The Óbuda Synagogue isn’t just Budapest’s oldest Jewish house of worship—it has become a living symbol of a reborn Hungarian Jewish community. For decades, Óbuda’s Jewish identity faded, but today, tireless community members are bringing it back to life with energy, creativity, and a packed event calendar for 2025.
Strengthening Minds: MEMÓRIALABOR Memory Training
Top of the list? The ever-popular MEMÓRIALABOR memory training sessions. Think of these workshops as mental aerobics, designed to boost cognitive skills, sharpen concentration, improve speech, and keep logical thinking quick. Guided by memory trainer Éva Janzsó, participants play their way through brain-teasing exercises, solo or in groups, always at a level tailored to whoever happens to show up that week.
The idea behind MEMÓRIALABOR is simple: just as muscles stiffen without exercise, the brain can “rust” if neglected. These sessions especially target those over 50, but everyone is welcome. No prior attendance is needed; each class stands alone, so you can join whenever it works for you. And if you’re a former “memórialaborer,” you’re especially encouraged to pop back in. The cost to join is about $5.50 per session, or $4.40 with a community card.
Upcoming memory training dates in 2025: October 20 and November 3 (11:00 AM), November 17, December 1, and December 15. Each time, Éva Janzsó returns to help keep minds fresh, quoting Anders Hansen: “Memories are like winding paths among our brain cells. A well-trodden path remains, but where we’ve only walked a few times, the way is easily overgrown and disappears.”
Kiddie Time: Open Day for Families
Wednesdays in Óbuda belong to the kids, but parents get in on the action too. On October 22 at 5:00 PM, Kiddie Time opens its doors for an open day, showcasing what’s available for families with children aged 3–10. Here, music, playful educational sessions about Judaism, and energetic movement activities—including some Krav Maga—are the name of the game.
The afternoon starts with music workshops for kids and parents together, moves on to playful Jewish learning for the children while parents try their hand at a Hebrew course, and then everyone teams up at the end for an energetic finish. There’s plenty for all ages, ensuring community ties run strong from the earliest years.
A Night of Cantorial Music: Voices of Jerusalem in Óbuda
On October 25 at 8:30 PM, a truly unique event will fill the Óbuda Synagogue with the sounds of Israel as Avraham Kirshenbaum, cantor of the world-renowned Great Synagogue of Jerusalem (Jeruzsálemi Nagy Zsinagóga), leads a concert unlike any the community has ever hosted. Kirshenbaum will be accompanied by a full Israeli cantorial choir directed by Yotam Segal, with Rita Feldman on piano.
For fans of Jewish liturgy and sacred music, this is a rare chance to be swept away by the powerful, spiritual melodies that characterize Israel’s grandest synagogue. Tickets are $5.50; doors open at 8:00 PM.
Theatre Legends on Stage: Hungarian Jewish Stars and Histories
A special four-part series beginning on October 27 spotlights legendary Hungarian Jewish actors, guided by theatre historian Ágnes Szebényi from the Bajor Gizi Actors’ Museum (Bajor Gizi Színészmúzeum). Each session focuses on a different icon: Dezső Garas (October 27), Éva Ruttkai (November 10), Gyula Kabos (November 24), with a fun quiz on December 8 to test who was paying attention. Even superfans are promised new surprises—rare stories, recordings, and behind-the-scenes moments from these much-loved stars.
All sessions start at 11:00 AM, each with an entry fee of $5.50, or $4.40 with a community card.
Even More: Learning, Film, Heritage Walks, and Exhibits
Beyond these highlights, the synagogue’s calendar is packed. Look for regular Kabbalah classes with Rabbi Baruch Oberlander, learning discussions known as Havruta with several local rabbis, and a modern twist on tradition with Jewival’s animated Motion exhibition by three creators.
The synagogue doesn’t forget history: on October 26, join a heritage walk exploring the closed Jewish cemetery—crypts and monuments included. Film buffs can catch The Lonely Man of Faith or the season’s kick-off with Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close on October 29. There are cultural forays into places like Lipócia, along with further educational and well-being events running right through December.
The Óbuda Synagogue’s revitalized program is not just about heritage—it’s about living Jewish culture in every generation, with open doors for anyone ready to join in.
