JCC Maccabi is about much more than sport competition. A great athlete or leader is not defined by fame or wins, but their actions towards fellow human beings. Six official JCC Maccabi Midot (values) guide the JCC Maccabi program, helping us remember the greater mission of the Games. We emphasize Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Kavod (respect), Rina (joy), Ga’ava (pride), Lev Tov (big hearted), and Amiut Yehudit (Jewish peoplehood). Those who exemplify these Jewish values and the true meaning of Maccabi may be lucky enough to earn a Midot medal at the Games, the highest honor for a JCC Maccabi participant.
Tikkun Olam — תיקון עולם — Repairing the World
The Hebrew phrase tikkun olam means “repairing the world.” In contemporary Jewish circles, tikkun olam has become synonymous with the notion of social action and the pursuit of social justice.
Shimon (the son of Rabban Gamliel) says:
It is not what one says, but rather what one does, that makes all the difference in the world.
Pirkei Avot 1:17
שמעון בנו אומר… ולא המדרש הוא העיקר אלא המעשה
פרקי אבות 1:17
Kavod –כבוד – Respect
Judaism teaches us to treat ourselves and others, including strangers, with respect. Kavod embodies regard for the rights, dignity, feelings, wishes, and abilities of others. Teasing, name calling, and bullying disrespects and hurts everyone; we must learn to appreciate people for who they are.
Rabbi Yishmael says, “Be yielding to your elder, be pleasant with the young, and greet every person with joy.”
Pirkei Avot 3:16
רבי ישמעאל אומר, הוי קל לראש ונוח לתשחורת, והוי מקבל כול אדם בשמחה
פרקי אבות 3:16
Rina – רינה – Joy
Being happy isn’t always easy; life has its disappointments and frustrations. But finding joy can be as simple as a beautiful sunset, dinner with friends, or finally winning that gold medal.
Serve God in gladness; come into God’s presence with shouts of joy!
עִבְד֣וּ אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה בְּשִׂמְחָ֑ה בֹּ֥אוּ לְ֝פָנָ֗יו בִּרְנָנָֽה
Psalms 100:2
Rebbe Nachman teaches, “It is a great mitzvah to be happy always.” (Likutey Moharan II, 24)
!רבינחמן מאומןמצווה להיות בשמחה תמיד
Ga’ava – גאווה – Pride
Pride is the feeling of being confident in the world. It is reaching your full potential and claiming your space: I exist. I have worth. I give back. Taking pride in ourselves and others and honoring our bodies is a way to honor God.
“One must show the way by experience.”
― David Ben Gurion
Lev Tov – לב טוב – Big Heartedness
Welcoming others is an essential component of what it means to be Jewish. With open hearts, we invite friends and family to our homes on Shabbat, holidays, and other times to share meals, stories, and traditions. Kindness is at the core of being a mensch—a true human being.
The desire to be good to all… this is the internal core of the essence of the Jewish soul.
― Rabbi Kook
הרצון להיות טוב לכול… זה הגרעין הפנימי של מהות נשמת ישראל
הרב קוק
Amiut Yehudit –עמיות יהודית – Jewish Peoplehood
Amiut Yehudit is an awareness of the unity that makes each individual Jew part of the Jewish people. Jewish peoplehood encompasses a sense of belonging and commitment, not only to kol Yisrael, the Jewish people but also to Jewish values; ideas and their potential; and Israel, the expression of national sovereignty.
Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh. | All Israel is responsible for one another. | כול ישראל ערבים זה בזה
― Talmud Shevuot 39a
