More than 2,000 Jewish teen athletes gathered in Toronto for the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games in early August. The week-long event welcomed athletes ages 13 to 17 from 55 delegations representing nine countries, including the United States, Canada, Israel, Argentina, Hungary, Great Britain, Ukraine, Moldova and Venezuela.
Representing Nashville was Eli Cheng and Blake Resnick. Cheng earned a gold medal in the 400 freestyle relay and a silver medal in the 200 freestyle relay. Resnick competed in ice hockey and received a Midot Medal, which recognizes individuals who represent the six values of JCC Maccabi: Lev Tov (Big Hearted), Rinah (Joy), Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), Amiut Yehudit (Jewish Peoplehood), G’eavah (Pride) and Kavod (Respect).
The honor is awarded to only a few hundred of the thousands of athletes, coaches and delegation heads who participate in the Games each year.
While athletic competition is central to the JCC Maccabi Games, participants also engage in educational, cultural and service experiences. Through OJA Allstars, an experience created by the Ontario Jewish Archives in association with the Toronto Holocaust Museum, athletes explored an immersive recreation of a 1930s athletic locker room. They learned the stories of six Jewish athletes through photographs, artifacts and personal belongings.
The experience showed participants how antisemitism and the Holocaust affected the athletes’ lives and careers. It also encouraged them to reflect on Jewish identity, resilience, perseverance and the power of sports.
Participants also gave back through JCC Cares. In partnership with UJA and Repair the World, athletes assembled backpacks and hygiene kits for children and families throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
Each service session included Jewish learning and reflection that connected the volunteer experience to tikkun olam (repairing the world) and the responsibility to care for others. JCC Access athletes participated alongside other Maccabi athletes in an inclusive service experience, showing that meaningful volunteerism is accessible to athletes of all abilities.
Outside of the competitions and service projects, athletes had many opportunities to spend time together and have fun.
During the Opening Ceremony, former hostage Omer Wenkert spoke to the athletes, and Israeli Eurovision singer Yuval Raphael performed alongside a gospel choir.
Other evening activities included a trip to Canada’s Wonderland, Host Family Night and a bar and bat mitzvah-style Closing Ceremony and party.
More than 500 coaches, 750 host families, and 1,000 volunteers helped make the Games possible.
The Jewish Observer is published by The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and made possible by funds raised in the Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. Become a supporter today.
By the end of the week, participants left with more than medals. The Games fostered lasting connections among Jewish teens from around the world while giving them an opportunity to proudly represent their communities.
The JCC Maccabi Games will return next summer with two locations. One will take place in Austin, Texas, from July 25 to 30. The second location and dates will be announced soon.
Teens interested in representing Nashville at next summer’s JCC Maccabi Games can contact Alyssa Brodie at abrodie@bbyo.org for more information.