How many Jews are on the Eastside, and where do they live?

Based on the 2023 community study sponsored by the Jewish Federation, approximately 55% of Portland’s 56,600 Jews live on the Eastside and Vancouver, WA.

Close to one thousand households have become engaged in EJC to date. This map indicates relative distribution of participating households.

Thanks to the passion, collaboration, and generosity of our community partners, stakeholders, donors, and friends, an opportunity has presented itself to lease space for the next five years. During this interim phase, we will demonstrate the viability of EJC’s vision.

Where: 24th and NE Sandy.

Is this the same thing as a community center? Like the Mittleman Jewish Community Center?

Yes and no. Unlike JCCs, we are not a membership organization, and we will not have a pool or gym. We are a space at which our community partners, including MJCC, offer programs and activities to all who wish to attend, and we are also a Jewish co-working space. But yes, we are a welcoming, vibrant, inclusive Jewish "living room" similar to many JCCs.

Is this a new synagogue?

No. At EJC, numerous synagogues offer religious, spiritual, social, educational and cultural options, allowing Portlanders to engage with many different aspects of Judaism.

Where does something like this exist already?

Similarities can found at the 6th and I Synagogue in Washington DC, Taborspace in Portland, the Muslim Educational Trust in Tigard, [The Neighborhood] 4 in Brooklyn, and Sketchpad in Chicago. These are places where community groups engage in programming under one common roof, and where collaboration and community engagement are high priorities. Co-working and events spaces also offer a related construct. If you are aware of models we should be thinking about, send us a message at info@ejcpdx.org.

How do I get there?

All the ways Portlanders get around: car, transit, foot, bicycle, scooter, Uber/Lyft, etc... We have plenty of parking on-street in the area, and a lot of bike parking. The #12 TriMet bus stops 50 feet from our front door.

Although we do not have dedicated disabled parking spots out front, we would appreciate the opportunity to make creative arrangements with some advance notice.

Is EJC ADA-Compliant?

We hold the vast majority of our programs on our ADA-compliant ground floor.

Can I just go in and hang out, have a cup of coffee?

Yes! Please check the calendar for regular "open" hours, which are presently 10-2 Mondays and Wednesdays. Free wifi is available and outside food is welcome (no pork or shellfish, please).

Does EJC allow any type of event? What about events that are controversial?

EJC rents our community space as a venue, platform, stage, and convener of organizations representing a wide range of Jewish denominations, connectivity, foci, opinions, beliefs, and engagement. Our role as a venue renter does not mean that EJC endorses or agrees with a particular position or event taking place at our facility. EJC will evaluate requests for use of the Commons for events, gatherings, or displays in accordance with our guidelines, which are available upon request.

How much does EJC cost to operate, and who is paying for it?

Our operating costs range from $400,000 to $460,000 per year, including staffing, security, rent, utilities, building costs, and programming. Funding comes from generous donations, grants, space usage fees,and sponsorships. Space usage fees are paid by partipcating organizations, professionals, and individuals holding events.

If you are interested in supporting EJC, please donate here or email info@ejcpdx.org.

Are contributions tax deductible?

Yes. Eastside Jewish Commons is an official 501(c)(3).

Which programs are offered at the EJC?

Everything and anything Jewish, whether cultural, social, spiritual, or educational. Our community partners have identified a rich suite of potential program offerings, including:

• Regular programs for children, teens, and adults.
• Friday night dinners, private celebrations, and community gatherings.
• Multiple service options on Shabbat and holidays.
• A social action hub.
• Counseling and tutoring.
• A cultural hub for films, concerts, lectures, and more.
• A learning center for all ages.
• A program site for children and teens when schools are out.
• Elder programs for social connection and links to needed services.
• Regular yoga and movement programs.
• A social hub across the spectrum of Jewish life.

Please get in touch if you have program suggestions!

Who is leading this?

EJC is currently being run by a Howie Bierbaum, Executive Director, Eric Stern, Programming Coordinator/Cultural Arts Curator, support staff and a Board of Directors.

Which organizations have been involved so far?

Click here for the latest list of EJC partners. If you are a representative of an organization that you think should be involved, please sign up and send us your suggestion.

Do I need a membership to participate?

The EJC is for everybody who is interested in Jewish community life. You do not need a membership to participate.

Which synagogues are involved?

We have developed partnerships with multiple synagogue organizations including Neveh Shalom, Havurah Shalom, Beth Israel, P'nai Or, Kol Shalom, and Shaarie Torah, in addition to Congregation Shir Tikvah, which is based at the Commons. Many hold services, classes, tutoring, gatherings, and more at EJC. If you want to know more about your synagogue’s participation, send us a message.

How can I get involved?

EJC counts on our community to spread the word and foster support and engagement. You can help by sharing this information with others:

1. Please share a link to this website with others who might be interested in building Jewish life on Portland’s Eastside.
2. Follow EJC on [Facebook] and share our posts with others.
3. Fill out our community form, which will also add you to our email list.

What about security?

Security is of utmost importance. We have spent a significant amount of money upgrading security systems and require security personnel for publicly advertised events. For more information, email info@ejcpdx.org and consider donating [click here] to help ensure EJC is as secure a venue as possible our security system, please donate1

How much does it cost to use EJC for an event or activity?

Please email info@ejcpdx.org to inquire about space usage fees.