Budapest’s Zsilip Center, a two-level community hub with a playhouse and multiple study rooms at Újpesti rakpart 1 (1137), is kicking off a season of playful learning around Jewish traditions. Families can drop in for Friday evening mini-Shabbat gatherings and a revived Sunday School that mixes games, values, and hands-on holiday prep. It’s community-forward, kid-approved, and timed to make Shabbat and Sundays easy and meaningful for everyone.
Friday Evenings: Péntekecske
On January 9, January 16, and January 23, the Zsiliputi playhouse hosts Péntekecske, a mini Shabbat program with parallel tracks for little ones and grownups. While adults listen to Rabbi Glitzi’s teaching in the synagogue, a madricha leads kids through a lively, image-supported session about the weekly Torah portion, Shabbat, and the current holiday cycle—plus lots of great games. Attentive listeners get prizes, and yes, there’s even a raffle. The message is simple: bring the whole family and let everyone learn on Shabbat together. Doors open in the evening, and the tone is warm, welcoming, and fully geared to multi-age participation in Budapest.
Sunday Returns: Zsiliputi Jewish Sunday School
On January 11, January 18, and January 25, Sunday mornings are back at Zsilip with the refreshed Zsiliputi Zsidó Vasárnapi Iskola (Zsiliputi Jewish Sunday School). For years, hundreds of children have spent their Sunday mornings here and kept telling stories about the experiences they collected through shared play—and playful learning. Now the Sunday Jewish school returns, newly named and newly energized, to the two-level Zsilip Center equipped with the Zsiliputi playhouse and numerous learning rooms.
Who It’s For and What to Expect
A young, enthusiastic team welcomes every child and teen aged 4–14 from 10:00 to 12:30, with activities grouped by age. Together, they prepare for upcoming holidays, learn about mitzvot, get to know traditions, and absorb the values that accompany us throughout life. Whether you’re little or already a teen, gearing up to be a youth leader or approaching Bar/Bat Mitzvah, the Zsiliputi Jewish Sunday School is designed for you. The sessions keep kids moving, crafting, asking questions, and connecting learning to real celebrations, all within a bustling, purpose-built space in Budapest.
Why Families Love It
The format lets parents engage in community and learning while kids dive into their own age-appropriate track. Friday nights offer an easy entry into Shabbat with a blend of structure and fun—stories, pictures, and interactive games—plus the incentive of small gifts and a raffle. Sundays give families a reliable rhythm: two and a half hours of guided activities that build knowledge, pride, and practical skills for holidays and daily life.
Dates, Place, More to Come
Mark your calendar: Péntekecske on January 9, 16, and 23; Zsiliputi Jewish Sunday School on January 11, 18, and 25. Location: Zsilip Center, Újpesti rakpart 1, 1137 Budapest. More dates are on the way, with a total of 14 events in the current lineup—so expect additional sessions and seasonal highlights as the calendar fills. Families, this is your cue: come as you are, learn together, and make Shabbat and Sundays count.
