Join Team PenPal
Get ready, Team Peninsula Palo Alto(PenPal)! We’re heading to Tucson, Arizona, for an unforgettable week at the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games—July 27 to August 1. This Olympic-style event brings together over 3,000 Jewish teen athletes from around the globe for sports competitions, opening and closing ceremonies, community service projects, and social events.
Why Participate?
The JCC Maccabi Games are more than just sports—they’re about building lifelong friendships, embracing Jewish values, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Our 2024 delegation had an amazing experience in Detroit, competing in various sports and forming a close-knit community.
Who Can Join?
Jewish teens aged 13–17 (as of July 27, 2025) are eligible to participate. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just love the idea of competing with Jewish teens from around the world, we’d love to have you!
Sports Offered in Tucson:
Team Sports:
- Boys Baseball
- Boys Basketball
- Boys Soccer
- Girls Basketball
- Girls Volleyball
- Girls Soccer
- Mixed Flag Football
Individual Sports:
- Dance
- Golf
- Star Reporter
- Swimming
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
Ready to Join the Fun?
Fill out our interest form to stay in the loop. If you have any questions, reach out to our Delegation Head, Dave Rosenfeld, at drosenfeld@paloaltojcc.org or call 650.223.8607.
About JCC Maccabi Games
Since 1982, the JCC Maccabi Games have brought over 6,000 Jewish teens together annually to compete in a variety of sports. This year’s events include basketball, e-sports, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, flag football, volleyball, dance, swimming, tennis, table tennis, and track & field.
The Games provide more than just competition. They foster friendships, community involvement, teamwork, and Jewish pride. The PJCC delegation to the JCC Maccabi Games is supported in part by a generous donation from the Koret Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The JCC Maccabi Games are an international athletic competition for Jewish teenagers, run much like the Olympics. Athletes compete against Jewish teens from all over the United States and other countries, fostering long-lasting friendships, memories, and a connection to Judaism and Israel.
Due to scheduling, athletes pick their top game—but don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to cheer on your friends in other events.
A mixed team is composed of athletes from multiple delegations. If we can’t field a full team in a specific sport, athletes will be combined in a mixed team with players from other delegations. Being on a mixed team can be a great experience and foster lasting friendships with Jewish teens around the world!
Tryouts are possible if a particular sport has more interested athletes than available spots. However, there’s a wide spectrum of talent at the Games, and we want everyone to feel welcome to participate, as long as they have a passion to play and a willingness to embrace the spirit of the Games.
Our delegation will be staffed with a Delegation Head, an Assistant Delegation Head, and coaches, depending on need, ensuring a ratio of 1 adult to every 8 teens.
In the case of a medical emergency, the Delegation Head will act as the participant’s guardian and communicate with the parents to get any treatment necessary.
Security is taken very seriously. Background checks are conducted for all adults involved, and all participants, spectators, coaches, host families, and volunteers are required to wear credentials to access any JCC Maccabi facility. The host community also works closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Dan Cook Achievement Award
The Dan Cook Achievement Award honors Jewish teen athletes who inspire their peers through leadership and a steadfast commitment to the Jewish community. Established in memory of Dan Cook, a renowned sportswriter and columnist, this award celebrates young individuals who exemplify excellence both on and off the field.
Mason B. (Swimming)
Mason competed in 14U swimming, and was the youngest member of Team Peninsula-Palo Alto in 2024. He approached every event with enthusiasm, participating in a full schedule each day, leading to several medals and personal best times. Beyond his success in the pool, Mason demonstrated exceptional responsibility and leadership. He enthusiastically supported fellow athletes, and attended additional sporting events to cheer on teammates. Mason’s positive attitude and dedication made him a true leader, earning him the Dan Cook Sports Achievement Award and the admiration of coaches and fellow athletes alike.
Jacob B. (Hockey)
Jacob (Jake) joined the Team Peninsula-Palo Alto Delegation as one of our youngest athletes and the delegation’s first hockey player. The hockey tournament was U17 (athletes ranged in age from 13-17) and comprised of seasoned teams who play together year-round, promising a high level of competition. Jake’s team was comprised of hockey players from 5 different cities across the United States and Canada, and their arrival in Florida would be the first time they were on the ice together. Jake navigated the JCC Maccabi Games with the highest level of maturity and positivity- a truly professional from buzzer to buzzer. Throughout the tournament, Jake was responsible for several goals and even more assists. Jake also was the recipient of a middot (values) medal for his integrity (locating another athlete’s missing medal and going out of his way to ensure it was returned) and support of the Delegation overall- Jake went from freezing temperatures in the ice rink to high heat and humidity to support the soccer team. We are so proud of Jake’s athletic accomplishments and sportsmanship at the 2023 Games and hope to see him again next year!
