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, Ukraine, 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 not only competes in their sports, but will also participates in social events and opportunities to give back to the community, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Teens from across North American participate in JCC Maccabi representing their ‘local’ delegation. Typically, the delegation represents their home city/local JCC (for example Team Long Beach).

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. When our delegation is unable to field a full team, athletes will be combined in a mixed 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!

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. When our delegation is unable to field a full team, athletes will be combined in a mixed 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!

Jewish teens between the ages of 13-17 (Must be at least 13 years old on August 2, 2026 and no older than 17 on August 7, 2026) are welcome to compete at the Games.

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

All athletes must have current medical insurance and up to date on all age-appropriate vaccines as per CDC guidelines. See the 2026 JCC Maccabi Vaccination Policy for specific requirements.

Team Long Beach will be participating in the Maccabi Games in Toronto from July 31 – August 7, 2026

• Baseball Boys 15U & 17U
• Basketball 3v3 Boys 15U & 17U
• Basketball 5v5 Boys 15U & 17U
• Basketball 5v5 Girls 15U & 17U
• Dance
• Golf
• Ice Hockey Boys 15U & 17U
• Ice Hockey Girls 17U
• Soccer 7v7 Boys 15U & 17U
• Soccer 7v7 Girls 17U
• Star Reporter
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Softball Girls 17U
• Volleyball Girls 15U & 17U

While the actual cost of the program is $2,700, thanks to the Jewish Connection Network and generous donors, the all-inclusive fee is only $1,000 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, pre-weekend activities, uniform, Team Long Beach gear, adult supervision and coaches, meals, social events/team activities, and all other accommodations throughout the program.

This year, $1,700 per athlete is being subsidized through the Jewish Connection Network and Jewish Long Beach’s Maccabi Fund. Thanks to these generous donors, the cost per athlete is only $1,000. For those that need additional financial assistance, please reach out to Susan Paletz, [email protected] or 562-426-7601.

To check availability and to register your child, please contact your Delegation Head, Natalie Chernik at [email protected] or 562-426-7601.

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.

There is a mandatory ratio of 1:8 adults to teens. We have a delegation head, coaches, and assistant coaches. 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 all adults attending have passed background checks.

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. Once your teen is registered with Team Long Beach, you will receive information on how to register as a spectator – including fee deadlines and 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.

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.

In the event 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.

Team Long Beach will fly as a group to and from Toronto. Parents will be responsible for dropping athletes off at LAX where they will meet our group leaders. Pickup will be at LAX baggage claim.

Yes, a passport valid through August 7, 2026 will be required to participate in the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games in Toronto.

During the pre-weekend, Team Long Beach will be staying at a designated hotel with Team OC. For the week of the JCC Maccabi Games (Sunday- Friday) all teens will stay with a host family. Many past participants have said that host families are one of their favorite parts of the experience. 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. 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, providing breakfast, laundry, and giving your teen an unforgettable home hospitality experience. Many teens will stay in touch with host families for years to come!

All athletes wishing to participate in JCC Maccabi must be up to date with the following age-appropriate vaccines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Click here to see the full policy.