Tucked away on Lajos Street, the oldest synagogue in Budapest stands as a living symbol of the city’s rapidly renewing Jewish community. Once nearly forgotten during the decades of socialism, this historic building is now at the heart of a cultural renaissance, as community members reshape the Jewish face of Óbuda (Óbuda) with a packed calendar of programs and celebrations.
Sounds of Jerusalem: Cantorial Concert
There’s a special thrill in the air when Israeli voices ring out in the Óbuda Synagogue – especially on a rare occasion like Avraham Kirshenbaum, cantor of the illustrious Jerusalem Great Synagogue (Nagy zsinagóga, Jeruzsálem), performing live on October 25, 2025, at 8:30 PM.
Renowned for his exceptional vocal gifts, Kirshenbaum holds one of Israeli liturgical music’s highest honors. His voice is more than just a vehicle for tradition; it opens a spiritual space where heart and soul meet. This time, he won’t be performing alone: he’ll be joined by a full Israeli cantorial choir, conducted by Yotam Segal, with Rita Feldman at the piano. This is a one-of-a-kind musical event for Budapest.
Doors open at 8:00 PM, and tickets are 2,000 HUF (about $5.50).
The Legends of Theater: Saluting Jewish Actors
At the end of October, theater historian Ágnes Szebényi from the Bajor Gizi Actor Museum (Bajor Gizi Színészmúzeum) launches a four-part series delving into the epic stories and hidden anecdotes behind Hungary’s most celebrated Jewish actors. The spotlight first falls on Dezső Garas (October 27), then moves to Éva Ruttkai (November 10), and Gyula Kabos (November 24). The final session, December 8, is a playful trivia showdown to see who remembers the most about these legends.
In addition to unique stories, rare footage and recordings will surprise even the actors’ most devoted fans. Each session begins at 11:00 AM. Tickets are 2,000 HUF ($5.50), with Haver Card holders paying 1,600 HUF ($4.40).
MemóriaLabor: Brain Gym for Every Age
Worried about your memory slipping? The synagogue’s “MEMÓRIALABOR” sessions are here to help. Led by seasoned trainers like Éva Janzsó, this is mental aerobics for everyone, especially those 50 and older. Each session offers brain games and exercises focused on improving memory, concentration, attention, speed of thinking, and logical skills.
Whether you attend alone or in a group, regular training helps keep mental “gears” from rusting, just like muscles. Importantly, each MemóriaLabor session stands alone – join whenever you like, with no need to attend every session in sequence.
Trainings are scheduled for November 3 and 17, and December 1 and 15, all starting at 11:00 AM. The cost is 2,000 HUF ($5.50); Haver Card holders enjoy a discounted price of 1,500 HUF ($4.15).
Exclusive Hanukkah Cooking School
Cooking meets celebration on December 3, as gastro-blogger Tamara Cserháti and rebbetzin Tzivia Myers lead a Jewish culinary adventure focused on Hanukkah flavors. After a smash hit during Rosh Hashanah, this workshop lets participants not only learn about Jewish festival cuisine but roll up their sleeves and prepare every dish themselves.
Each workshop features a full festive menu: for Hanukkah, participants will make both zucchini and pumpkin latkes (teams will tackle one version each), as well as lamb chops flavored with mint and zhoug. Dessert is sfenj, the legendary Moroccan doughnut. It’s the tastiest way to master the dishes behind Hanukkah, Purim, Passover, and Rosh Hashanah.
Class costs 25,000 HUF ($68.75), or 22,500 HUF ($61.90) for Haver Card holders, and starts at 5:00 PM.
Guided Tours, Kabbalah Lessons, and More
But the programming doesn’t stop with music, memory, and food. October 26 brings an architectural tour through the closed Jewish cemetery of Óbuda (Óbudai zsidó temető), uncovering the stories behind its crypts and gravestones.
On several Mondays, Rabbi Baruch Oberlander holds captivating Kabbalah classes in Terézváros, while November 23 offers a walking tour exploring the history of Lipótváros – a key Jewish historic district.
Movie buffs can catch the season launch with “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” (Rém hangosan és irtó közel) on October 29, while November and December keep minds and spirits sharp with even more memory workshops.
Óbuda: Where History and Community Thrive
With programs running through the fall and early winter, the Óbuda Synagogue proves it’s much more than just an architectural relic. From concerts that touch the soul, to culinary masterclasses and mind-boosting memory labs, the Jewish community’s rich history and dynamic present are celebrated, shared, and strengthened – and everyone is invited to take part.
