AUG 3 - 8, 2025 | PITTSBURGH
ABOUT THE JCC MACCABI GAMES
The JCC Maccabi Games® is the largest Jewish youth event in the world. From August 3-8, 2025, nearly 2,000 Jewish teens and thousands of families will gather in Pittsburgh to celebrate Jewish life in a historic display of pride and unity.
Established in 1982, the JCC Maccabi Games aim to:
- Provide a supportive environment fostering respect, sportsmanship, and fun
- Instill Jewish values and cultural pride
- Promote health and fitness through sports
- Teach teamwork, integrity, and community service
Join the JCC Maccabi Campus Games Pittsburgh 2025 and be a part of something truly special.
JCC Maccabi Campus Games Pittsburgh Co-Chairs
Stefani Pashman and Jeremy Feinstein
Dory and David Levine
Linda and Ken Simon
GET INVOLVED
Begin your journey to the JCC Maccabi Campus Games Pittsburgh 2025.
BECOME A SPONSOR
BE A PART OF THE JCC MACCABI STORY
To seize this moment, we need the crucial partnership of allies who understand that transformative impact requires transformative investment. Your support is essential to help subsidize the multi-million dollar inaugural JCC Maccabi Campus Games Pittsburgh 2025. Your commitment will fund infrastructure, operations, security, athletic competitions, programming, and events.
Together, we can ensure the next generation of Jewish youth are proud of their identity, connected to Israel and each other, and inspired to become community leaders.
VOLUNTEER
The JCC Maccabi Campus Games® is a celebration of our entire community, working together to strengthen our identity, engage volunteers of all ages and build a foundation for the future.
This event will require the time and assistance of more than 1,500 volunteers. From event operations to feeding the athletes and everything in between, there are volunteer opportunities to fit your interest, talent and schedule. Whether you volunteer during the week of the Games or in a role leading up to the event, the time is now to get involved!
All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older as of July 31, 2025, for daytime shifts or 21 or older to volunteer for the evening social events. Volunteers of all faiths are welcome.
This is an incredible opportunity to be in the heart of the JCC Maccabi Games® experience. We cannot do it alone.
For more information, please contact Lynn Zelenski
Volunteer Jobs
Sports Volunteering
- Baseball
- Assist with scoring
- Bat boy/recover foul balls
- Basketball
- Assist with scorekeeping and/or timing (prior experience required)
- Flag Football
- Ball boy/assist on field with loose balls
- Soccer
- Assist with scoring
- Ball boy/assist on field with loose balls
- Swimming
- Runner: Collect times after each event and bring to official scorers {1-2}
- Record and compile race results (professional skills required)
- Scratch Table workers {1-2}
- Drop false start rope {2}
- Use hand-held timer for swimming events {16}
- Tennis
- Assist with scoring
- Assist with score reports
- Volleyball
- Assist with scoring
- Assist as line judges (as needed)
- Dance
- Assist in running stage rehearsal, and warm ups
- Assist judges during competition
Score Reporting
- Assist with recording sports results at Maccabi Central or other specific location to ensure accuracy (detail-oriented and strong computer skills required)
Safety & Security
- Responsible for safety/security of athletes and delegations.
Medical Volunteers
- Be available at each event to assist sick or injured athletes or assist in emergency situations. The area will be staffed by trained/ qualified volunteers.
Hydration Station: Ice & Water
- Ensure ice and water supplies stay stocked each day at venues and that drinks and snacks are available to games participants
Airport Greeters & Assistants
- Airport Greeters
- This committee will provide “ambassadors” to greet the numerous visiting delegations at the airport. Volunteers should meet the Delegation Head assigned to the bus at Pitt, who will ride to the airport to meet a delegation (or delegations), escort the group (or groups) to the luggage pick-up area and ride the bus back to Pitt, answering whatever questions may come up..
- Airport Assistants
- Assist Airport Greeters, coordinate between the arrivals Committee and arriving delegations with the loading of the buses and the transport back to Pitt on arrival day.
Athlete Transportation
- Transportation volunteers are needed to help move the athletes around and answer their questions. They need to become familiar with the Games transportation system to help the athletes get to their destinations. Particularly, these volunteers are needed early in the morning for the initial athlete dispersal, and in the late afternoon/early evening for the mass group transit to the evening social activity. These volunteers may also be needed to assist with athlete flow at the JCC Cares program and for athlete dispersal and pick up at the conclusion of the evening social activities.
Traffic Control
- Monitor traffic control and direct traffic at specified venues, as needed.
Departure Assistants
- Assist delegation with departures from Pitt.
Greet Visiting Families
- Hospitality Coordinator
- Hand out welcome bags to visiting families, if applicable, at hotels.
- Answer any questions that JCC Maccabi visitors have regarding JCC Maccabi Games or about local restaurants, attractions, etc.
- Maccabi Check-In/Information Areas (Depending on the venue, volunteer responsibilities will vary):
- At the hotel(s) for visiting families—an information table for Games visiting spectators should be staffed especially on arrival day and Monday/Tuesday of the event. Games schedules, venue directions, general information on the host community, etc. should be available.
