Friends,  

This Shabbat, we read Vayechi, where an aging Jacob gathers his sons and blesses each according to their unique gifts and destinies. Some would become kings, others priests, scholars, soldiers, seafarers, and olive growers. 

One of the greatest joys of Jewish communal life is watching a new generation mature into leadership roles. I was recently reminded of this when our own Seth Green was selected to serve on the JCC Maccabi International Leadership Board. Seth shared: "I really enjoy JCC Maccabi because I get to meet a lot of new Jewish teens from around the world. I am excited to be a part of the leadership board because it gives me a chance to advance my skills in teamwork, public speaking, and leadership." 

Listen to what Seth isn't saying. He doesn't mention wins or losses, medals or trophies. He's talking about connection, growth, and purpose. That's because while sports bring us together at Maccabi, the real game is something else entirely. 

At a time when Jewish identity and connection are being tested globally, immersive experiences like the JCC Maccabi Games are more critical than ever. They create what our teens need most: a place where being proudly Jewish isn't complicated, where friendship and Jewish identity reinforce rather than compete, where they begin to see themselves not as passive recipients of tradition, but as active shapers of Jewish future. 

Seth and his fellow board members will bring their ideas, visions, and creativity to make this year's Maccabi Games the best yet. Our Virginia Peninsula delegation will be competing in Toronto this summer, and it's not too late for teens to join.   

When talking with committed community members, I often see a pattern. Almost all can trace their calling back to a moment - often in their teen or young adult years - when they experienced Jewish community in its fullest form. For me, it was NFTY, where I discovered that being Jewish and being myself weren't two different things. Where I learned to lead before I felt ready. Where mentors saw potential in me that I couldn't yet see in myself.   

It's no coincidence that so many of us trace their journeys back to these foundational settings. They are the wellsprings of leadership, creativity, and enduring commitment to Jewish life. 

Jacob's final act was to look at each of his children and help them see who they were meant to become. That remains our sacred work today, creating spaces where the next generation can discover their unique gifts, find their people, and step into their power. 

Shabbat Shalom,  

Eric Maurer 
CEO  
emaurer@jewishpeninsula.org