Dive into Budapest’s buzzing Jewish scene where kids’ fun, deep Torah studies, Holocaust remembrances, and even AI soul-searching mix with synagogue tours and tasty treats. From the Zsilip Center’s playful Sunday school revival to countryside bus adventures, here’s your packed guide to upcoming happenings across the city and beyond—don’t miss out on these community gems.
Zsiliputi Jewish Sunday School Kicks Off Again
Hundreds of kids who spent Sunday mornings at Zsilip still rave years later about the games and sneaky learning they shared. Now reborn as Zsiliputi Zsidó Vasárnapi Iskola (Little Zsilip Jewish Sunday School), this Jewish Sunday school returns to the two-story, playhouse-packed Zsilip Center. A young, fired-up team welcomes every kid and teen aged 4–14 from 10:00 to 12:30 for age-group sessions prepping for holidays, diving into mitzvot, exploring traditions, and instilling lifelong values. Whether you’re a little one, budding teen, or pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah age, this is made for you! Budapest, 13th district, Újpesti rakpart 1. It repeats on April 19 too.
Kabbalah Lessons with Rabbi Baruch Oberlander
Everyone’s invited to Kabbalah classes led by Rabbi Baruch Oberlander every Monday at 19:00 in the Vasvári Synagogue. Located at 1061 Budapest, 6th district—Terézváros, Vasvári Pál utca 5.
Havruta Study House Schedules
Havruta – Együtt Tanulás Háza (Havruta – House of Joint Study) rocks on Mondays and Wednesdays at Zsilip. Mondays: 18:30 on the weekly parsha with Rabbi Sámuel Glitzenstein; 19:30 on women’s roles in Judaism with Rebbetzin Sarah Nógrádi. Wednesdays mark year three of nonstop success—learning isn’t just academic for Jews; it’s core to our worldview and communal life. Small groups like in yeshivas ponder ancient wisdom together. Wednesday lineup: 17:30 on the Messianic era, philosophy, and halacha with Rabbi Baruch Oberlander; 18:30 on the Book of Mitzvot and 613 commandments with Rabbi Jonatán Megyeri. Budapest, 13th district, Újpesti rakpart 1.
Tea & Torah Tuesdays in Kecskemét
Torah’s the ultimate brain food, helping us grasp the world and ourselves—like a soothing sip of favorite tea. Join Tea & Tóra every Tuesday at 5pm with Rabbi Shalom Ber. Zsidóház Kecskemét, 6000 Kecskemét, Katona József tér 12.
KiddieTime Wednesdays in Óbuda
Every Wednesday 16:30–18:00, afternoons belong to kids aged 3–10 in Óbuda with music, learning, games, and movement—all Jewish-flavored. Age-group fun splits into three: joint musical session with parents, playful Judaism lessons while parents attend Hebrew class, then reunite for krav maga closeout. 1036 Budapest, 3rd district—Óbuda, Lajos utca 163.
Holocaust Memorial Walks and Talks
On April 16, Holocaust Memorial Day for Hungarian victims, join Kata Nádas for a guided tour through the 6th and 7th districts: newest stumbling stones to hidden private synagogues, Ghetto memorial to Csányi 5 exhibit, Andrássy palaces to Vasvári Synagogue—Klauzál tér, Király utca, market hall, Opera. Her personal story weaves light through dark tragedies, maybe even mirroring yours. Meet at Opera House entrance (1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 22); museum entry included. Photos/videos may be taken for website/social media.
That evening, book launch for 88 történet ’44-ből (88 Stories from ’44) at Zsilip: greeting, prayer, candle lighting, then chat with author Zsófia Sziklainé Lengyel and survivors Judit Horváth-Lindberg (Raoul Wallenberg House of Humanity vice president) and Katalin Sommer (saved by Wallenberg). Book signing and sales on-site. Photos/videos possible. 1137 Budapest, Újpesti rakpart 1.
TalkSlo: Our Souls in the AI Era
Did we underestimate AI? It’s snuck into our souls. How does this human-made algorithm mess with self-image, worldview, psyche, bonds, emotions, nervous system, habits, choices? We made it in our image—sound familiar? Rabbi Slomó Köves approaches from Torah, guest psychiatrist Dr. László Buda from the human soul. TalkSlo is Rabbi Köves’ quirky Friday night Shabbat dinner talk show—ask questions too. Five-course kosher meal awaits. No electronics per Shabbat rules; no recordings. Upstairs (stairs only, non-accessible bathroom). $22 USD, $18 USD with Haverkártya. Óbudai Zsinagóga, 1036 Budapest, Lajos utca 163.
Synagogue Tour Bus Adventure
Synagogues by bus? Even wonder rabbis join for magic! Full-day trip with heritage expert Dr. László Negyela and architect journalist Dávid Zubreczki to Gyöngyös, Mád, and Eger synagogues. In Mád (wonder rabbis’ land), Mariann Frank hosts with sweets, savories, fruit, coffee. Bring your own snacks otherwise. Starts/ends Óbudai Zsinagóga, 1036 Budapest, Lajos utca 163.
More Delights: Bárhesz Prep and Lipótváros Stroll
Prep holidays with crafts, light learning, chats, and soul-feeding bites at Újabb tálca? A bárhesz várja! (Another Tray? The Bárhesz Awaits!)—unique each time. Zsidóház Szentendre, 2000 Szentendre, Pátriarka utca 6.
Explore Lipócia (Újlipótváros), Budapest’s unbeatable Danube-side neighborhood and key Jewish spot since the 19th–20th centuries. Shtetl Jewish City Walks uncovers secrets. (Details forthcoming.)
