Mittleman
Exclusive updates for our donors and supporters from your MJCC
Jewish Community Center
Fall 2018
at the Schnitzer Family Campus
6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219 | 503.244.0111 | oregonjcc.org
Team Oregon has Successful Trip to JCC Maccabi Games® and ArtsFest®!
From August 5 - 10, 16 athletes and artists traveled to Southern California to participate in the 2018 JCC Maccabi Games® and ArtsFest® to represent Team Oregon. They joined 3,047 athletes, artists, coaches, and delegation heads as they marched into Santa Ana Stadium on Sunday, August 5 for Opening Ceremonies, more than at any other Opening Ceremonies in 36 years of JCC Maccabi Games®. Brimming with hopes and dreams of the competition and showcase to come, they marched in, delegation by delegation, from 69 JCCs across Canada and the United States, Panama, Israel, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. “During Opening Ceremonies, when I saw how many Jewish people came out to be a part of JCC Maccabi®, I felt extremely proud of my Jewish heritage.” - Evan Horwitz, 14u Boys Basketball
The competition was fierce but spirited. Chests swelled in the face of dazzling musical talent, poetry in motion through dance, and the creation of inspired works of art. JCC Cares, an opportunity for participants to enhance their experience by taking a few hours out of their daily schedule to partake in a community service project, found every artist and athlete working hand-in-hand with peers from local organizations. And all along the way, magical hang-time moments, each one strengthening the ties between North American Jewry and the state of Israel, were happening. Our teens came to compete, perform, and meet new Jewish friends, and most importantly, to have fun! We are so impressed with our delegation and all of their accomplishments during the week.
Here are some of the highlights: • Gold Medal - 16u Boys Baseball • 8 Gold Medals - 16u Boys Track and Field • Silver Medal - 16u Boys Lacrosse • Bronze Medal - 14u Boys Soccer • Bronze Medal - Table Tennis Singles • Bronze Medal - Table Tennis Doubles • Incredible performance at ArtsFest® in Rock Band “While I am extremely proud of what our delegation accomplished at the Games® and ArtsFest®, a moment that really sticks out to me is the first evening we were in Orange County. Our teens got together with the Alberta, Canada delegation for a dinner boat cruise. We closed the evening with a Havdalah ceremony, which just blew me away as these kids who did not really know each other, were standing arm in arm with one another creating this meaningful Jewish experience.” - Lenny Steinberg, Team Oregon Delegation Head
The MJCC is committed to ensuring that every teen interested in participating has that opportunity. The total cost of the trip was $1,600 per individual and through sponsorships and grants, we were able to subsidize the cost so that it was only $1,000 per individual, with additional financial aid available to those that are in need. We are the only JCC delegation that offers this kind of subsidy. Thank you to The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and all who support this program and help make the JCC Maccabi® experience a reality for our area youth. If you are interested in getting involved next summer for 2019 JCC Maccabi Games® and ArtsFest® as a sponsor or participant, please contact Lenny Steinberg at 503.535.3555 or lsteinberg@oregonjcc.org.