Jewish Content

Not only are the Games an event solely for Jewish teenage athletes, but all of the athletic and social events at the Games are infused with Jewish values and culture. Read on for a taste of what to expect at the 2009 Games:

Opening Ceremonies

Opening Ceremonies, the inaugural event of the JCC Maccabi Games®, sets the Jewish ta'am (flavor) that makes Games Week so unique. In addition to the parade of athletes, entertainment and the lighting of the torch, there is a special ceremony to remember the 11 Israeli athletes murdered by terrorists at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany.

The Munich 11 are honored and remembered at Opening Ceremonies each summer to remember and give honor to our past and to commit ourselves to a full and active Jewish life now and in the years to come.

Game Time

During the competition, athletes, coaches and spectators are bound by the Rachmanus Rule of fair play. "Blowing out" a much weaker team for the sake of scoring points is contrary to the spirit of the JCC Maccabi Games® and shows a lack of Rachmanus (mercy/compassion).

"Lashon harah" (slander, gossip, trash talk), putting down opposing players, making fun of a weaker team or athlete also shows a lack of Rachmanus

Days of Caring and Sharing

The Days of Caring and Sharing program is an opportunity for athletes to enhance their experience at the Games by taking a morning or afternoon out of the competition schedule to participate in a community service project. The concept of community service is closely tied to the basic Jewish value of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), which urges all us to make a difference in the lives of others who may be less fortunate than ourselves.

The 2009 Westchester JCC Maccabi Games Day of Caring and Sharing committee will be working with the American Friends of the IDF to create an interactive program with Games' athletes and soldiers currently serving in the Israeli Defense Forces. Athletes will have an open forum with the soldiers to discuss the differences between American and Israeli training for Army service. All athletes will then participate in a Krav Maga training session led by the professional staff of Steve Sohn's Jujitsu Concepts Krav Maga Regional Training Center at the Westchester County Center. Krav Maga is the official self defense system of the Israeli Defense Forces.

With the assistance of UJA-Federation agencies, various groups of athletes will also interact with children from local shelters, hospitals, JCC's and Gilda's Club in a hands-on workshop led by The National Circus Project. Our athletes will participate together with these children in juggling, balance and other hand-eye activities.

Volunteers are needed to assist at the Westchester County Center during Day of Caring and Sharing activities.

Click here to register to volunteer. 

Hang Time

Have some down time to kill between competitions? Check out Hang Time, a unique area for athletes to congregate and relax together. Play games, win prizes, create a piece of Jewish art to take home, and learn new ways of connecting to Jewish life. Hang Time is also a great place to meet new friends and in particular to chill with the Israeli shlichim who have just finished their army service and come to be a part of our Games experience