Budapest’s Óbuda Synagogue (Óbudai zsinagóga) is hosting a recurring series of Friday evening and Saturday morning talks by Rabbi Slomó Köves (Köves Slomó), exploring the weekly Torah portion through the lens of Jewish philosophy. Held at 1036 Budapest, Lajos Street (Lajos utca) 163, the sessions promise an approachable, thought-provoking journey into tradition and ideas for newcomers and regulars alike. Dates currently listed include December 5–6 and December 12–13, 2025, all in Budapest. Organizers reserve the right to change the schedule or program, so it’s worth checking before heading out.
What to Expect at the Synagogue
Each week’s study circles around the weekly parashah (Hetiszakasz), the Torah portion read that week, but the tone is more conversation than lecture. The aim is to reveal how ancient narratives, rituals, and laws speak to everyday dilemmas, ethics, and community life. Friday nights bring a reflective, candlelit atmosphere; Saturday mornings stretch into deeper analysis and communal discussion. The Óbuda Synagogue, one of the city’s most storied Jewish houses of worship, offers a welcoming setting for learning and connection.
When and Where
The teachings are scheduled as follows:
– 2025.12.05. Budapest
– 2025.12.06. Budapest
– 2025.12.12. Budapest
– 2025.12.13. Budapest
Location: Óbuda Synagogue (Óbudai zsinagóga), 1036 Budapest, Lajos Street (Lajos utca) 163. The synagogue sits in Óbuda, a historic district on the Buda side with Roman roots and a lively neighborhood vibe. With trams and buses crisscrossing the area, getting there is straightforward. If you’re pairing study with a slow stroll, the Danube is not far away, and the district’s old industrial buildings and new cultural hubs make for a good wander.
Stay Close: Family-Run Inns and Riverfront Hotels
Planning to linger for Shabbat or make a weekend of it along the Danube? The area brims with lodging options. A small, family-style 20-room guesthouse sits near two of Budapest’s most appealing water escapes: Csillaghegy Bath (Csillaghegyi Strandfürdő) and Római Beach (Római Élményfürdő). The hotel rests in a leafy suburban quarter north of downtown, offering cozy double rooms and two apartments. Rooms come with private bathrooms with a shower or tub, satellite TV, and a mini-fridge. It’s an easy base for exploring, and a quiet one for catching your breath after a full day.
A riverside venue on the Római-part promises that rare Budapest combo: water views, fresh air, and space for big outdoor events. They’ll help plan and execute everything on-site, and they run the Civil Torna Club for fitness-minded locals. Another pension in the Római-part holiday zone sits about 3.1 miles from Flórián Square (Flórián tér) and 5 miles from the city center. Expect twin rooms with showers, sinks, private toilets, and air conditioning, plus internet access, an in-house phone line, cable TV, and a drink bar. You also get garden access; tennis courts, beaches, shopping centers, and the lively Római-part promenade are nearby.
For a quirky stay, Hungary’s only ship-shaped hotel, the Holiday Beach Budapest Wellness Hotel with Sauna Park, anchors directly on the Danube, wrapped in greenery. Guests get access to excellent pools and free Wi‑Fi, and public transport makes the city center an easy ride away. The nearest bus stop is a three-minute walk.
There are budget-friendly spots too: a simple two-story hostel in Buda’s green belt with 26 rooms offers free parking out front, a boon for drivers. The Márton Áron Student Hostel opens each summer from July 15 to August 25 with two- and three-bed rooms, internet, sports facilities, and a fire pit. Discounts apply for Hungarian communities from abroad, groups, and stays over 14 days. If you’re hiking the legendary National Blue Trail (Országos Kéktúra), a trail-side lodge with 50 beds across 14 rooms (double, queen, and 6- or 8-bed layouts) offers a large communal space and a fully equipped kitchen—ideal for groups and budget travelers.
Eat Well: From Buffet Feasts to Danube Views
Óbuda’s dining scene is refreshingly broad. For everyday fuel, a local kitchen serves breakfast through dinner using natural, healthy ingredients. 39ers Restaurant (39-esek Étterme) in Flórián Court (Flórián Udvar) is Óbuda’s newest self-service spot—quick, fuss-free, and generous.
Craving river breeze and live music? Hely Restaurant (Hely Étterem) on the Római-part pairs fresh culinary riffs and inventive drinks with garden seating and a Danube panorama. The menu leans Hungarian and international, built on quality ingredients and modern kitchen technique. A cheerful neighborhood restaurant off the Római-part seats 56 indoors and expands with a 30-seat terrace in summer; bright interiors and easygoing service make it a go-to for families and groups.
For classics, Vienna Schnitzel Restaurant (Bécsiszelet Étterem) on Dereglye Street (Dereglye utca) serves an extra-large Viennese schnitzel that spills over the plate—and yes, it’s veal. Mediterranean fans can seek out a spot where everything is made fresh: lots of pastas, a broad selection of grilled dishes, handmade pizzas crafted entirely by hand, and house desserts based on genuine Italian ingredients and recipes.
In the mood for abundance? A buffet restaurant rolls out starters, soups, mains, and desserts for lunch and dinner, with space for family or corporate events. And in the heart of Óbuda, inside the striking industrial halls of the former Goldberger textile factory, Cut & Barrel Bistro has opened as Buda’s newest bistro. It blends Basque and Latin American roots into contact-cuisine plates, using seasonal ingredients and high-end techniques. Here, food is more than a meal—it’s social glue.
Fine Dining with a Hungarian Twist
At The Aquincum Hotel Budapest, the Apicius Restaurant reimagines Hungarian classics for modern palates, bringing a refined experience to fans of both Hungarian and international cuisines. It’s a smart pick for business lunches or intimate dinners. The wine list highlights celebrated Hungarian regions, making it a solid primer on the country’s vineyards.
Plan, Then Go
From thoughtful Torah study in a historic synagogue to long riverside walks, easygoing pensions, and kitchens that swing from homey to high-concept, Óbuda has range. Check the teaching dates before you go, bring curiosity, and let the Danube side of Budapest do the rest. Organizers may adjust times or programs, so keep an eye out for updates.
