Budapest’s oldest synagogue doubles as a powerful symbol of Hungary’s reviving Jewish community. In Óbuda, locals aren’t settling for less than what the district’s rich history demands—they’re revitalizing the Jewish presence in the area, long neglected since the socialist era. Get ready for a packed 2026 lineup blending fun, learning, spirituality, and culture right here.
Every Wednesday: KiddieTime (April 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13)
Every Wednesday from 4:30pm to 6pm, afternoons belong to kids in Óbuda! Music, learning, play, and movement—everything Jewish for ages 3-10. The program is divided into three age groups: First, kids join parents for musical activities. Then, kids dive into fun lessons about Judaism while parents attend a Hebrew language course. Parents rejoin to wrap up with Krav Maga. It’s a family blast introducing young ones to their heritage.
April 17: Our Soul in the AI Age (TalkSlo)
Did we underestimate AI? While we weighed its practical uses and risks, it has infiltrated our souls irreversibly. Can we reverse this boundary crossing? How does a human-made computer creation touch our human consciousness and even more human souls? It affects self-image, worldview, psyche, bonds, relationships, emotions, mood, interests, nervous system, lifestyle, choices, assumptions, and opinions—a lifeless algorithm (but is it truly will-less?). We made it in our image—sound familiar? Rabbi Slomó Köves approaches the topic from Torah wisdom, while guest psychiatrist Dr. László Buda addresses it from the perspective of the human soul. This TalkSlo—Köves’s quirky talk show during Friday Shabbat dinners—features audience Q&A with the guest over a five-course kosher meal. Everyone’s welcome; no electronics, in observance of Shabbat rules. No photo or audio recordings. Held on the first floor (stairs only, no accessible bathroom). Leave phones and gadgets outside to honor Shabbat sanctity!
April 19: Synagogue Tour – Special Bus Trip
Bus tours have their magic—but the wonder rabbis? That’s what creates eternal memories! Head to the countryside for architectural gems. Full-day bus excursion led by cultural heritage expert Dr. László Negyela and architecture journalist Dávid Zubreczki to Gyöngyös, Mád, and Eger synagogues. At Mád—the wonder rabbis’ land—Mariann Frank greets Budapest visitors with sweet and savory bites, fruit, and coffee. Bring your own snacks for the rest. Starts and ends at Óbuda Synagogue: depart 8:45am, back around 7pm.
April 20 & May 4: Memorial Lab – Memory Training
“Memories are like paths winding between brain cells. Well-trodden ones stick around; rarely used paths overgrow and vanish forever.” —Anders Hansen, Edzett agy (Hardened Brain). This “mental aerobics” is designed for those over 50 to train, refresh, and boost brain cognition, memory, and concentration. Open to all ages.
April 21: Face Yoga with Viki Koós
Part of Dvora Women’s Study, dive into beauty care’s coolest, healthiest method: faces deserve yoga too! Quick intro covers the basics and types of face yoga and face gymnastics. Then hands-on exercises to blissfully work those facial muscles. Viki Koós’s 60-minute session. Price: 1,500 HUF ($4).
April 27: Exclusive Lag B’Omer Cooking School
Hit sequel to the smash festive cooking workshop, starring Lag B’Omer joy-fest flavors! Bonfire flames (symbolically) ignite taste buds. Chefs Tamara Cserháti and Tzivia Myers translate inspiration into gastro magic. Gift for all past attendees. Spread the tasty knowledge like wildfire—join for insider tips, feast on holiday dishes, and great company! Menu: Starter smoked eggplant cream (baba ganoush); Main spicy beef köfte grilled on cinnamon sticks + soft pita + tabbouleh; Dessert malabi. Doors open at 4:30pm. Price: 25,000 HUF ($68); Haver card: 22,500 HUF ($61).
April 27, May 11: Theater Stories and Quiz
Latabár Kálmán, Komlós Juci, Székhelyi József—dive into their tales, then quiz your new knowledge! Popular series continues with theater historian Ágnes Szebényi from Bajor Gizi Színészmúzeum (Bajor Gizi Actor Museum). Honorary guests: three Jewish acting legends with secrets, backstage stories, anecdotes, aphorisms. Latabár “Latyi,” 20th-century comic giant—know his life beyond the work? Komlós from stellar acting dynasty, awards galore, iconic roles—who was she really? Dates: Latabár Kálmán April 27 10am; Komlós Juci May 11 10am; Székhelyi József May 27 10am; Quiz June 8 10am. Price: 2,000 HUF ($5); Haver card: 1,500 HUF ($4).
