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.

Jewish teens age 13 – 16 as of July 31, 2024 are invited to try out.

All athletes must have current medical insurance and be up to date on all age-appropriate vaccines including Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters as per CDC guidelines.

Yes, all JCC Maccabi Games athletes must have at least one Jewish parent, be raised Jewish or be a Jew by choice and be raised Jewish.

Both the athlete and their parent(s) must sign the eligibility requirements declaration as part of the athlete online registration.

Pricing information for 2024 will be updated soon.

Additional registration steps are required at later dates including medical forms etc. Please see interest form or contact our Delegation Head, Bryan Wells, for more information bwells@jccsf.org or 415.292.1243.

The JCC Maccabi Games is an all-inclusive experience. Program fees include Games registration fees, transportation to and from the host community and during the Games, uniform, Team San Francisco gear, adult supervision and coaches, practices, meals, social events/team activities, and all other accommodations throughout the program.

Yes, scholarships are available for families in need of financial assistance. To apply please visit our Financial Assistance web page and select Youth Programs.

There is also a national scholarship available through JCC Maccabi. Learn more about the Richard Cohen Memorial JCC Maccabi scholarship.

Once an athlete is registered and payment is processed, the initial deposit is non-refundable or transferable. Refunds of remaining fees will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering withdrawal reasons and the JCCSF’s ability to replace an athlete in a timely manner.

A mixed team is a team made up of athletes from multiple delegations. If we are unable to field a full team in a specific sport, athletes will be combined in a mix 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!

A variety of factors are considered in choosing our team, including:

• Skill and aptitude for the sport and the expected competitive level of the tournament
• Geographic – do you live and/or attend school in San Francisco
• Existing relationship with the JCCSF
• Commitment – ability to attend practices and the full week of the games
• Attitude – team focused approach
• Age – is this the last year of eligibility to participate in the JCC Maccabi Games

No, athletes are only permitted to participate in one sport.

Tryouts will occur for 16U Boys Basketball and possibly for 16U Girls Basketball & Volleyball. Tryout dates will be posted here when available, likely occurring in January 2024.

Team sports will have dedicated practice times, scheduled to start as early as February 2024 through the summer. Individual athletes may request practices with Delegation Head.

Athletes must travel with the delegation. Parents will be responsible for bringing athletes to San Francisco Airport where delegation staff will check-in teens and accompany the group to the games in Detroit. At the designated day/time (TBD), the delegation will travel to the host community together.  

In Detroit, the week of the JCC Maccabi Games, all teens will stay with a host family. 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. Vaccines will be required for all members of a host family who will be age eligible to receive it.

Teens can request specific homes that meet their needs such as dietary restrictions and pet allergies. Teens can also request a specific roommate. Participants may not arrange their own housing or stay in hotels. The home hospitality experience is an important part of the Games experience. We are very gracious to these host families as they serve as interim parents for the week transporting the teens to and from JCC Maccabi, provide breakfast, laundry, and give your teen an unforgettable home hospitality experience.

Of course! There is a mandatory ratio of 1:8 adults to teens. Our Delegation Head is a full-time JCCSF staff member and will bring multiple coaches to the 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.

Yes, all food served at the JCC Maccabi Games is kosher and all activities will conclude prior to Shabbat. Delegations will return home on Friday with plenty of time before Shabbat.

In the case of a medical emergency, the Delegation Head will act as the participant’s guardian and will communicate with the parents to get any treatment necessary. Information such as the parent/guardian’s birth date and social security number is sometimes necessary to utilize insurance.

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. These will be available as the games draw closer.

While we encourage families to consider attending to support their teens, the athletes have programs and activities going on for the entirety of their time at the Games and thus only see visitors courtside at sporting events. At no point during the week can spectators or parents remove the teens from the program or take them off-site for any reason.

Please complete our Team San Francisco Interest & Tryout Form. This will add you and your athlete to our mailing list about all things JCC Maccabi Games, including information about upcoming meetings, tryouts, applications and up-to-date JCC Maccabi Games information.

Please note: Submission of an interest form does not guarantee placement/registration into Team San Francisco. Please contact your Delegation Head, Bryan Wells, for more information bwells@jccsf.org or 415.292.1243