Budapest’s Zsilip Community Center is throwing open its doors in 2026 with a packed, welcoming lineup for every age and background. On the Danube at 1137 Budapest, Újpesti rakpart 1 in District 13, Zsilip blends a friendly kosher café and bagel spot with music, theater, study sessions, and a two-level playhouse. The focus is simple: easy, joyful access to Jewish culture and tradition through hands-on learning, lively conversation, and shared celebrations. Families, kids, teens, and adults can drop in for one-off events or find a weekly rhythm with Havruta study circles, Sunday School fun, and holiday gatherings across May and June—while organizers note they reserve the right to change times and programs.
Sunday School Returns, Bigger and Brighter
The beloved Sunday kids’ program returns, refreshed as Zsiliputi Jewish Sunday School, inviting 4–14-year-olds every Sunday from 10:00 to 12:30. Hundreds of kids who spent their Sunday mornings here still talk about the memories: loads of shared games and, yes, playful learning. The revamped format leans into age-based groups across the center’s two-story play space and multiple study rooms, guiding little ones and preteens alike—those getting ready to be junior leaders or approaching Bar/Bat Mitzvah—through core values designed to stick for life. Together they prep for upcoming holidays, learn about mitzvot, explore traditions, and build community through stories, crafts, and music. Dates on the calendar include May 17, May 24, May 31, and June 7, all in Budapest at Zsilip.
Havruta: House of Learning, Mondays
Zsilip’s Havruta program—“learning together”—anchors Monday evenings with two back-to-back sessions and an open-table spirit. At 18:30, Rabbi Sámuel Glitzenstein explores the weekly Torah portion, unpacking themes, language, and timeless lessons. At 19:30, Rebbetzin Sarah Nógrádi leads The Role of Women in Judaism, addressing real questions with clarity and heart. The Monday rhythm runs May 18, May 25, and June 1, inviting participants to think out loud, challenge assumptions, and deepen practice in a warm, structured format that values everyone’s voice.
Women, Questions, Answers: With Rebbetzin Sarah
On May 20 at 19:30, Havruta spotlights Rebbetzin Sarah Nógrádi for a focused evening on women’s roles in Judaism. She’s committed to clearing up the question marks—and the exclamation points—around status, leadership, family life, law, and custom. Participation is free with prior registration, and learning is geared to halachically Jewish attendees, with rolling admission throughout the year. Expect an open, thoughtful space that turns complex topics into practical wisdom for daily life.
Havruta, Wednesdays: Philosophy, Law, and 613 Commandments
Now in its third year, the midweek Havruta continues every Wednesday with two rich hours of study inspired by yeshiva partners learning together in small groups. The idea is central to Jewish life: learning is not just academic—it’s a worldview, a value, and a way of living that draws its strength from community. Zsilip’s Talmud-Torah house orients around those twin pillars, bringing people to the table to think together and absorb ancient knowledge. The schedule: at 17:30, The Messianic Era—philosophy and halacha with Rabbi Báruch Oberlander; at 18:30, The Book of Mitzvot—the 613 commandments with Rabbi Jonatán Megyeri. Wednesday dates include May 27 and June 3.
Deep Dive: The Messianic Era With Rabbi Oberlander
Also on May 27 at 17:30, the doors swing wide for a dedicated Havruta session with Rabbi Báruch Oberlander exploring the Messianic age—what the sources say, how halacha frames it, and why it matters in modern life. As with other Havruta events, participation is free with registration, intended for halachically Jewish learners, and open to new joiners all year. The venue is Zsilip, 1137 Budapest, Újpesti rakpart 1.
Shavuot at Zsilip: Ten Commandments, Ice Cream, Kids’ Joy
Shavuot at Zsilip on May 22 is built for the whole family, timed with the rare overlap of the festival of the Giving of the Torah and the weekly welcome of Shabbat. The program celebrates that double joy: reading the Ten Commandments, a festive tombola, dedicated kids’ activities, and a full-on ice cream party to honor the tradition of enjoying dairy dishes. As evening turns, the community ushers in Shabbat with Kabbalat Shabbat, then shares a Shabbat dinner that carries the flavors and spirit of Shavuot. It’s a night that ties learning, delight, and tradition into one sweet package.
Come For Coffee, Stay For Community
Throughout the season, the kosher café and bagel counter make it easy to linger before and after sessions, catching up with friends or meeting someone new over a latte and a sesame bagel. That casual welcome is part of Zsilip’s core idea: make Jewish culture easy to access, grounded in joy, and woven into everyday life. Whether you’re dipping into the weekly parsha, asking big questions about women and leadership, watching your kids beam through Sunday School adventures, or singing into Shabbat as the sun drops over the Danube, Zsilip has a chair for you—and a full calendar to keep you coming back. Organizers note that dates and programs may change, so check in ahead of time.
