Maccabi Games

MACCABI GAMES

Be a part of something that’s larger than life with the JCC Maccabi Games! The Maccabi Games offer a unique social, cultural, and life-shaping experience. They serve a larger purpose than athletic competition — they promote community involvement, teamwork, and pride in being Jewish. This Olympic-style experience offers sports competitions, opening and closing ceremonies, community service projects, events, and the opportunity for teens to create connections, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime! The game emphasize 6 Jewish values, Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Kavod (respect), Rina (joy), Ga’ava (pride), Lev Tov (big hearted), and Amiut Yehudit (Jewish peoplehood).

Sports offered at the games include boys baseball, boys and girls basketball, coed dance, coed flag football, coed ice hockey, boys and girls soccer, coed swimming, coed table tennis, coed tennis, girls volleyball, and new for 2025, girls softball and coed track!

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE GAMES?
Jewish teens between the ages of 13-17 years (teens must be born between August 9, 2007-August 2, 2012). All athletes must be Jewish, which is defined as follows: one of the athlete’s parents is Jewish and the athlete is being raised Jewish or is a Jew by choice and is being raised Jewish.  All athletes must have current medical insurance and be up to date on all age-appropriate vaccines as per CDC guideline. We support and affirm all aspects of our athletes identities. Teens are permitted to participate in the sport/division with which their gender identity aligns or they feel most comfortable.

Being a part of Maccabi is more than just the week of the games. Athletes will attend meetings, practices, and team events before and during the Maccabi Games. Please note, if the athlete attends sleep away camp, they will be required to leave camp to attend the Maccabi Games from start to finish.

Athletes are required to travel with the full delegation to the Maccabi Games and stay in the Maccabi system throughout the duration of the event. Any athlete who does not follow the rules will be removed from competition.

2025 PITTSBURGH MACCABI GAMES 

Recruitment is closed for the 2025 games. To be added to our email list for the 2026 summer games, please fill out our form below.

2026 MACCABI GAMES INTEREST FORM

MINI & JUNIOR MACCABI GAMES

Ages: 9-12 years (as of August 1, 2025)
The Mid-Atlantic Games are for athletes ages 9-12 years. Information on the May 3, 2026 games in Philadelphia will be available in the fall. To be added to our interest list, please email Alyson Goodman, agoodman@sjjcc.org.

ACCESS GAMES

Ages: 12-22 years

The Access Games are for Jewish individuals with special needs that takes place during the Maccabi Games.

Access athletes, with 1:1 support (parent, family member, caregiver, or friend), will participate in athletic skill development and competition, opening and closing ceremonies, community service projects, and social activities. The program offers an inclusive and meaningful way for Access athletes to join thousands of their Jewish peers from around the world.

To ensure Access participants and their families successfully integrate into the JCC Maccabi Games and activities, JCC Association and SJJCC will offer ways for the athletes to connect with their delegation and meet other Access participants prior to the Games.

If you are interested in more information for the 2026 Access Games, please email Alyson Goodman, agoodman@sjjcc.org.