JCC Maccabi® Update

 

After much thoughtful deliberation, JCC Association of North America has announced it will suspend the traditional JCC Maccabi Games^® and ArtsFest^® in 2021.

The lay and professional leadership of JCC Association and the JCC Maccabi Games^® carefully considered many factors before reaching this difficult conclusion. In addition to the public health concerns associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, these factors included  the logistical and financial obligations that the host committee and delegation heads must meet well in advance of the 2021 Games.

Although this “pause” results from unfortunate circumstances beyond our control, we had intended to focus on a strategic planning process for JCC Maccabi^® in 2020, so this hiatus gives us valuable time to do just that. The “pause” also will allow us to consider ways to expand the summer events into a year-round initiative for Jewish teen engagement. We know this process will lead to a bright future for this longtime, beloved event—and to outstanding JCC Maccabi Games^® and ArtsFest^® in 2022 and beyond.

In the meantime, we also are exploring various possibilities for local and regional programming and, as appropriate, will decide in the coming months which, if any, may be feasible.

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About JCC Association of North America
JCC Association of North America leads and connects the JCC Movement, advancing and enriching North American Jewish life. With 1.5 million people walking through the doors of JCCs (Jewish Community Centers and Jewish Community Camps) each week, the JCC Movement represents the largest platform of Jewish engagement on the continent. JCC Association is the convening organization of this powerful network, partnering with JCCs to bring together the collective power and knowledge of the JCC Movement, which includes approximately 53,000 staff members—12,000 full-time skilled professionals, 24,000 part-time staff, and 17,000 seasonal summer staff. By supporting them, together we enhance and strengthen Jewish life throughout North America. Learn more at JCCA.org or on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.