Maccabiah 5784 at WDS was the best one yet! This year WDS will be celebrating חזק—chozek (strength)/blue and אמץ—ometz (bravery)/white. The themes stem from the words that Hashem tells Yehoshua as he is ready to cross into the land of Israel: “חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ” (Joshua 1:6). Be strong and courageous as you enter into the land and as you lead the people. The eighth graders so aptly chose this theme as these values have been demonstrated by every member of Klal Yisroel this year, especially chayalei Tzahal (IDF soldiers). On their own, each idea is wonderful. There is a value in being strong, and there is a value in being brave. However, the best way to approach struggle is to have both the strength and the bravery.

Throughout these exciting and action packed two days, students participated in art, sports, Torah and song. Students showed up dressed to the nines in their team colors and everyone received a team T-shirt!! Both teams showcased an impressive display of sportsmanship and menschlichkeit, which are hallmarks of the WDS Maccabiah games. Kol hakavod to the blue team who won this year!