Hank S. (Soccer)
Hank was a valued member of the U14 soccer team, which successfully won a bronze medal for Team Peninsula-Palo Alto. On the field, Hank could be counted on as a strong overall player who made many significant contributions. On the sidelines, he was upbeat and positive, and had a good sense of humor. Hank embraced the entire JCC Maccabi experience: competitively, socially and respectfully. He was a role-model teammate who also enhanced the experience for those around him.
Jacob Z.
Jacob has been an invaluable member of the PJYCA community since its founding. His leadership on JYCA’s Board of Directors this year has been integral to ensuring that JYCA is making organizational decisions with the PJYCA youth and larger Peninsula community in mind. Jacob is an avid chef who loves cooking and especially loves to prepare challah and Shabbat meals for his family. Jacob is currently s Senior at Hillsdale High School.
Mia S.
Mia has strengthened the PJYCA program with her critical thinking, commitment and wit. As a facilitator for the Organizing Group program, Mia has supported youth participants to tackle big issues such as voter suppression, power and oppression and indigenous sovereignty. Mia has also been involved in her high school cheerleading squad. She is currently a Senior at Sequoia High School.
Roei Z. (Soccer)
Roei has been a dedicated participant in the JCC Maccabi Games for the past four years, starting at the age of 12. As a key member of our boys’ soccer team, he consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership both on and off the field. On the field, Roei’s talent and relentless effort are evident as he plays with unwavering determination until the final whistle, motivating his teammates regardless of the game’s outcome. Off the field, he actively engages in all aspects of the Maccabi Games, including Hang Time and JCC Cares, often encouraging new delegation members and peers from other delegations to join. With one more year ahead, we eagerly anticipate Roei’s continued contributions to our delegation.
Simon I. (Baseball)
Over the past two years, Simon has been an integral part of the Maccabi Games baseball team. His maturity and responsibility have greatly impressed the coaches, especially as he adeptly managed his commitments as the sole baseball player in his division. Simon fully immerses himself in the Games, quickly forming strong bonds with teammates and fellow delegation members. Even when faced with challenging games, he maintains a positive attitude and gives his best effort, always with a smile. As one of the senior members of our delegation, Simon serves as an exemplary role model for younger participants, and we look forward to his leadership in the upcoming Games.
Lily J. (Soccer)
Lily has been a valuable participant in the Maccabi Games for three years, competing in girls’ soccer. Her presence has significantly enriched our delegation, as she leads by example, inspiring others to strive for their best. Lily’s kindness extends beyond the field; she actively contributes to the local Jewish community through volunteer work and involvement with Jewish youth groups, embodying the spirit of the Dan Cook Achievement Award.
Noah K. (Soccer)
In his inaugural Maccabi Games in Orange County, Noah’s enthusiasm and commitment stood out. He shared his passion for the Games with his under-16 boys’ soccer team and fellow delegation members, fostering a sense of camaraderie and dedication. Noah’s exemplary behavior and positive influence made him a commendable role model for younger participants, reflecting the award’s values.
Jordan L. (Swimming)
As a two-year participant in the Maccabi Games, Jordan competed in swimming and displayed innate leadership qualities. He consistently encouraged both himself and his peers to perform at their best, particularly supporting younger participants. Jordan’s maturity and leadership have made a lasting impact on our delegation, aligning perfectly with the principles of the Dan Cook Achievement Award.
Jason R. (Basketball)
In his first Maccabi Games, Jason’s unwavering positivity both on and off the basketball court was infectious. When not competing, he could be found cheering on other delegation members at their events, fostering a supportive environment. Jason’s inclination to uplift his delegation inspired others to follow suit, embodying the essence of the Dan Cook Achievement Award.
These outstanding individuals have set a high standard for future participants, exemplifying the values of leadership, community commitment, and inspiration that the Dan Cook Achievement Award seeks to honor.