programs
Teen Programs
Teen Programs at the J
The Kaiserman JCC is the perfect place for teens. We offer exciting programs where teen can have fun, learn, grow, and build friendships to last a lifetime. The JCC Maccabi Games, and our Teen-led Basketball Leagues, encourage teens till grow as athletes and as mentors. We are now host to the Diller Teen Fellows Program, where teens learn about being great leaders in their communities. Explore all of our teen programs online!
Lead. Connect. Make an Impact.
Established in November 2024 by Community Shaliach Niv Sadeh, the JCC Teen Board Leadership Program brings together motivated teens for a year of leadership development, community building, and hands-on planning.
The program was created to provide a dynamic space where participants can explore what it means to lead with purpose, gain valuable new skills, and become the best versions of themselves. Together, teens collaborate with peers to contribute to programs that reflect the needs, interests, and values of their community—all while expanding their social circles, having fun, and exploring Jewish identity and Israel through an authentic Israeli lens.
Click Here To Apply by 9/30
Pillar 1: Next-Gen Leadership & Skill Building
We don’t just talk about leadership; we give you the actual toolkit to make things happen. Being on the board means stepping into a space where your ideas are taken seriously. Through hands-on experience, you will gain essential life skills that schools don’t always teach, including:
- Public Speaking & Pitching: Build the confidence to stand in front of a crowd, command a room, and clearly share your vision
- Event Architecture: Learn the behind-the-scenes strategy of organizing, marketing, and launching successful large-scale community events from scratch.
- Strategic Planning: Discover how to set realistic goals, make high-stakes decisions, and turn big dreams into actionable reality.
- Emotional Intelligence & Peer Leadership: Increase your empathy, learn to identify the strengths and weaknesses within a team, and master the art of leading and motivating your own peers.
Pillar 2: Jewish Identity & Israeli Connection
Explore your heritage and global community on your own terms. This program is a modern, vibrant space designed for teens of all backgrounds, observance levels, and denominations. We connect you to something bigger than yourself through:
- Accessible Traditions: Explore Jewish values, holidays, and history through a fresh, fun, and engaging lens that relates to your daily life.
- Real-World Global Perspective: Navigate complex current events and global Jewish affairs in a safe, open-minded space.
- The ShinShinim Experience: Get an authentic, insider look at modern Israel and global culture by learning directly from Israeli high school graduates living and working right here in our community.
Pillar 3: The Ultimate Community & Life-Long Connection
Come for the leadership, stay for the people. A board shouldn’t just feel like a committee, it should feel like a community. We intentionally design this space to help you break out of your usual school bubble and build deep, authentic relationships:
- A New Circle: Meet and collaborate with dynamic teens from different schools and backgrounds whom you might never have crossed paths with otherwise.
- The Power of Collaboration: Learn the art of group dynamics—how to debate respectfully, compromise, and make collective decisions as a unified team.
- Core Memories: Beyond work, we make time for joy. Through shared challenges, fun activities, and meaningful experiences, you will build connections and friendships that can truly last a lifetime.
How to Apply
- Learn about the program: Review the program goals, expectations, meeting dates, and leadership themes.
- Fill out the Application by September 30
- Application review: The JCC team will review applications and follow up with next steps.
- Register after approval: Approved applicants will receive access to the registration link.
Registration After Acceptance
Registration is available only after the application has been reviewed and approved. Approved participants will receive a registration link and any additional details needed to complete enrollment.
Meeting Dates and Topics
The program includes a series of meetings focused on leadership identity, community responsibility, collaboration, planning, and teen voice. Dates can be added once confirmed.
| Meeting | Date | Session Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10/12/26 | Setting the Foundation |
| 2 | 11/9/26 | Finding Your Voice |
| 3 | 12/7/26 | Increasing Light in Our Lives |
| 4 | 1/11/27 | Deep Roots & Real-World Realities |
| 5 | 2/8/27 | The Mastery of Collaboration and Compromise |
| 6 | 3/8/27 | Behind the Mask: What is Fake vs. Real? |
| 7 | 4/12/27 | The Freedom to Create |
| 8 | 5/3/27 | Planning for Success |
| 9 | 5/24/27 | Leaving a Legacy |
Other Important Dates
| Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hanukkah Event | 12/5/26 | A community event to celebrate the holiday of Hannukah at the JCC – we will help facilitate activities for young kids at the event. |
| MLK Day | 1/19/27 | A “day-on” doing volunteer and service work together at the JCC. |
| Purim Festival | 3/14/27 | Purim Festival is a carnival to celebrate Purim at the JCC – we will run bounce houses, activities and stations and food area. |
| Mimouna Shabbat | 4/30/27 | Mimouna is a Jewish tradition that developed by Moroccan Jews to celebrate the end of Passover and eat chametz again with a big party – we will help decorate the space for the event and create a designated teen area at the event. |
| Yom Ha’atzmaut | 5/16/27 | Israeli 79th Independence Day at the JCC! We will help facilitate activities, decorate the JCC and run programs with other teen groups at the event. |
JBall – Highschool Boys Basketball League
J-Ball Basketball (J-Ball) is a non-profit Jewish High School Basketball League that combines players’ love for basketball with their Jewish identity. Now in its 8th season, J-Ball continues to connect over 110 young men from over a dozen schools in the Greater Philadelphia area. Hosted at the Kaiserman JCC in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, our league offers a supportive and inclusive environment where Jewish high school boys can compete, develop their skills, and, most importantly, build lasting friendships. Our games are played on Sunday nights from 5-8 PM (two games at the top of each hour), providing a consistent space for young athletes to foster teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. As J-Ball continues to grow, we hope you join us for another exciting season of basketball!