- At the athletic venues—an easily identifiable volunteer check-in area where volunteers can receive their instructions from a volunteer shift supervisor or Venue Assistant. Credentialed Games participants may be able to obtain snacks and beverages from this location.
- At the athletic venues—at official checkin and score reporting area (typically tented for outdoor sports) staffed by a Venue Director, Venue Assistant, Sports Commissioner(s), etc.
Social Events Helpers & Chaperones
For each evening event, volunteers are needed to do a variety of tasks, from serving dinner (if applicable), to helping run some of the stations (if applicable), to general supervision of athletes. Duties may vary from evening to evening.
- Meet busses, greet athletes/artist and give directions to different activities.
- Assist safety & security with monitoring of athlete/artist luggage in storage areas.
- May need to organize games and activities at the events.
- Monitor food and drink at the event.
- Monitor athlete/artist behavior.
Food Servers
- Food servers will assist with crowd control, replenishing supplies and food, as well as light cleanup at athletic sites each day. These volunteers need to be cheerful and helpful to all of the visiting guests and local participants.
Venue Assistants
- Monitor snacks and beverage availability for athletes, and coaches. Check-in volunteers and give instructions. Assist Venue Director as needed.
Opening Ceremonies
- Assist with organizing and monitoring visiting delegations “behind the scenes” before their entrance into the Ceremonies. Assist with miscellaneous activities for Opening Ceremonies as needed.
- Ushers to assist with seating guests and VIPs. Volunteers will also need to assist in directing spectators on where to go for Opening Ceremonies.
VIP Reception
- Direct VIP guest to VIP Reception and then to Opening Ceremonies.
Off-Site Events
More information coming soon.
Closing Ceremonies
More information coming soon.
Maccabi Central & Volunteer Office
- Assist with office duties (printing of lost credentials, making copies, phone calling, filing, giving directions, general communication, etc.).
Marketing & Public Relations
- Videography
- Assist videographer when needed
- Photography
- Help take pictures throughout the week.
- Media Sponsors
- Assist when necessary, especially during Opening Ceremonies and Closing Party.
- Press Room
- Record all phone calls. Assist with newsletter production.
- Signage
- Assist in the implementation of banners and signs at the venues. Post and remove signs when necessary.
JCC Cares
- Serve as facility coordinator/organizer as needed.
Hangtime Room
- Assist shlichim with Hangtime activities. Supervise athletes to ensure proper behavior and adherence to policies. Monitor snack and beverage supplies. Answer general questions athletes may have.
JOIN THE TEAM
BE AN ATHLETE
Pittsburgh-area Jewish teens are invited to join our local delegation. Represent Pittsburgh at the Opening Ceremony, compete in sports, and make new friends at evening events. Interested? Fill out the form below.
Together, we can ensure the next generation of Jewish youth are proud of their identity, connected to Israel and each other, and inspired to become community leaders.
University of Pittsburgh: Our Host
Thanks to the University of Pittsburgh, the 2025 Games will be the first for participants ages 13 – 17 to stay and compete on a college campus. Athletes will use campus housing and facilities, with Pitt as the hub for sports, social events, and Jewish education. JCC Maccabi Campus Games Pittsburgh will also partner with Jewish campus groups to showcase Jewish student life.
EMBRACE YOUR TEAM SPIRIT
CHAMPIONS GUIDE TO THE ‘BURGH
PITTSBURGH: CITY OF CHAMPIONS
Visit Pittsburgh is your guide to the City of Champions. Discover top attractions, hidden gems, vibrant arts, trendy shopping, and exciting outdoor adventures. Find great dining, cozy hotels, and plan your transportation effortlessly. Ready to explore Pittsburgh?
MACCABI IN THE NEWS
STAY UP-TO-DATE ON MACCABI
Keep up with everything JCC Maccabi Campus Games Pittsburgh 2025. Get the latest news articles, blogs, event info, and exclusive insights.
FAQ
Available Sports
- Soccer – Boys 15U/Boys 17U | Girls 15U/Girls 17U
- Basketball – Boys 15U/Boys 17U | Girls 15U/Girls 17U
- Tennis/Competitive – Boys 15U/Boys 17U | Girls 15U/Girls 17U
- Tennis/Recreational – Boys 15U/Boys 17U | Girls 15U/Girls 17U
- Table Tennis
- Track (TBD once events are finalized)
- Baseball – Boys 15U/Boys 17U
- Ice Hockey – 15U/17U…Boys and/or Girls can be on teams
- Volleyball – Girls 15U/Girls 17U
- Softball – Girls 17U
- Swimming
- Dance
- Star Reporter
JCC Maccabi® Games: 13- 17 years old (Must be 13 on July 27, 2025 and 17 on August 8, 2025)
All athletes must be Jewish – defined as follows: One of the athletes’ parents is Jewish and the athlete is being raised Jewish or is a Jew by choice and is being raised Jewish. In the spirit of JCC Maccabi if the parent or child does not believe that they are Jewish on a year around basis, then the child should not participate in JCC Maccabi programs. In the athlete registration, there is a declaration that contains the eligibility requirements; both the athlete and his/ her parent(s) must sign this declaration.
