A Home Away from Home

The Host Family experience is integral to the JCC Maccabi Games® experience for each visiting athlete. It is an opportunity for local Jewish families to open their homes and hearts by welcoming at least two visiting athletes with next-level comfort, care, and support while in Toronto.

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Eligibility and Registration

Eligibility

  • Host families must be Jewish (i.e. they must include one Jewish adult older than 21 years of age as of August 2, 2026)
  • Families with or without athletes competing are welcome to host.
  • Families must house a minimum of two athletes

Registration Process

Do you have a child you are signing up for tryouts? If so, the host family application is part of that application process. Click here to start the tryout form.

Are you looking to become a host family without a participating athlete? Click the button below to fill out our intake form.

Become a host family

Hosting Expectations

Sleeping Arrangements

Each teen must have their own bed, sofa bed, cot, or air mattress (mattresses can be provided upon request). Athletes may share a room but must each have their own sleeping space. Athletes cannot switch homes, or stay in hotels with parents, delegation heads, or coaches.

Laundry

Host families should be prepared to offer access to laundry, especially to wash athlete uniforms.

Daily Meals

Host families are asked to provide breakfast daily (Monday–Friday), evening snacks readily available when the athletes return home, and Dinner on Host Family Night (see below). All other meals and snacks will be provided by the JCC during the day. All food provided by JCC is kosher and nut-aware.

Transportation

Families are responsible for morning drop-off and evening pick-up, Monday through Thursday. The JCC will provide daytime transportation between events and venues.

Host Family Night

Host Family Night is a designated evening where families plan a fun dinner and activity to show off our wonderful city. This can be done individually or in collaboration with nearby host families. The housing committee will provide ideas, resources, and coordination support to help make the night memorable for everyone.

Become a host Family

Your FAQs, Answered

Our daytime availability is limited. Can we still be a Host Family?

Absolutely! Host Families are only required to drop off athletes in the morning and pick them up in the evening. Transportation between venues and events throughout the day is provided.

A more detailed drop-off/pickup schedule will be made available to all registered Host Families in Spring 2026.

Can we make a special request for the visiting athletes in our home?

Yes. Host Families can request age, gender, and specific athletes. While we will do our best to accommodate special requests, we cannot guarantee that all special requests will be met.

Does our home need to be kosher?

No. Although a kosher home is not a requirement, some visiting athletes may observe kashrut and will be accommodated accordingly.

Do I need to be a member of a JCC to be a Host Family?

No. The Host Family experience is open to all Jewish families in the Toronto and GTA communities.

What about pets?

Pets are part of Host Families too! The matching process is both extensive and diligent ensuring that athletes are matched according to their requests, preferences, and needs.

Get Involved

It takes a village to make the JCC Maccabi Games a success. There are many ways you can help participate and support the games.

Athletes

Compete in over a dozen sports alongside teens from around the world.

Athletes

Access

JCC Maccabi Games experience for teens with developmental disabilities.

Access

Host Families

Open your home and give athletes an experience they’ll never forget.

Host Families

Volunteer

Help make the Games run smoothly, from logistics to event support.

Volunteer

Support Us

The JCC Maccabi Games wouldn't be possible without your partnership.

Support Us
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