Since 1982, each summer, the JCC Movement has engaged more than 3,000 Jewish teens from across the globe and an additional 11,000+ family members, spectators, and volunteers through the Olympic- style magic of JCC Maccabi, one of the greatest Jewish peoplehood projects of our time. For the majority of JCC Maccabi athletes, 63% of whom report being otherwise unaffiliated with any other Jewish youth organization, JCC Maccabi remains their primary connection to the Jewish community, global Jewish life, and Israel—creating a remarkable and unmatched opportunity to engage them, support their efforts to build their Jewish identity, and have a significant and lasting impact on their lives.
Join Team Palisades 2024 in Detroit, MI!
In Detroit, teens 12-16 will feel the magic of the week-long competition along with program highlights that include:
- Hotel Accommodations
- Global Jewish Connections
- Hang time
- Evening Events
- 6 Midot (Values)
- Host Family Night
Detroit, MI: July 28 – Aug 2
- Approximately 1000 visiting athletes
- Ages 12-16
- Sports: Swimming, Hockey, Volleyball, Basketball, and Tennis
Looking for Athletes:
- 14u Boys Basketball
- 16u Boys Basketball
- 16u Ice Hockey
- Swimming
Maccabi Teams Listing
| Sports in Detroit | Age | Gender |
| 3v3 Basketball | 14U and 16U | Boys |
| 5v5 Basketball | 14U and 16U | Boys |
| 5v5 Basketball | 16U | Girls |
| Baseball | 14U and 16U | Boys |
| Dance | 14U and 16U | All |
| Golf | 16U | All |
| Ice Hockey | 16U | All |
| Soccer | 14U and 16U | Boys and Girls |
| Swimming | 14U and 16U | Boys and Girls |
| Table Tennis | 16U | All |
| Tennis | 14U and 16U | Boys and Girls |
| Volleyball | 16U | Girls |
Contact Us at maccabi@jccotp.org
FAQs
What are The JCC Maccabi Games® ?
The JCC Maccabi Games are an international athletic competition for Jewish teenagers run much like the Olympics. Athletes have the opportunity to compete against Jewish teens from all over the United States as well as delegations from Israel, Great Britain, Mexico, Canada, and more! The games are played with a focus on “rachmanus” or sportsmanship with the intent to foster long-lasting memories and identification with Judaism and Israel. The Games also promote community involvement, teamwork, and pride in being Jewish. The Games are the largest Jewish teen event in the world.
Do you have to be Jewish to participate in the Games?
Yes. All JCC Maccabi athletes must be Jewish. Jewish is defined as the following: (i) the participant’s mother is Jewish, (ii) the participant is a convert to Judaism; or (iii) if the father is the only Jewish parent, the participant is eligible if they have been brought up Jewish. In the spirit of Maccabi, if the parent or child does not believe that they are Jewish on a year-round basis, then the athlete should not participate in the JCC Maccabi Games.
Is there an age requirement to participate?
Yes. You must be between the ages of 12 and 16 as of July 31, 2024, for any JCC Maccabi sport.
Will there be practices?
Yes. Each coach will determine their own practice schedule.
Do I need to be a member of The J to try out?
No. The JCC Maccabi Games® are open to the Jewish community, but must live closer to the JCCOTP than any other JCC with a Maccabi delegation.
Can I participate in the Games if I cannot be there all week?
No. You must commit to the entire week.
Is it free?
No. There is a charge that gives your teen an all-inclusive experience. Program fees include Games registration fees, travel/transportation, uniform, Team Palisades gear, Pre and post Games family dinners, adult supervision and coaches, practices, meals, social events/team activities, and all other accommodations throughout the experience. Teens do not need to bring any spending money except for food in the airports.Â
Where will my teen stay?
During the week of Maccabi in Detroit, all teens will stay with a host family. Many teens say that the host families were one of their favorite parts of the experience. Host families are Jewish homes in Detroit 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 and pet allergies. Participants may not arrange their own housing or stay in hotels. 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 Maccabi, provide breakfast, laundry, and give your teen an unforgettable home hospitality experience. Many teens will stay in touch with host families for years to come!
Is there financial assistance available for JCC Maccabi?
Yes! Please contact Maccabi@jccotp.org for more information.
Our family observes Shabbat and keeps kosher. Will my teen’s needs be met at Maccabi?
Yes, all food served at Maccabi is kosher and all transportation is schedule for teens to return home on Friday with plenty of time before Shabbat.
I have a lot more questions. How do I get the answers?
Please contact Maccabi@jccotp.org.