Family Fun Returns To Budapest’s Zsilip Center

Family-friendly Jewish programs at Budapest’s Zsilip Center: kid-focused Shabbat evenings and Zsiliputi Jewish Sunday School with games, study, and community in Újpesti rakpart. Learn traditions together, ages 4–14 welcome.
when: 2026. February 18., Wednesday

Budapest’s Zsilip Center is rolling out a lively season of kid-focused, tradition-infused programs at its two-story Zsiliputi playhouse, complete with multiple study rooms, games, and community time at 1137 Budapest, 13th District, Újpest Quay (Újpesti rakpart) 1. Families can drop in for playful learning about Jewish heritage while adults join study in the synagogue next door. The lineup spans Friday evening mini Shabbat welcomes and a refreshed Zsiliputi Jewish Sunday School that’s already a legend among local kids.

Péntekecske Friday Evenings

On 2026.02.20 (Friday), the Zsilip team hosts a cozy, kid-friendly Shabbat welcome inside the Zsiliputi playhouse. While adults listen to Rabbi Glitzi’s (often spelled Glici) teaching in the synagogue, children enjoy guided, playful sessions with a madricha. They’ll explore the weekly Torah portion, Shabbat customs, and the current holiday through stories, visuals, and lots of games. Attentive listeners get a small gift—and yes, there will be a raffle. Bring the whole family and let everyone learn something fresh for Shabbat together.

The same Friday vibe returns on 2026.02.27 and again on 2026.03.06, with the same structure: adults with Rabbi Glitzi, kids with the madricha, a short and sweet Shabbat welcome, learning with pictures and play, gifts for those who tune in, and a cheerful tombola to wrap it up.

Zsiliputi Jewish Sunday School

On 2026.02.22 (Sunday), Zsilip reopens its beloved Sunday program in a new, energized format: Zsiliputi Zsidó Vasárnapi Iskola (Zsiliputi Jewish Sunday School). Generations of children who spent their Sunday mornings at Zsilip still talk about the memories—made through lots of shared games and, yes, playful learning. Now it’s back, refreshed by a young, enthusiastic team, and rooted in the same welcoming space: the two-level playhouse and its many dedicated study rooms.

From 10:00 to 12:30 every Sunday, the school welcomes all kids and teens ages 4–14 for age-group sessions that get everyone ready for upcoming holidays, dive into the world of mitzvot, and explore traditions hands-on. The goal is to absorb the values that carry through life—together. Whether you’re little, a budding teen, already aiming to become a youth leader, or still preparing for your bar/bat mitzvah, the Zsiliputi Jewish Sunday School was built for you.

The Sunday School follows up with more dates: 2026.03.01 and 2026.03.08, same time window, same spirited format—grouped learning, holiday prep, mitzvot, customs, and values in a warm, communal setting that kids and parents appreciate for being both structured and fun.

Where to Go and What to Expect

All programs take place at Zsilip Center, 1137 Budapest, 13th District, Újpest Quay (Újpesti rakpart) 1. Expect a kid-centered environment, visual materials, and a balance of play and learning. Fridays pair children’s activities in the playhouse with adult study in the synagogue; Sundays are just for the younger set, split by age, guided by a friendly, motivated staff.

More dates are on the way—14 events are listed in total—and the organizers reserve the right to change times and programs. Bring curiosity, bring the kids, and bring that weekend spirit back to Zsilip.

2025, adminboss

Pros
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Super family-friendly: kids get games and guided activities while parents join adult study next door, so everyone’s covered
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Easy-to-understand theme even for newcomers—Jewish heritage explained through stories, visuals, and play, not heavy lectures
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Location in central Budapest’s 13th District is convenient for tourists staying downtown, and it’s in a safe, riverside neighborhood
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Repeats across multiple dates (Fridays and Sundays), so you can fit it into a short visit
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English not strictly required for kids’ enjoyment since activities are visual and game-based; staff in Budapest often speak some English
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Reachable by public transport (tram 2 along the Danube, metro M3 nearby, buses) and ride-hail; driving is possible with paid street parking
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Compared with similar family programs at synagogues or JCCs abroad, this offers a uniquely local, warm community vibe in a compact, modern playhouse - The subject isn’t internationally famous—Zsilip Center and “Zsiliputi” won’t ring a bell to most U.S. visitors
Cons
Some activities and announcements may be in Hungarian, so adults who want deeper learning may feel limited without language skills
It’s a niche, community event rather than a blockbuster attraction, so it may feel low-key compared to big museum or festival experiences
Scheduling is fixed to Fridays and Sunday mornings; if your trip doesn’t align, you’ll miss it

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