouraged while using fitness equipment. All landline phones located in the facility are strictly for J use only.

Locker Room Rules

Men’s Locker Room is provided for use by men age 18 or older only. For the respect and comfort of all members, children under age 18 are not permitted in the Men’s Locker Room at any time. Boys age 17 and under must use the Boys’ Locker Room. Adults with young children must use the Family Locker Room.

Women’s Locker Room is provided for use by women age 18 or older only. For the respect and comfort of all members, children under age 18 are not permitted in the Women’s Locker Room at any time. Girls age 17 and under must use the Girls’ Locker Room. Adults with young children must use the Family Locker Room.

Boys’ Locker Room is provided for use by boys age 17 and under. Men age 18 and older must use the Men’s Locker Room.

Girls’ Locker Room is provided for use by girls age 17 and under. Women age 18 and older must use the Women’s Locker Room.

Family Locker Room is provided for mixed-use needs. It is available for parents/guardians escorting children under the age of 13, adults who rely on the help of a caregiver for assistance, and adults who prefer not to use our single-gendered spaces. Anyone using the Family Locker Room to change must do so in the private changing rooms. These spaces are designed to accommodate multiple users and mobility equipment, including strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers.

General Locker Room Rules

• Appropriate attire (bathing suit, towel, or cover-up) must be worn in all public spaces. Please utilize private changing rooms.
• No cell phone, camera, or video equipment of any kind is to be used in locker rooms.
• Eating is prohibited in all of the locker rooms and changing areas.
• Bare feet and wet swimsuits are not allowed outside of the locker rooms or pool area.
• Respect your fellow members’ personal space and be mindful of your noise level.
• Please help us keep our locker rooms clean! Throw away your trash and remember to place used JCC towels in our towel bins.

Locker Usage

• Day-use lockers are free of charge while using the Health and Wellness areas.
• Long-term rental lockers are available on a monthly fee basis.
• Instructions for using the built-in combination locks are posted in the locker rooms. Contact a Health and Wellness staff member for additional assistance.
• Items left overnight in day-use lockers will be removed on a regular basis. The Springfield JCC assumes no responsibility for items left in day-use lockers.

Sauna and Steam Rooms
Sauna and steam rooms are provided in each of the Adult Locker Rooms. We ask our members to respect and follow the following safety rules:

• Appropriate attire (bathing suit, towel, or cover-up) must be worn in the sauna and steam room.
• For hygienic purposes, please sit on a towel.
• Limit your exposure to 15-30 minutes.
• Drink plenty of water before and after using the sauna or steam room.
• Persons with medical conditions should consult a physician before using the sauna and/or steam room.
• Exit immediately if feeling nauseous, dizzy, or sleepy.
• Do not dry personal items in the sauna.

The Springfield JCC reserves the right to cancel the membership of members who violate this policy.

Billing Policy

Membership is neither transferable nor refundable. All payments will be taken on the 1st of each month. Membership automatically renews monthly and requires a 30 day notice for cancellation. This is no prorated cancellation. It is the responsibility of the member to report any changes in the membership structure. i.e. children aging out of the family plan (24) or if you are turning 65.

1. Payment Structure & Repetitive Charges
   • Monthly Charge Option: Membership dues for the current month (prorated) and any processing fees (if applicable) will be charged at the time of enrollment. Subsequent billing dates will then be the 1st of the month and payments will apply to that month.
   • Annual Charge Option: Annual memberships require payment in full at the time of joining or billing. If not paid in full within 30 days, the membership charge arrangement will revert to monthly billing for 1/12 of the obligation each month for the ensuing year. This would exclude members from the benefit of paying for an annual membership.
   • Payment Responsibility: Members are responsible for keeping the details of their payment arrangements up to date (i.e if your credit card expires, you get a new card). If Member accounts become delinquent if a draft is unpaid and Center privileges are suspended until payment is made. 
2. Membership Cancellation Policy
   • Non-annual members are required to give 30 days notice in order to cancel membership. There is no prorated cancellation.
   • There is no refund of the annual membership.
3. Freeze (Leave) Policy
   • If members want to freeze their membership, the J will allow members to freeze up to 4 consecutive months in a 12-month period. To initiate a freeze, members must notify the Membership Director at least 30 days in advance of their request.
4. Financial Assistance
   • The J believes strongly in providing financial assistance in cases of financial hardship. Contact Deb Krivoy, COO, at dkrivoy@springfieldjcc.org  to discuss your situation and to receive confidential financial assistance forms. Your information will be handled with utmost discretion.

Kosher Policy

BACKGROUND: Part of what it means to be a pluralistic Jewish organization is to provide food that can be consumed by the broadest range of members and guests. The Springfield JCC’s kosher policy aims to be inclusive of the entire Jewish community.

DEFINITIONS: Kosher (kashrut) refers to a set of dietary laws dealing with the foods that Jewish people are permitted to eat and how those foods must be prepared. These laws are observed in varying degrees among Jewish individuals and families. For those who choose to observe some or all of the system of kashrut, it serves as a frequent reminder of their distinct identity as Jews and their spiritual commitments.

