About the JCC Maccabi Games

The JCC Maccabi Games® and ArtsFest® is the largest Jewish youth event in the world. From August 5-10, 2018 our community will welcome more than 2,000 visiting teens from across the globe to join more than 300 local teens, 800 host families, 1,500 volunteers and 15,000+ spectators.

The JCC Maccabi Games began in 1982 with a big mission – to provide Jewish youth with a supportive environment that fosters mutual respect and sportsmanship, where they can interact in an atmosphere of fun, cultivate a deeper understanding of their Jewish identity, and be instilled with an appreciation of Jewish values.

A five-day athletic competition and community event, the JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest will open at the Santa Ana Football Stadium on August 5, 2018. Over the course of the week, athletes from around the world will compete in sport competition and collaborate in the ArtsFest. Each athlete will learn about Rachmanus (compassion) during the competition, Tikkun Olam (Repair the World) during the community service projects known as “JCC Cares”, and Amiut Yehudit (Jewish Peoplehood) during unique experiences that strengthen their connection to each other, their communities, and Israel.

Orange County has proudly hosted JCC Maccabi three times previously - in 2007, 2009 and 2013.  We learned then that hosting JCC Maccabi brings our community together in an experience that transcends the Games and ArtsFest. Together, we’ll strengthen our entire Jewish community, empower our next generation of leaders and celebrate our values and traditions.

Whether an athlete, a host, a volunteer, or a donor –
we need you to GET IN THE GAMES!

2018 JCC Maccabi Games -- Orange County Leadership

JCC Maccabi Games Director – Samantha Cohen, 949 435 3400 x313

Merage JCC Chair of the Board - Irv Chase

Merage JCC CEO/President – Dan Bernstein, [email protected]

JCC Maccabi Games Co-Chairs – Hal Altman, Dana Susson, Adrienne Matros

Assistant JCC Maccabi Games Director - Matt Levenshus, 949 435 3400 x 385

Maccabi Associate - Jessica Gray, 949 435 3400 x 329

2018 JCC Maccabi Games Steering Committee

For additional information about the OC 2018 JCC Maccabi Games, please contact the JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest Office at (949) 435-3400, ext. 329 or [email protected].