Zsiliputi, the lively children’s wing of the Zsilip Center on 1 Újpesti Embankment (Újpesti rakpart) in Budapest’s 13th district, rolls out fresh, family-friendly programs this July that blend playful learning with Jewish tradition. Housed in a multiuse complex equipped with a two-story playhouse and multiple study rooms, Zsiliputi invites families to celebrate, learn, and build community together in the heart of the city.
Friday Night: “Péntekecske” Welcomes Shabbat
On Friday, July 10, Zsilip hosts a mini Kabbalat Shabbat designed for kids while the adults head into the synagogue to hear Rabbi Glitzi’s teaching. Children are guided by a madricha—a youth counselor—through a playful, image-rich session about the weekly Torah portion, Shabbat, and the current holiday cycle. Expect plenty of games, rewards for attentive listeners, and even a raffle. The idea is simple: bring the whole family, and let everyone learn something meaningful on Shabbat.
This Friday evening format, affectionately called “Péntekecske,” keeps younger children happily engaged in age-appropriate learning while giving parents and older attendees time to delve into the rabbi’s talk. It’s a gentle on-ramp for new families exploring synagogue life and a weekly anchor for regulars who want their kids to experience Shabbat with joy, music, and stories.
Sunday School Returns With a Fresh Identity
Zsilip’s beloved Sunday program returns on July 12 as the reimagined Zsiliputi Jewish Sunday School. For years, hundreds of children have filled their Sunday mornings here with shared games and hands-on, playful learning that becomes the stuff of family lore. The new chapter keeps that spirit alive while sharpening the focus on values and life skills rooted in Jewish tradition.
From 10:00 to 12:30, a young, enthusiastic team welcomes children and teens ages 4 to 14. Grouped by age, participants will prepare for holidays together, learn about mitzvot, explore traditions, and practice the values they can carry through life. Whether you’re little or already a teen, just before or just after your Bar/Bat Mitzvah, this Sunday school is built for you.
The setting helps: the Zsilip Center’s two floors of play space and well-equipped study rooms create a bridge between movement and focus. Sessions are designed to keep kids active, curious, and socially connected, ensuring the lessons stick not as lectures, but as shared adventures.
Where to Find It—and Make a Day of It
Zsilip Center sits at 1137 Budapest, in the 13th district, at 1 Újpesti Embankment (Újpesti rakpart). Families heading in for Friday night or Sunday morning will find themselves in a vibrant neighborhood with an easy-to-navigate mix of culture, food, and green space. Many accommodations nearby cater to visiting relatives or families turning the program into a weekend in the city.
Close to the business and entertainment hubs, the area includes apartment hotels and classic properties overlooking the Danube and Margaret Island (Margitsziget), with gyms, rooftop bars, and even a health-spa heritage. There are central hostels with private rooms for budget-conscious visitors and worker-friendly lodgings with round-the-clock reception, shared kitchens, and laundry access. From quiet side-street hotels near Nyugati Railway Station (Nyugati pályaudvar) and Westend City Center (Westend) mall to panoramic riverfront stays facing the Buda Hills, options fit a range of needs, whether you’re in town for a day or a week.
Eat, Play, Discover Around Újlipótváros
The neighborhood buzzes with dining and culture. Budapest Jazz Club draws jazz devotees and curious first-timers with its friendly café-bistro vibe and crisp acoustics. For a quick bite, there’s an Asian spot dedicated to bold but affordable flavors done simply and well. Pizza fans will find kitchens that obsess over details, from hand-seasoned sauces to desserts plated with care. Craving something Middle Eastern? Babka Budapest offers the tastes of the Eastern Mediterranean—Jewish, Arab, Turkish, and broader Mediterranean dishes—alongside comforting local favorites. Its sibling, Babka Deli, is a daytime café-bakery and community hub.
Street-food lovers can grab a kebab on Saint Stephen Boulevard (Szent István körút), while Turkish kitchens nearby bake fresh breads and serve charcoal-grilled meats and vegetables, daily specials, and sweets—start the morning with a warm simit or come back later for an à la carte feast. Bagel shops in Újlipótváros keep it casual, with fresh bakes and a rotating menu. For groups, venues like the long-running Atlantis handle birthdays, reunions, and company events in a refreshed, modern setting near the Comedy Theatre of Budapest (Vígszínház). And for sit-down meals, Bay Leaf Restaurant (Babérlevél Étterem) on Bay Leaf Street (Babér utca) doubles as a capable event space, handy for family gatherings after Sunday school.
Bring the Whole Crew
Zsiliputi’s message is clear: Shabbat and Jewish learning can be fun, visual, and social—especially for kids. Friday’s mini Shabbat experience lets parents tune in to Rabbi Glitzi in the synagogue while little ones play and learn with a madricha, complete with pictures, prizes, and a raffle. Sunday’s school opens the doors wider, with age-based groups from early childhood through the teen years, strengthening knowledge of mitzvot and traditions while practicing the values that give structure and heart to Jewish life.
The organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs, so it’s wise to check current details before you go. But the rhythm is set: a Friday night welcome to Shabbat that kids will talk about, followed by a Sunday that turns tradition into an experience. In a city quarter rich with culture, cafés, and the riverside just steps away, Zsiliputi makes Jewish learning feel like the weekend plan you actually look forward to.
