For anyone who craves vibrant culture, deep tradition, and a dash of modern flair, this fall Budapest hosts a whirlwind of Jewish events. Organized under the umbrella of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, which began in Hungary in 1989, the programs draw on decades of local Jewish revitalization efforts led by Rabbi Slomó Köves and Rabbi Baruch Oberlander.
A Night in Jerusalem (Without Leaving Óbuda)
October 25 brings a rare treat to Budapest: the Sounds of Jerusalem burst into the Óbuda Synagogue at 8:30 PM. Avraham Kirshenbaum, cantor of the Great Synagogue of Jerusalem, headlines the concert, accompanied by a full Israeli cantor choir. There’s a spiritual twist—while Kirshenbaum has the voice for the job, the real magic happens where heart and spirit meet. The choir, conducted by Yotam Segal and featuring pianist Rita Feldman, promises an evening where liturgical music becomes a bridge between tradition and soul. Doors open at 8:00 PM at 1036 Budapest, Lajos Street 163. Tickets are just $5.40.
Under the Gravestones: An Architectural Cemetery Tour
On October 26 at 11:00 AM, put on your most comfortable shoes for a stroll among crypts and monuments. The Jewish cemetery on Salgótarjáni Street is normally closed, but it opens for this special architectural walk. Marvel at Béla Lajta’s artistry, spot the turul bird atop Vilmos Vázsonyi’s grave, and learn about burial customs and rules that shaped Hungarian Jewish history. You’ll also explore sacred texts and literature, as well as funerary architecture and Jewish law, with guides Dr. László Negyela and architecture journalist Dávid Zubreczki. Meet at 6 Salgótarjáni Street (Salgótarjáni utca 6), 1086 Budapest. Regular tickets cost $9.45; with “Haver” cards, it’s $8.00.
Faith for the Lonely (and the Philosophically Curious)
On October 27, Ashkenazium turns its graduate seminar focus to Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s “The Lonely Man of Faith,” his seminal 1965 essay. This in-depth and slow-paced group reading explores themes like dignity, alienation, and the clash between the modern world and spirituality. Participants will take a deep dive into everything from Kierkegaard to classical Jewish texts. Register via info@ashkenazium.eu. The class is at 22 Károly Boulevard (Károly körút 22), Röser Court.
Kabbalah Mondays: Mysticism Made Accessible
Every Monday—including October 27 and November 3 at 7:00 PM—Rabbi Baruch Oberlander leads open Kabbalah classes at the Vasvári Synagogue (5 Vasvári Pál Street, 1061 Budapest). Whether you’re a seasoned mystic or a newcomer, you’re welcome to drop in and explore inner worlds.
Stage Legends and Theater Quizzes
Theater fans, mark your calendars! Beginning October 27, a series by theater historian Ágnes Szebényi at the Óbuda Synagogue explores Jewish stage greats: Dezső Garas (Oct 27), Éva Ruttkai (Nov 10), and Gyula Kabos (Nov 24), ending with a playful quiz (Dec 8). Think you know it all? Think again—surprising stories and rare footage await even the most die-hard fans. Each session is at 11:00 AM, with tickets at $5.40 or $4.30 for cardholders.
Big-Hearted Book Club: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
October 29 at 6:00 PM kicks off the reading season with Jonathan Safran Foer’s international bestseller. The touching, multi-layered story of nine-year-old Oskar coping with 9/11 will be discussed—and compared with classic Hungarian coming-of-age narratives—over bagels at Brooklyn Bagel, Újpesti Riverside 1, 1137 Budapest. Entry: $4.05.
Keep Your Mind Sharp: Memory Training Labs
MEMÓRIALABOR, Budapest’s memory workout sessions, return on November 3, November 17, and December 1. Led by memory coach Éva Janzsó at the Óbuda Synagogue (163 Lajos Street), these “mental aerobics” sessions focus on boosting cognitive powers, speech, attention, logic, and thinking speed, especially for those 50 and older (though all ages are welcome). You can join anytime, and former “laboratory assistants” are actively encouraged to come back.
Why bother? Those who train regularly stay mentally fresh, while neglect means your brain gets rusty—literally. Each session stands on its own, so no worries if you missed a few.
Explore Lipócia: The Soul of Jewish Budapest
On November 23 at 11:00 AM, historian Csaba Katona leads a walk through Újlipótváros—nicknamed “Lipócia”—the riverside neighborhood of Pest that buzzed with Jewish life for over 150 years. From intellectuals and entrepreneurs to the dramas and triumphs of modern Hungary, discover both everyday stories and major turning points. The walk ends with a visit to the ZSILIP center and a 20% bagel discount for participants. The adventure begins at the memorial plaque for Rabbi József Schweitzer, 3 Hegedűs Gyula Street, 1136 Budapest.
From mysticism to memory, music to monuments, this festival offers a chance to glimpse—and join—the lively spirit of Jewish Budapest.
