Bookreporter.com readers are familiar with Ron Kaplan. In addition to being a frequent contributor to the reviews that appear on the site, he is the author of a wonderful compendium of baseball titles, 501 BASEBALL BOOKS FANS MUST READ BEFORE THEY DIE, published in 2013. This year marks the publication of another important sports book by Kaplan, THE JEWISH OLYMPICS. From beginning to end, it is a wonderful story of a sporting event that remains unknown to many, but has produced significant contributions not only in athletic venues but also in the world battle against anti-Semitism.

As a Jewish-American, I have been aware of the Maccabiah Games for many years through newspaper articles and participation of well-known Jewish athletes and lesser-known acquaintances in the Games. But THE JEWISH OLYMPICS places them in a broader context for me, and I am certain that it will do the same for other readers. Just as an opening example, I had always assumed that the Games began sometime after 1948, the year that Israel became a nation, but I was wrong.

"From beginning to end, [THE JEWISH OLYMPICS] is a wonderful story of a sporting event that remains unknown to many, but has produced significant contributions not only in athletic venues but also in the world battle against anti-Semitism."

The first Maccabiah took place in Palestine in 1932. During that era, more than 150,000 Jewish athletes belonged to sports clubs. Because many nations barred Jews from participating on national teams, Jewish leaders sought an event where the skills of Jewish athletes could be showcased. This marked the birth of the Maccabiah Games, a test to see if the Jews of British-controlled Palestine might someday be able to participate in the Olympics. Eighteen nations took part, including Egypt and Syria. The Egyptians dominated the boxing events, while the U.S. ruled track and field. But the overall winner of the competition was Poland. More than 100,000 spectators attended.

There was a second Maccabiah gathering in 1935, but the Games scheduled for 1938 obviously never came to pass. In 1950, the young nation of Israel welcomed 500 athletes from 20 countries to the third Maccabiah. The Games would now become a regularly scheduled event, held every four years. Unlike the revolving Olympics or other world events, they would always be contested in Israel.

Kaplan chronicles the Games all the way to the 19th Maccabiah held in July 2013. Each chapter notes important games and athletes. In addition, there are longer biographical notes about some of the notable athletes and organizers and the roles they played in bringing to fruition the dream of a world-class stage for Jewish athletes from around the world. Many well-known American athletes, including Mark Spitz, Mitch Gaylord, Danny Schayes, and basketball coaches Larry Brown and Bruce Pearl were participants.

Kaplan also details the political behind-the-scenes battles that were part of the Games. In the early years after the creation of the state of Israel, the communist bloc countries would not allow their Jewish athletes to attend. Of course, Arab nations also boycotted, although in the years before World War II, Egypt, Syria and Lebanon all sent teams to the Games. His poignant recounting of the 1973 Games, held one year after the slaying of Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics, is a heartfelt reminder of how heartache sometimes accompanies joyful celebrations.

Finally, Kaplan includes a rundown of athletes who have won medals in both the Olympic and Maccabiah Games. It is a list representing many nations and makes clear that the goal of bringing Jewish athletes to the world stage has been accomplished. THE JEWISH OLYMPICS is a fascinating history that goes beyond sports. Jews around the world celebrate and support the Maccabiah Games as a cultural event, where sports and Judaism often coalesce in inspirational ways.