Team Pittsburgh Eligibility
- Pittsburgh area Jewish teens are invited to join our local delegation.
- Must be 13 on July 27, 2025 and 17 on August 8, 2025.
- Complete all registration materials.
- As a member of our local delegation, you will experience marching into the Opening Ceremony while representing Pittsburgh, compete and collaborate in sports with teens from other delegations, celebrate, and make new friends at evening social events.
- Questions about our local delegation can be directed to Jenna Baker
Do I need to be a member of the JCC to attend evaluations?
No. The JCC Maccabi Games are open to the Jewish community.
Can I attend evaluations for more than one sport?
Yes. In fact, we encourage every athlete to attend an evaluation for more than one team sport and/or individual sport.
Are there tryouts?
No. All athletes will make a team. We encourage you to attend evaluations for multiple sports.
What if I’m not a superstar athlete?
We encourage everyone to try out for all the sports they’re interested in.
Will there be practices?
Yes. Each coach will determine their own practice schedule.
Do you have to be Jewish to participate in the Games?
Yes.
All athletes must be Jewish – defined as follows: One of the athletes’ parents is Jewish and the athlete is being raised Jewish or is a Jew by choice and is being raised Jewish. In the spirit of JCC Maccabi if the parent or child does not believe that they are Jewish on a year around basis, then the child should not participate in JCC Maccabi programs. In the athlete registration, there is a declaration that contains the eligibility requirements; both the athlete and his/ her parent(s) must sign this declaration.
Is there an age requirement to participate?
Yes.
JCC Maccabi® Games: 13- 17 years old (Must be 13 on July 27, 2025 and 17 on August 8, 2025)
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 includes the cost of your delegation apparel, food, transportation and entertainment, as well as administrative expenses.
I usually go away to camp. Do I need to be around throughout the summer?
No. Please speak directly with your coach.
I have a lot more questions. How do I get the answers?
Please contact email us.
Can I participate in more than one sport?
No. Due to scheduling conflicts, athletes can only participate on one team.
Will EKC and the 2025 Maccabi Games in Pittsburgh overlap?
What’s fantastic is you can do both during Summer 2025! Next year’s JCC Maccabi Campus Games start on Sunday, August 3 – which is the same day that EKC closes for the summer. As the start to the Games approaches, EKC will communicate any logistical support to be provided to the participating athletes.
What accommodations are being made for the Games beginning on Tisha B'av?
We know that the Games start on the 9th of Av, which is among the most somber days on the Jewish calendar. As such not only will accommodations be made for those who will be observing the holiday, but we will also use the Games as an engagement opportunity to educate all athletes on the significance of the day. Specific details on plans for the day will be provided to delegations as the Games draw near.
Want to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the JCC Maccabi Games?
Join us for an unforgettable experience where athletes from around the globe will compete at the highest level. We look forward to hosting you this summer. Please remember that that all visiting spectators must register on the national security platform to attend athletic competitions (Info will be available soon).
For questions or hotel information, out of town visitors/spectators should contact their community’s delegation head. Local Pittsburgh visitors should contact us through email.
What if I’m interested in volunteering, but I don’t know my schedule yet?
That’s okay. We’ll have meetings to discuss scheduling at a future date.
Is it important that I know a lot about sports, or do you have non-sports positions?
Not at all! Volunteers are needed in multiple areas, from food service to closing ceremonies.
I plan to volunteer, but do you offer babysitting for my children?
No. We will not have babysitting services available. However, we can work around your schedule when determining your shifts.
Do I need to be a member of The J to volunteer?
No. The entire community is invited to take part in the Games, although the athletes who participate need to be Jewish.
If my child is playing a sport, can I volunteer during that time?
No. We do not recommend you volunteer when your child is competing in an event, because you will most likely want to support your child and attend their event. However, there will be many opportunities for you to volunteer when your child is not competing.
I’m available on a limited basis – only a few hours or only one day during the games. Is that okay?
Yes. We will need many volunteers and any availability is appreciated.
What do we need to wear?
We’ll provide you with a complimentary volunteer T-shirt, which should be worn whenever you’re working a volunteer shift.
Will I be able to drive to the venue where I’m working?
Info available soon.
If I’m not available during the week of the Games, can I still help?
Absolutely! We’re always looking for volunteers to assist in the planning of the Games.
Who is responsible and involved in providing security for the Games?
The host community works closely with a wide variety of local, state and federal agencies to determine the security needs for the Games.
What are credentials and why are they needed?
Credentials are visible identification badges for athletes and coaches to help the host’s security team determine who should be admitted into venues, and to help keep venues secure. Credentials also provide the participants’ medical information, delegation head and parental contact information on the back. If credentials are lost, replacement credentials are available at Maccabi Central. Spectators are also required to obtain a spectator pass, which permits them entry into Games venues and opening ceremonies only.
Will there be security at all venues?
Yes. Events will be held at the University of Pittsburgh and various sites across the Greater Pittsburgh region. There will be security personnel to assure that participants get to and from the various venues and events in a timely and safe manner.
