The JCC Maccabi Games® are coming to The J in Kansas City! From Aug. 2-7, 2026, we are proud to host 1,000 Jewish teen athletes from around the globe at the world’s largest Jewish youth sporting event. The event will mobilize members of our community, including 400 host families, thousands of volunteers, and 150 local athletes.
Established in 1982, the JCC Maccabi Games®, an Olympic-style sporting competition held each summer, are five days that can change the lives of Jewish teens. During the program, teens are immersed in a sports and recreation program filled with Jewish values and experience, including opening and closing ceremonies, travel, community service, social and cultural events, and opportunities to make friends and memories to last a lifetime.
The goal of the JCC Maccabi Games® is to contribute to the maintenance and enrichment of Jewish identity in youth and the development of leadership through healthy competition and sportsmanship. Since its inception, the Games have now influenced and connected over 130,000 Jewish youth in North America and around the world. The energy and excitement of this vibrant program make it an unforgettable time for every participant.
“The desire to be good to all … this is the internal core of the essence of the Jewish soul.” - RABBI KOOK
Welcoming others is an essential component of what it means to be Jewish. With open hearts, we invite friends and family to our homes on Shabbat, holidays, or a regular weekday evening to share meals, stories, and traditions. Kindness is at the core of being a mensch—a true human being.
“One must show the way by experience.” - DAVID BEN GURION
Pride is the feeling of being confident in the world. It is reaching your full potential and claiming your space: I exist. I have worth. I give back. Taking pride and honoring our bodies is a way of honoring God.
“Serve God with joy!” - PSALMS 100:2
“Rebbe Nachman teaches, “It is a great mitzvah to be happy aways.” - LIKUTEY MOHARAN II, 24
Being happy isn’t always easy; life has its disappointments and frustrations. But finding joy can be as simple as a beautiful sunset, dinner with a friend, or finally winning that gold medal!
“Shimon (the son of Rabban Gamliel) says: “It is not what one says, but rather what one does, that makes all the difference in the world.” - PIRKEI AVOT 1:17
The Hebrew phrase Tikkun Olam means “repairing the world.” In modern Jewish circles, Tikkun Olam has become synonymous with the notion of social action and the pursuit of social action and the pursuit of social justice.
“Kol Yisreal Arevim Zeh Bazeh- All Israel is responsible for one another.” - TALMUD SHEVUOT 39
Amit Yehudit is the awareness of the underlying unity that makes an individual Jew part of the Jewish people. This includes the sense of belonging and commitment to the Jewish people, their values, big ideas and potential, as well as to Israel, the expression of national sovereignty.
Recognizing the current challenging times for the Jewish community, this value comes into focus. Unity and the celebration of Jewish life take precedence, and the Games provide a secure space for Jewish teens to express their identity as Jews, athletes and friends.
“Rabbi Yishmael says, ‘Be yielding to your elder, be pleasant with the young, and greet every person with joy.” - PIRKEI AVIT 3:16
Judaism teaches us to treat ourselves and others with respect. Even a stranger is to be treated with respect. Kavod is a feeling of regard for the rights, dignity, feelings, wishes and abilities of others. Teasing, name calling and bullying disrespects and hurts everyone; we must learn to appreciate people for who they are.
The J
5801 W. 115th Street Overland Park, KS 66211 | 913-327-8010 | www.thejkc.org
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City (The J) is a 501c3 Not-for profit organization.
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