On July 27, close to 1000 teenagers arrived in Tucson, Arizona, for a week of sports. The JCC Maccabi Games, an annual sports competition for young Jews, attracts teens from around the world. While the experience focuses on athletics, the sense of Jewish community that can be found here is like no other. Maccabi uses a set of values to direct its mission: Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), Kavod (Respect), Rina (Joy), Ga’ava (Pride), Lev Tov (Big Hearted), and Amiut Yehudit (Jewish Peoplehood)
This community can be found in every aspect of the games. From pin trading and new friendships to mixed teams composed of players from across the country, Maccabi has it all. One athlete, Phoebe, mentioned her appreciation for the Jewish aspect of the experience, noting, “I get to connect with not only people in my Jewish community but also people who are my age in other Jewish communities and I think that’s really special.” While there are many summer sports events in the U.S as well as around the world, it’s unusual for a sports event to be Jewish-focused.
Maccabi is known for creating a meaningful week and lasting friendships between players. When asked about the impact of Maccabi on her relationships, three-time JCC Maccabi athlete Ariel remarked, “The Maccabi games brought me a great sense of community because I met many lifelong friends on my mixed basketball team last year … we still keep in touch to this day.” The structure of Maccabi helps create these relationships. For example, many athletes play on teams made up of athletes from different locations. Being on a team with a variety of Jewish experiences and lives gives these athletes a lot to learn.
The Maccabi experience largely focuses on “Tikkun Olam,” a Jewish concept of repairing the world and giving back to the community. During each Maccabi Games, all athletes participate in the JCC Cares program. Here in Tucson, one project was in collaboration with Bens Bells, a local non-profit that spreads kindness through ceramic chimes. Athletes and coaches alike worked together to decorate and paint ceramic flowers, a key part of the Bens Bells wind chimes.
While a bit of a hectic week, Maccabi leaves an overall positive impact on the teenagers involved. I’ve met new friends and learned about their experiences as Jews, as people, and as athletes from around the world. I’ve strengthened my previous connections with adults and athletes, and I’ve seen huge crowds of people cheering for teams they’ve never met. Overall, Maccabi has been an unforgettable Jewish experience that I hope will continue to connect Jews for years to come.
Yael Shapiro was a Star Reporter at the 2025 Tucson JCC Maccabi Games and Access.
