Budapest’s oldest synagogue in Óbuda stands as a powerful symbol of Hungary’s Jewish community bouncing back to life. This site at 1036 Budapest, III. District (Óbuda), Lajos utca 163, is living up to the area’s rich history. Locals are revitalizing Óbuda’s Jewish heritage, long forgotten since the socialist era. Get ready for a packed 2026 calendar blending kids’ fun, in-depth workshops, and community vibes.
KiddieTime: Wednesdays Owned by Kids
Every Wednesday from 4:30 to 6 PM, KiddieTime turns Óbuda afternoons into pure magic for 3-10-year-olds. Think music, learning, games, and movement—everything Jewish in a fun package tailored to age groups. It consists of three parts: kids and parents kick off with musical sessions together, then children dive into playful Jewish lessons while parents attend a Hebrew language course. Parents rejoin for a high-energy Krav Maga finale. This repeats reliably, drawing families back week after week.
Sessions are on March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, and June 3, all at the synagogue. It’s the go-to for sparking Jewish joy in little ones while parents connect too.
Seder Night Step-by-Step Workshop
On March 25, dive into “Seder Night Step-by-Step” with Rabbi Slomó Köves. Passover’s traditional Seder ritual demands real care—far more than just dinner, with its strict customs. If you’ve been to one, you know: specific foods and drinks, eaten in particular ways, reclining here, sipping there, tiny bites and sips on a fixed schedule. Questions fly, but that’s the beauty—amid the rules, it’s the year’s freest, most memorable group experience. Rabbi Köves reveals the secrets to nailing it at home. Everything unfolds at this workshop; save the rest for Passover. Note: photos and recordings might be taken for their website and social media. Price: $4.
Further Recommendations Across Budapest and Beyond
Óbuda Synagogue’s vibe spills into more citywide action. In March: HAVRUTA—House of Joint Learning every Wednesday at Újpest rakpart 1, XIII. District (Újpest), Budapest; March Book Club on the 25th; Zsiliputi Jewish Sunday School on the 29th at Újpest rakpart 1; Secrets and Stories of Óbuda Jewry / Shtetl Jewish City Walks on the 29th; Kabbalah Class with Rabbi Baruch Oberlander at Vasvári Pál utca 5, 1061 Budapest, VI. District (Terézváros) on the 30th; HAVRUTA again on the 30th; Tea & Torah every Tuesday with Rabbi Shalom Ber at Katona József tér 12, 6000 Kecskemét on March 31.
April keeps the momentum: KiddieTime and HAVRUTA every Wednesday on April 1 at their spots; Zsiliputi Sunday School April 5 at Újpest rakpart 1; Kabbalah with Rabbi Oberlander (synagogue tour version) April 6 at Vasvári Pál utca; HAVRUTA April 6; Tea & Torah April 7 in Kecskemét; HAVRUTA and KiddieTime April 8; Zsiliputi April 12; Kabbalah classes April 13 at Vasvári Pál utca; HAVRUTA April 13; Tea & Torah April 14; KiddieTime and HAVRUTA April 15; Fates, Memories, Places and a Personal Thread April 16; New Tray? The Baker Awaits! April 19 at Pátriárka utca 6, 2000 Szentendre; Wandering Lipócia / Shtetl Jewish City Walks April 19; Synagogue Tour—Special on April 19.
These events weave a tapestry of learning, walks, classes, and school tying back to Óbuda’s revival. Mark your calendars—Budapest’s Jewish scene is heating up in 2026.
