Budapest’s Zsilip Center is turning winter weekends into community time with Zsiliputi, a two-floor playhouse filled with learning rooms, games, and warm traditions. Located at 1 Újpesti Wharf (Újpesti rakpart 1) in District 13, the program blends playful discovery with Jewish heritage, welcoming kids and parents for hands-on, story-rich sessions that make Shabbat and holidays feel close and fun. The calendar kicks off on January 23, 2026, and continues with Friday evening Shabbat welcomes for children and a refreshed Sunday School drawing ages 4–14 into age-based activities, songs, crafts, and values that stick for life.
Friday Shabbat Welcome for Kids
On Friday evenings, the Zsilip team hosts Péntekecske, a mini Shabbat welcome crafted just for children at the Zsiliputi playhouse. While adults listen to Rabbi Glitzi’s teachings in the synagogue, a madricha leads the kids through lively, visual sessions about the weekly Torah portion, Shabbat, and current holidays. It’s upbeat, interactive, and designed for young attention spans: those who follow along get a small gift, and there’s even a raffle to cap the night. The message is simple and warm—come as a family and let everyone learn on Shabbat. Dates include January 23, January 30, and February 6, 2026, all in Budapest.
Sunday School Returns, Refreshed
Sundays are getting an upgrade with the Zsiliputi Jewish Sunday School (Zsiliputi Zsidó Vasárnapi Iskola), returning with a fresh name and renewed energy. Families who spent countless mornings here still swap stories about games, friendships, and those spark moments when learning clicked without feeling like school. Now, the format is sharper than ever at the same Zsilip Center, outfitted with a two-level playhouse and numerous study rooms that let small groups spread out and focus.
Age-Based Learning with Heart
From 10:00 to 12:30, a young, enthusiastic team welcomes children and teens ages 4–14. Groups are divided by age for targeted sessions where kids prepare for upcoming holidays together, learn about mitzvot as real-life practices, get to know traditions through hands-on activities, and absorb values designed to carry them into adulthood. Whether a little one, a tween edging toward teen life, a future youth leader, or preparing for Bar/Bat Mitzvah, there’s a spot with your name on it. Dates include January 25, February 1, and February 8, 2026, in Budapest.
Why Families Keep Coming Back
Zsiliputi builds community in the most natural way: through play, stories, and shared celebration. The program sets a rhythm in which Shabbat becomes a weekly anchor and holidays feel like a collective project. Parents get time to study and reflect with Rabbi Glitzi while kids dive into guided activities with a madricha who keeps things moving, meaningful, and fun. The little extras—gifts for attentive listeners and a cheerful raffle—turn the evening into a mini party rooted in tradition.
Dates and Place
– January 23, 25, 30, 2026
– February 1, 6, 8, 2026
Location: Zsilip Center, 1137 Budapest, 1 Újpesti Wharf (Újpesti rakpart 1).
What’s Next
More dates are on the way, with a total of 14 events planned. Bring the whole family, mark your calendar, and make Zsiliputi your weekly habit.
