Jacksonville JCA Maccabi Team

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.

*Sports are subject to change

1. Jewish teens between the ages of 13-17 (Must be 13 on July 27, 2025 and 17 on August 8, 2025) are welcome to compete at the Games.
2. 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. In the spirit of the Games, if the parent or child does not believe that they are Jewish on a year-round basis, then the child should not participate in JCC Maccabi. In the athlete online registration, there is a declaration that contains the eligibility requirements; both the athlete and his/her parent(s) must sign this declaration.
3. All athletes must have current medical insurance and up to date on all age-appropriate vaccines as per CDC guidelines.

• Pittsburgh Sports include Baseball, Basketball, Dance, Girls Volleyball, Ice hockey, Soccer, Table tennis, Tennis, Track, Softball Swimming, Star Reporter*

The competitive level of the participants will vary. There are teens that are elite athletes and then those that are there for the experience, the level of play is very diverse. Some of the sports will have different divisions based on skill levels. Throughout the week, players can expect to play at least four games/matches before tournament play begins on Wednesday. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the top three winners. Although it is competitive the JCC Maccabi Games emphasize the Rachmanus Rule, which is good sportsmanship and fair play. The experience is about more than just sports. It focuses on an all-around experience including friends, community service, social and educational activities.

Teens from across North American participate in JCC Maccabi representing their ‘local’ delegation. Typically, this is the delegation represent their home city/local JCC for example Team Atlanta, Team Philadelphia, Team Toronto etc.

A mixed team is comprised of athletes from multiple delegations. This is common and happens when a delegation does not have enough athletes to field a full team. Where our delegation is unable to field a full team, athletes will be combined in a mix team with one or more other delegations’ players. Being on a mixed team can be a great experience and foster lasting friendships with Jewish teens around the world!

Community Service is a key component to the JCC Maccabi Games experience. Each set of Games includes a JCC Cares project where athletes step away from competition and workshops for a part of their day and work to improve the local community, through activities like planting a community garden, bowling with adults with special needs, or doing art projects one-on-one with children from underserved communities.

On the designated day/time the delegation will travel to the host community together. Parents will be responsible for bringing their teens to Jacksonville airport where delegation staff will be there to check teens in and accompany the group to the Games.

Pittsburgh: The all-inclusive fee is $1,600 per teen.

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

We strongly encourage you to reach out to your local Federation, Jewish Community Foundation, and synagogue to enquire about local funding opportunities.

Limited scholarships are available locally for families in need of financial assistance. All funding is need-based and you can apply through a confidential process.

To apply please email Aileen Casado, aileen.casado@jcajax.org.

Registration includes submitting the completed registration, personal contact info, a $400 non-refundable deposit paid upon signing up, and agreement to the non-refundable remainder of the payment to the JCA. Additional registration steps are required at later dates including medical forms, and online registration, roommate requests etc. Your delegation head will supply detailed information as next steps are required.

Of course! There is a mandatory ratio of 1:8 adults to teens. We have a delegation head, coaches, and chaperones. Every athlete is assigned to a coach/chaperone whether they are on a team sport, individual sport, or a mixed team with a coach from another delegation. Head coaches are all over 21 and have passed extensive background checks.

In Pittsburgh, the week of JCC Maccabi (Sunday-Friday), teens will stay either in an on campus dorm at the University of Pittsburgh with their delegation and fellow athletes, coaches, and delegation heads. The dorms will be walking distance to the majority of the athletic venues and athletes will have the opportunity to feel like University athletes eating, competing, and staying on campus with their teammates for this incredible week at Pitt. The campus experience will be a unique and exciting opportunity to spend time with athletes from their delegation and other athletes from all over North America.

Teens can request a specific roommate. Participants may not arrange their own housing unless approved and discussed by their Delegation Head.

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.

No. Maccabi Central will only accept the JCC Maccabi Medical Form.

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. Please note registration and fee deadlines, be aware of early bird prices.

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 visitor’s 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.

Registration is open NOW! Please contact your Delegation Head, Adam Chaskin, to secure your spot on the JCA team.

adam.chaskin@jcajax.org or (904) 730-2100 ext. 272