Become a Host Family

Host families are an integral part of the JCC Maccabi Games®, offering the 1,200 visiting teens travelling from across the world a Jewish home away from home. As a host family you will build unforgettable memories, and the bond you create with these athletes tends to outlast the week itself.

Join the home team.

What hosting involves

• Housing for at least two visiting athletes, in a home with at least one Jewish adult living in the household. Every athlete needs their own mattress; air mattresses are fine, and we can provide them.
• Pickup from the J on Sunday, and dinner that evening.
• Daily breakfast, snacks, and two dinners.
• Morning and evening transport Monday through Thursday, and transport to the J on Friday morning.
• Access to laundry. Teens need to wash uniforms and are often too shy to ask, so do offer.
• Host family night on Wednesday — dinner and an activity of your choosing, to show off the city.

International delegations may need additional nights, depending on their travel.

All host families complete an online registration, everyone in the home aged 18 and over passes a background check, and each family attends an orientation session before the Games.

Meals

Host families provide breakfast Monday through Friday, dinner on Sunday and on host family night, and an evening snack when the teens get home. Every other meal is provided by the J, and all food served there is kosher. Your own home does not need to be kosher, though kosher homes are needed for athletes who request one.

Sleeping arrangements

Each teen needs their own bed, though not their own room. Air mattresses and fold-out sofa beds are both fine. Teens cannot share a bed, and there are no sleepovers or swapping between homes — the housing committee approves any change. Athletes also cannot stay at hotels with parents, delegation heads, or coaches.

Questions families ask

Do we need to be Jewish to host?

Yes. Every athlete is housed in a Jewish home, meaning at least one Jewish adult lives in the household.

Do we need a kosher home?

No. Some kosher homes are needed, because some visiting athletes request one, but it is not a general requirement.

How many athletes do we have to house?

At least two, and you are welcome to take more. Each one needs their own bed and their own seat belt when being driven.

We do not have a teen taking part. Can we still host?

Yes. Any Jewish family is welcome, meaning a household with at least one Jewish adult over the age of 25.

Do we need to be members of the J?

No. Membership is not required to host.

What if we work during the day?

Nothing is asked of host families during the day. Athletes can be dropped at the J or their venue from 7:30 a.m.

We have pets. Is that a problem?

No. The housing committee matches athletes to suitable families, and pets are part of that.

Can we request a particular athlete, age, or gender?

You can ask, and the committee will try, but no request is guaranteed.

Can the athletes babysit?

No. They are here to compete and will not have the time.

What if we do not have enough beds?

Air mattresses are acceptable and can be provided if you need them.