J-Ball is at capacity, if you are interested in joining the waitlist or sublist, please email Jballbasketball@gmail.com
A lengthy regular season, playoff campaign, all-star game, three point contest, and player awards are up for grabs with every sign-up.
J-Ball is held at the Kaiserman JCC on Sunday afternoons in the Fall and Winter. Although there are no practices, each team forms a bond during the season. J-Ball teams are individually headed by their respective captains, with the oversight of the commissioner. Players with all different skill levels are welcome to join in on the fun. Registration fills quickly every year, so make sure to follow @jballbasketball on instagram for updates, important information, sign-up details, and daily posts about the league’s activities and achievements!
Contact us for more information!
Matt Martin Director of Summer Programs and Enrichment Hometown: New City, NY Favorite Jewish Holiday: Hannukah Favorite Philly Food: Cheesesteak When I am not hard at work at the J,…
read moreDiller Teen Fellows at the J
The application is now OPEN for Diller Teen Fellows ’26-’27
Please contact Darren Rabinowitz, Diller Teen Fellow Philadelphia Program Coordinator, with any questions.
2026-2027 Application Nomination Form*Diller is generously supported by the Helen Diller Foundation. If your family is in need of financial assistance, please do not hesitate in reaching out to Darren.
The Kaiserman JCC is honored to partner with the Diller Teen Fellows program, an incredible experiential learning, traveling and growth experience for 10th and 11th graders.
The program aims to build the next generation of committed Jewish leaders: to inspire and empower a global network of teens and equip them with the skills, confidence, knowledge and Jewish values they need to help create a better world. Each year, hundreds of young people take part in the Diller training program from 32 communities across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, South America, Europe and Israel.
The Kaiserman JCC serves as the new home for this popular teen leadership development program, which the Jewish Federation had stewarded for several years. We are grateful to the Jewish Federation for their efforts to bring the program to this juncture, and excited about the future possibility in its new context here at the JCC.
Follow our journey on our Diller Philly Instagram
Darren Rabinowitz
Diller Teen Fellow Philadelphia Program Coordinator
Darren Rabinowitz Diller Teen Fellow Philadelphia Program Coordinator Hometown: Morristown, NJ Favorite Jewish Holiday: Yom Kippur Favorite Philly Food: Dim Sum Garden – Vegetable Steamed Buns Darren is a doctoral…
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JCC Maccabi Games®
A world wide olympic-style sporting event for Jewish teen athletes ages 13-17
Join Team Philadelphia in Summer 2026 for the worldwide Olympic-style sporting event for Jewish teen athletes ages 13-17.
Be a part of Team Philly as we join 3,000 Jewish teen athletes from around the globe at the world’s largest Jewish youth sporting event. The JCC Maccabi Games offers Olympic-style sports competitions, including opening and closing ceremonies; travel; community service; social and cultural events; and opportunities to make friends and memories to last a lifetime. Experience the magic of JCC Maccabi.
This summer, our teams will be traveling to both Toronto and Kansas City, August 3rd – 8th. Athletes will be invited to compete in 17U and 15U age divisions for Baseball, Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball, Dance, Flag Football, Golf, Boys’ and Girls’ (new for 2026) Ice Hockey, Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer, Softball, Boys’ and Girls’ Swimming, Tennis, Track, Girls’ Volleyball, and serve as Star Reporters for the games.
View our 2026 Info Session View our 2026 Info Session Slide Deck Maccabi Info PacketJCC Maccabi® 2025 Is Going to:
- Toronto, Canada | August 2nd – 7th | Ages 13-17
- Boy’s Basketball
- Girl’s Basketball
- Boy’s Ice Hockey
- Girl’s Ice Hockey
- Girls’ Soccer
- Girls’ Softball
- Dance
- Golf
- Swimming
- Track
- Star Reporter
- Kansas City, Missouri | August 2nd – 7th | Ages 13-17
- 3v3 Boys’ Basketball
- Baseball
- Boys’ Soccer
- Flag Football
- Girls’ Volleyball
- Pickleball
- Tennis
- Star Reporter
If you do not see a sport you are interested in, please contact Barrie, Philadelphia Delegation Head
JCC Maccabi Games Team Philadelphia Interest Form - 2026
Please fill out the form below to be alerted when more information is announced for Maccabi 2025!
Please reach out with any questions!
Barrie Mittica Senior Director of Engagement Hometown: Born Columbia, Md, grew up Cherry Hill, NJ Favorite Jewish Holiday: Tu B’Av Favorite Philly Food: Geno’s Cheesesteak Hi, I’m Barrie Mittica and…
read moreSponsorship Opportunities
Join us in making the Philadelphia JCC Maccabi experience unforgettable! Your sponsorship fuels athletic competition, community-building, and meaningful connections—while also offering you exclusive benefits like logo placement, event recognition, and Hall of Fame ceremony tickets.
Contact Us Learn more about Maccabi Sponsorship Sponsor / Donate
Check out our Facebook page to look back on our experiences and stay up to date with Team Philadelphia!
Not quite old enough yet? Check out our Mini and Junior Maccabi Program happening in Philadelphia 2026!
Mini & Junior JCC Maccabi Games
