As we prepare for the JCC Maccabi Games return to Kansas City this year, I find myself reflecting on how meaningful this moment is for our community as well as for my own family.
My wife, Baree, along with our three children, Mira, Theo and Colby, are genuinely looking forward to feeling the energy and pride the Games bring to our city and to our community. In particular, we look forward to opening our home to teens from a visiting delegation.
For us, hosting is rooted in the Jewish value of hachnasat orchim, the responsibility and privilege of welcoming guests. Opening our doors to visiting athletes isn’t just providing a place to stay. It is about fostering a sense of belonging, creating meaningful connections and helping teens feel supported as they participate in what may be their first JCC Maccabi Games.
We also see hosting as an opportunity for mutual learning and growth. By welcoming a visiting teen into our home, we hope to learn what Jewish life looks like in another city or country, to hear firsthand about traditions, schools and communities that may differ from our own, and to incorporate new perspectives into our family life. We hope these shared experiences, whether over meals, conversations at the end of a long day, or cheering from the sidelines, will create lasting memories and perhaps even lifelong friendships. All of this becomes possible simply by choosing to open our home.
My anticipation for the Games is deeply personal. I had the opportunity to participate in the JCC Maccabi Games in 1997, the last time Kansas City hosted. I competed in basketball and had the chance to play alongside and against Jewish teens from around the world. That experience expanded my understanding of Jewish community and identity in ways that have stayed with me well into adulthood. This year, that connection feels even more meaningful as I look forward to watching my son, Theo, participate and compete in the Games for the first time, experiencing the same sense of camaraderie and pride that I did.
That year, my family also hosted visiting athletes, and it left a lasting impression on me. I saw firsthand how welcoming teens into our home enhanced the entire Maccabi experience, not only for our guests, but also for my own family. The athletes I competed against, many of whom were likely visiting Kansas City for the first time, were embraced by local families who made space for them. This tremendous act of hospitality makes the Games so much bigger than just a sporting event; it creates an environment filled with connection, learning and Jewish joy.
Now, nearly three decades later, it feels especially meaningful to help carry that tradition forward. Hosting visiting teens gives our family an opportunity to model our values for our children and to contribute in a tangible way to the success of the Games. It is a reminder that the strength of the Maccabi experience comes from the athletes, the events and the community that surrounds and supports them.
I encourage fellow community members to consider opening their homes in support of the JCC Maccabi Games. The impact of hosting extends far beyond the week itself; it shapes memories, builds relationships and strengthens our shared sense of Jewish peoplehood. If you have questions or concerns about hosting, I encourage you to reach out to me, or to any member of the JCC Maccabi committee. We would be more than happy to provide guidance and address any hesitations.
Together, through hospitality and community spirit, let us help ensure that the JCC Maccabi Games in Kansas City are meaningful, welcoming and unforgettable for every teen who comes through our doors.
