UNITING THE MAT: BUILDING ONE JEWISH WRESTLING COMMUNITY
Maccabi USA Wrestling occupies a unique and powerful position within the broader wrestling landscape—not just as a competitive outlet, but as a unifying force for Jewish athletes of all backgrounds. Within the Jewish community, wrestling participation reflects a wide spectrum of identity and observance, from highly observant Orthodox athletes to more secular competitors. Rather than viewing these differences as divisions to overcome, Maccabi USA Wrestling is leading the way to bring these athletes together as one cohesive community grounded in shared heritage, values, and passion for the sport.
At the core of this effort is an understanding that different lifestyles and religious commitments are not obstacles, but integral parts of the community’s diversity. Orthodox Jewish wrestlers navigate meaningful religious obligations, including Shabbat observance, dietary laws, and travel limitations, all of which shape their athletic experience. These elements are not barriers to inclusion—they are part of what makes the Jewish wrestling community rich and multifaceted.
Maccabi USA Wrestling leads by creating environments where all athletes can participate fully while remaining true to who they are. Through intentional scheduling of training camps, competitions, and development programs that respect religious observance, the organization ensures that Orthodox athletes can compete without compromise. At the same time, these opportunities are open to all Jewish wrestlers, fostering shared experiences that strengthen bonds across the entire community.
Unity is also built through understanding. When athletes train, compete, and spend time together, they gain insight into each other’s lives and perspectives. These interactions—whether on the mat, during team travel, or over shared meals—naturally cultivate respect and connection. Maccabi USA Wrestling serves as a platform where these relationships can grow, helping athletes recognize that what unites them far outweighs what differentiates them.
International competition further reinforces this shared identity. Events like the Maccabiah Games provide a setting where Jewish athletes from diverse backgrounds come together with a common purpose: representing their heritage and country through sport. These experiences highlight the strength of unity, offering meaningful opportunities for athletes of all levels of observance to compete, connect, and take pride in being part of something larger than themselves
Building this unified community must also begin at the grassroots level. Expanding access to wrestling within Jewish spaces—such as day schools, yeshivas, JCCs, and community centers—creates early opportunities for participation in environments that feel familiar and welcoming. By offering programs that are inclusive of different needs and sensitivities, Maccabi USA Wrestling can introduce the sport to a broader audience while reinforcing a sense of belonging from the start.
Mentorship plays a critical role in sustaining this unity. When young athletes see role models who embrace both their Jewish identity and their athletic pursuits, it reinforces the idea that they are part of a larger, supportive community. These connections help define a shared pathway forward, where success is not limited by differences, but enriched by them.
Ultimately, the goal is not simply to accommodate diversity, but to celebrate and integrate it into a single, vibrant wrestling community. Maccabi USA Wrestling has the ability to demonstrate that the strength of Jewish wrestling lies in its unity—where athletes of all backgrounds come together with mutual respect, shared purpose, and collective pride.
By fostering inclusive opportunities, encouraging meaningful relationships, and expanding access to the sport, Maccabi USA Wrestling can grow wrestling within Jewish communities while building something far more lasting: a unified community where every athlete feels they belong—on the mat and beyond. You can help Maccabi USA Wrestling reach more athletes by opening your doors and hearts to all who want to try wrestling. As Dan Gable said, "After you wrestle, everything else in life is easy". Please contact Maccabi USA Wrestling Coach Rob Prebish if you would like to find out how can contribute to Bridging the Mat!
“Wrestling is more than just a sport. It’s a way to learn how to push past your physical and mental limits. What most inspires me about my father is how he took those skills and applies them in his own life. It makes me want to be a better person myself.”
- Daniel Delman, Torah Academy of Bergen County Wrestler & Wittenberg Tournament Champ
“Wrestling is one of the best sports to prepare young men and women for what lies ahead in life. We learn how to weather the storms and never quit on ourselves. We’re motivated to be the best we can be.”
- Rob Prebish, Maccabi USA Wrestling Coach & Former MAccabiah Games Gold Medalist