For decades, the Chabad-Lubavitch movement has supported thousands of communities worldwide, including in Hungary since 1989. Rabbi Baruch Oberlander and his wife, sent by the late Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Schneerson, arrived in Budapest to revitalize local Jewish life. Their work led to the creation of EMIH (Egységes Magyarországi Izraelita Hitközség, Unified Hungarian Jewish Congregation), now led by Rabbi Slomó Köves. If you’re craving something unique—whether it’s culture, tradition, learning, or just a good time—Budapest’s fall program calendar is packed.
Sounds from Jerusalem: Cantorial Concert in Óbuda
On October 25 at 8:30 PM, the Óbuda Synagogue transforms into a musical powerhouse as Avraham Kirshenbaum, chief cantor of the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem, headlines a festive concert—his first ever in Óbuda. Kirshenbaum’s voice isn’t just technically impressive; he is a master at expressing the deep spiritual essence of the liturgy. He’ll be joined by a full Israeli cantorial choir, with Yotam Segal conducting and Rita Feldman on piano. Doors open at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $5.20, at 1036 Budapest, Lajos u. 163.
Crypts and Stories: An Architectural Walk
On October 26, at 11:00 AM, something extraordinary awaits: a guided stroll through the closed Salgótarjáni Street Jewish Cemetery (Salgótarjáni utcai zsidó temető). Discover the artful tombs of Béla Lajta, marvel at the mythical turul bird at Vilmos Vázsonyi’s resting place, and learn about Jewish burial customs in this rarely-accessed site. Dr. László Negyela and architecture journalist Dávid Zubreczki will blend history, architecture, and literature. Tickets cost $9.10 (or $7.74 with a Haver Card). Meet the group at 1086 Budapest, Salgótarjáni u. 6.
Philosophy and Kabbalah: Deep Dives on Mondays
Craving intellectual stimulation? On October 27, there is a graduate seminar analyzing Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s legendary 1965 essay “The Lonely Man of Faith,” exploring the tension between humanity’s creative and spiritual sides. The seminar examines Soloveitchik’s philosophy alongside biblical and modern sources such as Kierkegaard and Heidegger. Register via info@ashkenazium.eu. The event takes place at Ashkenazium, Károly krt. 22, Röser-udvar.
Every Monday at 7 PM, also starting October 27, Rabbi Baruch Oberlander leads Kabbalah classes at the Vasvári Pál Synagogue (Vasvári Pál utcai zsinagóga, Budapest, Vasvári Pál u. 5). Open to all spiritual seekers in Budapest’s Terézváros district.
Theater Legends and Quiz Nights
The stage comes alive as theater historian Ágnes Szebényi launches a four-part series on legendary Jewish Hungarian actors in collaboration with the Bajor Gizi Actor’s Museum (Bajor Gizi Színészmúzeum). The first session on October 27 celebrates Dezső Garas; later sessions focus on Éva Ruttkai (Nov 10) and Gyula Kabos (Nov 24), ending with a trivia contest (Dec 8). Enjoy rare stories and footage even die-hard fans may not know. Events are at Óbuda Synagogue, 11:00 AM. Tickets are $5.20, or $4.15 with a Haver Card.
Big Books, Bigger Conversations: “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close”
On October 29 at 6:00 PM, Brooklyn Bagel hosts a book club to discuss Jonathan Safran Foer’s worldwide hit “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” (Rém hangosan és irtó közel). This heart-wrenching post-9/11 story, also adapted for film with Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks, will spark conversation on shared trauma and literary genius. $3.90 gets you a seat at 1137 Budapest, Újpesti rkp. 1.
Mind Gym: Memory Training for All Ages
Keep your brain in shape! On November 3 and 17, as well as December 1, cognitive trainer Éva Janzsó runs “Memory Lab” (Memorialabor) at Óbuda Synagogue, 11:00 AM. Designed like mental aerobics, these fun, game-based sessions improve memory, focus, and logical thinking. Especially beneficial for those over 50, it’s open to all, and newcomers are welcome anytime as lessons are independent. Regular training, just like muscle exercise, keeps your “mental gears” from rusting. At 1036 Budapest, Lajos u. 163.
Secret City: Walking Tour of Újlipótváros (“Lipócia”)
On November 23 at 11:00 AM, historian Csaba Katona guides a revealing walk through Újlipótváros—known as “Lipócia” to locals—the atmospheric Danube-side quarter that has been at the heart of Budapest’s Jewish life for over 150 years. The tour blends history, personal stories, and city transformation, ending at ZSILIP with a 20% discount at Brooklyn Bagel for participants. Meet at the Rabbi József Schweitzer memorial plaque, 1136 Budapest, Hegedűs Gyula u. 3.
This autumn in Budapest, every day is an opportunity to experience heritage, learning, music, and community—all in one vibrant city.
