In 1960, the National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles first broke ground on a new building, located at 543 N. Fairfax Ave. The following year, NCJW|LA would move into this new building and established it to be known as Council House.

The location of Council House was strategically chosen because it was centrally located in the heart of the Jewish community that populated most of the Fairfax District area. Canter’s Deli (just a block away from Council House), and a few other original Judaica stores remain today.

Over the years, Council House became a beacon of hope and inspiration for women and their families, but not just for members of the Jewish community, for any Angeleno in need of a guiding hand. Through the Women Helping Women program, Council House was the location for mental health services led by licensed therapists on a fee sliding scale. Through our Women Helping Children program, Council House became the host of afterschool programs like Art Pals and Light up a Library. Through our chain of thrift stores, The Council Shop, Council House became the location of the annual Clothing Giveaway, providing free clothing, books and items for families during the holiday season. Additionally, we hosted a Back to School Program for students to receive brand new backpacks, school supplies, shoes, and clothing.

Over the last few decades, Council House has been your local polling spot, your community resource for taking action on various policies affecting Angelenos, learning, and networking at workshop events, enjoying and supporting local artists as we transformed the auditorium into an art gallery, and a community building for various organizations to present their programs and services.

The decision to sell Council House did not come easily. In December of 2020, NCJW|LA officially sold the building. While we mourned the loss of our community landmark, we began to realize that it was not the building itself that offered hope and inspiration to so many, but the very people inside that helped it shine so brightly. Council House is NCJW|LA and once it is safe to do so, Council House will return.

Respectfully,
NCJW|LA