Host Family FAQs

Q: Do I need to be Jewish to be a host family?
A: Yes. All athletes must be housed in a Jewish home, meaning there must be one Jewish adult/parent living in the household.

Q: Do I have to have a Kosher home?
A: No, a Kosher home is not required.

Q: We do not keep a religious home. Can we still host athletes?
A: Yes. JCC Maccabi Games® athletes come from a variety of Jewish backgrounds.

Q: Do I need to be a member of the JCC to be a host family?
A: No. All Jewish families are welcome to host JCC Maccabi Games® Athletes.

Q: I do not have a child participating in the Games, can I still host?
A: Yes. All Jewish families are welcome to host JCC Maccabi Games® Athletes.

Q: Can the athletes baby sit?
A: No. Athletes are coming to the Games to participate in sports competition and social events, not baby-sit.

Q: I am only available to drive my athletes for part of the week, can I still be a host family?
A: Yes. But you are responsible for making carpooling arrangements with another host family for your visiting athletes.

Q: What if I work?
A: No problem. You will only need to drop off your athletes in the morning and pick them up in the late evening. We will provide transportation throughout the day.

Q: What meals will I need to provide for the athletes?
A: You will need to provide dinner on Sunday and Tuesday nights and breakfast Monday through Friday. Snacks should also be available for the athletes at night.

Q: I have pets. Can I still host athletes?
A: Yes. The housing committee goes through an extensive process to match athletes to appropriate host families.

Q: Can I be a host family if I have small children in the house?
A: Yes! Children of all ages can be a part of the JCC Maccabi Games® and being a host family is a great way to do that.

Q: I am not available the entire week of Aug. 16-21; can I still be a host family?
A: We are looking for full-week commitments, but we will place your name on our backup list as last minute changes sometimes must be made.

Q: Can I make requests about gender and athletes in a particular sport?
A: You can request both gender and sports, but these requests are not guaranteed.

Q: What if we do not have enough beds or guest rooms?
A: Air mattresses will be provided to any Host Family that needs them. All we require is that athletes have separate beds.

Q: I have other questions. Where can I go to get those answers?
A: Feel free to call 914-472-3300, x262

Maccabi Host Families will be asked to attend ONE mandatory orientation this summer: Dates will be announced. For more information about hosting (or if you would like to join the Housing Committee) please contact 914-472-3300, x262 or click here