Celebrating sportsmanship and Jewish values
The Maccabi Games, the world’s largest Jewish youth event, captivated Detroit July 28 to Aug. 2, bringing together over 1,200 Jewish teen athletes from 48 delegations worldwide. Among them were special teams from Ukraine and Israel, joined by 400 host families and 1,000 dedicated volunteers.
Established in 1982, The JCC Maccabi Games® aim to create a supportive environment that nurtures mutual respect and sportsmanship, allowing Jewish youth to connect in an atmosphere of fun, democracy, and peace. The Games emphasize the importance of Jewish values, promoting health, physical fitness, and well-being through recreational and athletic activities. They also focus on teamwork, integrity, cultural pride, community service, and lifelong friendships.
Representing Richmond was Team Richmond, which included Chayla Parker in swimming, Sophia Schaffernoff in tennis, and Reuben Sievers in ice hockey.
The Weinstein JCC team excelled, with Chayla Parker winning a gold and two bronze medals, while Sophia Schaffernoff earned a gold medal.
The whole team was honored with a Midot medal, awarded to athletes who embody the 6 midot (values) of the JCC Maccabi program, including Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Kavod (respect), Rina (joy), Ga’ava (pride), Lev Tov (big-heartedness), and Amiut Yehudit (Jewish peoplehood). More than a sporting event, the Games emphasize “rachmanus” or sportsmanship, fostering long-lasting connections among Jewish people and Israel—a mission that remains crucial today.
Next summer’s JCC Maccabi Games are set for Pittsburgh and Tucson for Jewish teens, ages 13 to 17. For more information on how to get your teen involved in next summer’s Games, contact Myles Phelps at mphelps@weinsteinjcc.org.
