Since 1982, each summer the Games bring over 6,000 Jewish teens together to compete in a variety of sporting events. This year’s sports include basketball, e-sports, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, flag football, volleyball, dance, swimming, tennis, table tennis, and track & field.
But the JCC Maccabi Games is much more than just an athletic competition. The Games offer Jewish teens a rich opportunity to make lifelong friendships, and promote community involvement, teamwork, and Jewish pride.
The PJCC delegation to the JCC Maccabi Games is underwritten in part by a generous donation from the Koret Foundation.
Dan Cook Achievement Award
The Dan Cook Achievement Award is given to teens for serving as an inspiration to other Jewish athletes, as well as demonstrating their leadership in and commitment to the Jewish community at large.
2019 Award Recipients
Roei Z. has participated in the JCC Maccabi Games for the past 4 years (since he was 12!). As a member of our boys soccer team, Roei shows tremendous leadership on and off the field. On the field, Roei has grown into a talented soccer player. He can be found giving it his all until the very end of the game, encouraging his teammates to do the same regardless if the outcome does not look positive. Off the field, Roei is actively participating in all that the Maccabi Games offers (including Hang Time and JCC Cares), often bringing new members of our delegation or teens from other delegations with him. Roei has one more year with the delegation and we can’t wait to see what he has in store for his last year!
Simon I. has participated in the Maccabi Games for the past two years. Coaches were quickly impressed by his maturity. As the only baseball player in his division, coaches could rely on Simon to communicate his whereabouts and changes to his schedule. Simon also immerses himself into the Games, quickly forming close bonds with his teammates and other members of the Peninsula–Palo Alto delegation. Even when playing on a team that doesn’t win any games, Simon always tries his hardest on field (and with a big smile on his face!). As one of the older teens in our delegation, Simon is a great role model to the younger members of our delegation. We’re excited to see what Simon brings to the delegation for his final year participating in the Games!
2018 Award Recipients
Lily J. is a three-year Maccabi Games participant, competing in Girls Soccer. She has been an asset to our delegation on and off the field, leading everyone to become the best versions of themselves. Lily exudes kindness, making quality contributions to the local Jewish community through her volunteer work and involvement with Jewish youth groups.
Noah K. participated in his first Maccabi Games in Orange County this past summer. The coaches were impressed with his commitment to the Games. Noah shared his enthusiasm for the Games with his teammates on his U16 boys soccer team and fellow members of the delegation. He was a great role model for younger members of our delegation.
2017 Award Recipients
Jordan L. is a two-year Maccabi Games participant, competing in swim. He is an innate leader, especially among the younger participants, encouraging others (as well as himself) to perform their best. Jordan represents the Jewish community well through his maturity and leadership.
Jason R. participated in his first Maccabi Games this past summer. He has relentless positivity both on and off the basketball court. When not competing, Jason could be found supporting other members of the delegation at their competitions. His inclination to support his Delegation was contagious, prompting other athletes to follow in his footsteps.
What are The JCC Maccabi Games®?
The JCC Maccabi Games are an international athletic competition for Jewish teenagers run much like the Olympics. Athletes can compete against Jewish teens from all over the United States as well as delegations from Israel, Great Britain, Mexico, Canada and more. The Games are played with a focus on “rachmanus” or sportsmanship with the intent to foster long-lasting friendships, memories and connection to Judaism and Israel.
This unique event is not only about being a part of the Jewish people; it comes with a mission—to make the world a better place and to make ourselves better people. We express these values or midot to help us remember the greater mission of the Games and Judaism. We emphasize Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Kavod (respect), Rina (joy), Ga’ava (pride), Lev Tov (big-hearted) and Amiut Yehudit (Jewish peoplehood). The Games also promote community involvement and teamwork.
The Games are one of the largest Jewish teen events in the world; each summer over 3,000 Jewish teens participate. Over 100,000 teens have benefited from the JCC Maccabi Games since 1982. At this Jewish Olympic-style event, each athlete participates in one of fifteen sports, social events and an opportunity to give back to the community during this week-long experience, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Where and when are the Games this year?
Tucson | July 27–August 1, 2025
Who is eligible to participate in the JCC Maccabi Games?
- Jewish teens between the ages of 13 as of July 27, 2025, and no older than 17 as of August 8, 2025 are eligible to participate with Team Peninsula Palo Alto.
- Jewish is defined as having one parent who is Jewish and the athlete is being raised Jewish or the athlete is a Jew by choice and is being raised Jewish.
What sports are being 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
What is a delegation?
Such as the Olympic athletes have delegations representing home countries, teens will attend the JCC Maccabi Games as representatives of their local delegations. Typically, a delegation is the JCC closest to that athlete’s home. In our case, we prefer to double the fun and represent the OFJCC and PJCC as one delegation—Team Peninsula Palo Alto!
Can athletes play more than one sport at the Games?
Because there are multiple games per day, per sport across several venues, athletes will need to pick just one in which they will participate. They can choose their favorite sport or use this as an opportunity to try competing in another sport they enjoy or have an interest in.
What is a mixed team?
A mixed team is composed of athletes from multiple delegations. If we are unable to field a full team in a specific sport, athletes will be combined in a mixed team with one or more other delegations’ players (excluding Boys Basketball 5v5). Being on a mixed team can be a great experience and foster lasting friendships with Jewish teens around the world!
Will there be tryouts?
Tryouts are possible if a particular sport has more interested athletes than the number of spots we have for that sport. Likely, your athlete will be able to participate in their sport of interest without having to tryout. There is 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 willingness to embrace the spirit of the Games.
How will athletes travel to and from the Games?
Our Delegation will begin the week of adventure together by meeting at the airport (likely SFO) to fly out to Tucson or Phoenix. Upon our triumphant return, at the end of the week, parents will be responsible to pick their athlete up at the airport. Travel plans have not been finalized yet, so details of times are still to come.
Where do the athletes stay during the Games?
Teens will be placed either with a host family or in a hotel with other members of their delegation. Host families are Jewish homes that are part of their greater JCC communities. Host families are background checked, screened and required to attend a mandatory orientation. Teens can request specific homes that meet their needs such as dietary restrictions and pet allergies. Teens can also request a specific roommate.
Who are the adult chaperones at the JCC Maccabi Games?
The JCC requires a ratio of 1:8 adults to teens, made of up Delegation Heads, coaches and other support staff members. Our delegation will be staffed with a Delegation Head, an Assistant Delegation Head and coaches, depending on need.
What happens if there is a medical emergency?
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.
What is security like at the JCC Maccabi Games?
Security is taken very seriously at the JCC Maccabi Games. Background checks are utilized for all adults involved and all participants, spectators, coaches, host families, volunteers, etc. are required to wear a credential 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.
What is the cost for participating?
The total cost for participating in the 2025 delegation is $2550. This covers all costs for the Games, including flights, uniforms and swag, housing, meals, transportation, JCCA fees and all pre- and post-Games activities.
Will there be opportunities for scholarships?
Need-based financial assistance is available to help make the Games affordable for everyone. For more information about opportunities through Team Peninsula Palo Alto, please reach out to Dave Rosenfeld at drosenfeld@paloaltojcc.org.
Can parents be spectators at the JCC Maccabi Games?
Yes. Parents, family members and friends are welcome to attend the Games as spectators. A spectator pass gives access to the opening ceremony and sport events. No one will be admitted to a Games site who is not wearing an approved credential. To register as a spectator, you will use the same website as when registering your teen, once registration is open.
