JCC Maccabi Games FAQs
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    JCC Maccabi Games in Tucson FAQs


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    Maccabi Games logo 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 [email protected].

    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.

    How can I stay up to date with information about the Team Peninsula Palo Alto Delegation?
    For all of the up-to-date news regarding our delegation, including things such as registration, information nights, etc., please complete the interest form, which will add you to our mailing list about all things Maccabi Games. If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone directly, please reach out to Delegation Head, Dave Rosenfeld, at (650) 223-8607 or [email protected].


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