Budapest’s Zsilip Community Center has set out a buzzing 2026 calendar that opens its doors wide to every age and background. The aim is simple and warm: make Jewish culture accessible, engaging, and social. The venue blends a kosher café and bagel bar with music, theater, study programs, and a two-level playhouse—welcoming anyone curious about tradition, learning, and lively community life. Find it at 1137 Budapest, 13th District, Újpesti Quay (Újpesti rakpart) 1.
Sunday School That Kids Don’t Forget
Zsilip brings back its much-loved Sunday lineup under a refreshed name: Zsiliputi Jewish Sunday School. Generations of kids who spent their Sunday mornings here still talk about the games, friendships, and playful learning that stuck with them for years. Now the program returns to Zsilip’s upgraded space with a two-story playhouse and multiple study rooms, running 10:00–12:30 and welcoming children and teens aged 4–14 in age-based groups.
Here’s what they’ll do together: prepare for upcoming holidays; learn about mitzvot in hands-on ways; get to know the customs that shape daily life; and pick up the values that carry through a lifetime. Whether you’re tiny or almost a teen leader, preparing for or pre–Bar/Bat Mitzvah, this Sunday School is built for you. Dates: May 17, May 24, May 31, and June 7.
Havruta: A House of Learning, Mondays
Zsilip’s Havruta series—named for the traditional study-in-pairs method—anchors Monday evenings with two back-to-back sessions that draw regulars and newcomers alike.
Every Monday:
• 18:30: Weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Sámuel Glitzenstein
• 19:30: The role of women in Judaism with Rebbetzin Sarah Nógrádi
This rhythm repeats through late May and early June (May 18, May 25, June 1). The format emphasizes thought, discussion, and a welcoming environment for serious learning without the stiff edges.
Women, Voices, and Clarity With Rebbetzin Nógrádi
The Wednesday spotlight on May 20 at 19:30 puts Rebbetzin Sarah Nógrádi front and center. Her specialty is dissolving question marks—and exclamation points—around the true role of women in Judaism. Participation is free but requires registration. The course is open to halachically Jewish participants, and you can join anytime during the year. The session is repeated in the evening listing to highlight the schedule, reflecting strong interest and a consistent time slot.
Shavuot at Zsilip: Ten Commandments, Ice Cream, and Shabbat
On May 22, Zsilip rolls out a festive Shavuot program designed for the whole family. The festival of receiving the Torah lines up this year with the weekly arrival of Shabbat, creating a double joy: hearing the public reading of the Ten Commandments, joining a raffle for a playful spirit, and diving into an ice-cream party that leans into dairy traditions. Kids get tailored programming to catch the holiday mood.
Then comes the calm and welcome of Shabbat. The community greets it with the customary Friday-night prayers, followed by a Shabbat dinner that carries the distinct flavors and notes of Shavuot. It’s celebratory without being closed off: a holiday evening that threads learning, delight, and community under one roof.
Havruta on Wednesdays: Third Year, Still Growing
Midweek belongs to Havruta too, and by now it’s a tradition in its own right—three years running, with energy intact. The Zsilip team blends intellectual curiosity with shared responsibility: in Judaism, learning isn’t just an academic pursuit, it’s a lens on life—and a communal one at that.
Wednesday sessions lean into the yeshiva model, with small groups learning together, arguing well, and walking away with ancient wisdom that feels current. The doors are open to all knowledge-hungry members of the community.
Every Wednesday:
• 17:30: The Messianic era—philosophy and halacha with Rabbi Baruch Oberlander
• 18:30: The Book of Mitzvot—the 613 commandments with Rabbi Jonatán Megyeri
On May 27 at 17:30, Havruta highlights a dedicated session with Rabbi Baruch Oberlander exploring the era of the Messiah. Participation is free, but please register. As with other Havruta offerings, the study track welcomes halachically Jewish participants and is open year-round. Location reminder: Zsilip, 1137 Budapest, Újpesti Quay (Újpesti rakpart) 1.
Coffee, Bagels, Study, Play
Zsilip’s everyday charm sits in the mix: a kosher café–bagel spot to gather, music and theater that keep evenings lively, children’s programs that turn learning into play, and structured study that treats questions like invitations rather than obstacles. It’s easy to pop in for a coffee and stay for a conversation, or come for a class and end up at a show. The anchor is curiosity; the method is community.
Plan Your Visit
Dates to mark: Sunday School on May 17, 24, 31, and June 7; Monday Havruta on May 18, 25, and June 1; Wednesday Havruta on May 27 and June 3; special women’s learning with Rebbetzin Nógrádi on May 20 at 19:30; and the family-friendly Shavuot celebration on May 22 that flows into Shabbat. It all happens at 1137 Budapest, Újpesti Quay (Újpesti rakpart) 1, in the 13th District.
Organizers reserve the right to change times and programs.
