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.
