Ida Crown Jewish Academy junior Spencer Brasch will compete in the 13^th European Maccabi Games in Vienna, Austria as a member of the USA Open Fencing Team. The Games in Vienna will be the largest gathering of Jews in that country since World War II, with representatives of 30 countries competing.

Spencer began fencing at age 6, practicing Monday-Thursdays and Sundays for more than three hours at a time. He has competed in many local competitions and twice in the National Tournament. His fencing practice comes after a rigorous day at ICJA, preceded by two full hours of piano practice in the mornings, from 5:45-7:45AM.

Fencing, says Spencer, requires both physical and mental discipline. “It’s like a puzzle. When you’re fencing you have to read your opponent and figure out how to win.”

Most essential to Spencer’s success in fencing is his love for the sport. “You have to be a gracious loser because it’s easy to be a gracious winner. You can’t love the sport if you’re not. Everyone loses more than they win, so if you’re a gracious loser, you learn to love the sport.”

On the Maccabi team, Spencer will be among the youngest athletes there and the only Shomer Shabbat member of the USA team. He says people have pushed him to fence on Shabbat for as long as he can remember, but he has managed to become a top fencer without ever compromising his beliefs. “All my life I’ve had to struggle –fencing or Judaism? This year I’ve been figuring out my values, who I am and where I want to go to yeshiva, and why am I putting so much time into fencing. I guess it’s because you’re supposed to serve God with happiness.”

The Team is coached by Marshal Davis of Furlong, PA, a fencing alumnus from the University of Florida and also includes five university fencers. Many of the six men and six women who make up the Team have qualified for and won National Fencing Championships and two were medal winners at the 18^th World Maccabiah Games in Israel in 2009. 

“From the moment that every USA fencer starts competing, they dream of being able to wear USA on their uniform and that in of itself, will be life-changing,” said Coach Davis. “The Team will face some stiff competition as the Europeans are known for their strong fencing skills, however the overall experience of representing your country in an international competition with other Jewish athletes from throughout the Diaspora, will provide lifelong memories for every member of the Team.”