The term “kosher style” generally means not mixing meat and dairy in the same meal, and no pork or shellfish products.

1. Kitchens
   • The JCC’s commercial kitchen is to be maintained as a kosher kitchen under the supervision of the Massachusetts Kosher Commission (formerly known as the Springfield Vaad Hakashruth).
   • The staff kitchenettes and refrigerators are not under any kosher supervision.
2. JCC Programs
   • All food provided at JCC-sponsored public programs and events must be kosher. This policy applies to both on-campus and off-campus programming.
   • Food provided at private, small-group events (e.g., bagel breakfast for Aqua Aerobics participants) can be kosher style, but such private gatherings must provide a kosher option for any participants who request it.
   • The JCC’s vending machines will serve products that are certified kosher.
3. Facility Rentals
   • Rentals (including birthday party rentals) allow for individuals to bring in non-kosher food with no access to the JCC’s kosher kitchen.
4. Staff
   • Staff may bring in their own food for personal consumption, while being considerate of the restrictions of others (e.g., eating lunch in one’s personal workspace, not in common areas).
   • Staff may bring in non-kosher food to share with other staff and items must be labeled as such.
   • It is not necessary that food served at staff events be kosher, but staff meetings, trainings, and/or professional development workshops must provide a kosher option for any staff who request it. There is no staff access to the kosher kitchen without appropriate supervision.
   • Non-kosher food consumed by staff may be stored in selected fridges in the building and may be heated in labeled microwaves.
5. Early Learning Center, KidSpace Afterschool Program, and Summer Day Camp
   • All lunches and snacks must be kosher style. All dairy (e.g., milk, cheese, yogurt) and parve foods (e.g., fruit, vegetables, pasta, grains, legumes, hummus, sunflower butter, eggs, and tuna fish) may be sent in.
   • Shellfish (e.g., shrimp) is not permitted.
   • Kosher style meat includes chicken, turkey, and beef. Pork products (e.g., ham, bacon) are not permitted.
   • Dairy and meat may not be consumed in the same meal. For example, dairy ranch dressing cannot be sent with chicken nuggets. As another example, a turkey sandwich may be sent or a cheese sandwich may be sent, but a turkey AND cheese sandwich may not be sent.
   • Suggestions on tasty lunch and snack ideas will be provided in the Parent Handbook.
     • All snacks that the JCC serves to ELC/KidSpace/Camp participants must be kosher.
     • Birthday treats that families bring in for classmates to enjoy must be kosher
     • We expect that parents and guardians will be committed to following the JCC’s food policy. In the ELC particularly, kashrut is one of the many facets of Jewish life which children learn about over the course of the school year. JCC staff will work with families to clarify any confusion regarding the kosher style lunch and snack policy.
     • Because the JCC welcomes families with different levels of kashrut observance, it is critical that children do not share snacks or lunch food while attending JCC programs.
6. Special Circumstances
   • In the spirit of Passover and out of respect for one another’s beliefs and our Jewish traditions, we ask that leavened products (e.g., bread, cakes, muffins, cookies, some crackers) be excluded from the JCC facility during the Passover holiday. Staff, members, and children bringing in food are asked to adhere to this requirement. Suggestions on lunch and snack ideas will be provided.

Shabbat Policy

BACKGROUND: The Springfield JCC fosters an inclusive Jewish environment that helps build community  and allows for people to find multiple paths for connection within our Jewish community. We welcome  diversity of belief, practice, and observance while recognizing shared common values that are integral to  Judaism and Jewish life.

Opening the JCC’s doors on Shabbat fulfills our role of being a special “home away from home” where  Jewish individuals and families can choose to enjoy Shabbat together in a pluralistic Jewish communal  setting. The JCC strives to create a special and unique atmosphere on Shabbat.

DEFINITIONS: Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) is defined as the period between Friday at sundown until Saturday  one hour after sundown. Shabbat is considered sacred time for rest and reflection, family and friends.

1. The JCC will not sponsor any events or programs on Shabbat other than those that are in keeping with the Shabbat atmosphere of rest, reflection, peacefulness, and connection. No JCC-sponsored  league practices or competitive games/events will be held on Shabbat.
2. The JCC will not offer programs (e.g., group swim lessons, yoga classes) on Shabbat that are not also  offered at other times during the week.
3. Simple financial transactions involving cash, checks or credit cards may take place on Shabbat.
4. Membership fobs and mobile devices may be scanned on Shabbat for security purposes.
5. The Business Office is closed on Shabbat.
6. No Jewish staff member will be required to work during Shabbat. Any staff that works in the building  on Shabbat will do so at their own volition.
7. Rental of the facilities for personal use or celebrations is permitted on Shabbat. All use must follow  approved facility rental guidelines and Shabbat policies. All rentals must be coordinated with the JCC  prior to Shabbat.