Get ready for a packed week of Jewish community vibes across Hungary, from hands-on crafts in Szentendre to deep dives into Kabbalah in Budapest. We’re talking festive prep, tasty cooking classes, memory boosts, kids’ fun, women’s singing circles, and heartfelt talks. These events blend learning, laughter, games, and grub to nourish body and soul as holidays approach. Each one is unique—crafts with candle blessings on wall hangings, Israeli feasts, Shabbat baking parties. Young teams lead kids’ Sunday schools packed with play and tradition. Everyone’s welcome, from tots to seniors. Don’t miss out; register where needed and dive in!
Sunday, March 15: Szentendre Wall Art Blessing & Kids’ Revival
Head to Jewish House Szentendre (Zsidóház Szentendre) at 2000 Szentendre, Pátriarka utca 6, for “Candle Lighting Blessing? Appliquéd on Wall Hanging!” Join crafts, easy learning, chill chats, and soul-feeding snacks. Prep for holidays together—perfect family fun. Same day, Budapest’s 13th district, Újpesti rakpart 1, launches Zsiliputi Jewish Sunday School (Zsiliputi Zsidó Vasárnapi Iskola). Hundreds of kids still rave about past Sunday mornings here, filled with games and playful learning. Back, renewed, in the two-story playhouse and study rooms of Zsilip Center. Energetic young crew hosts 4-14-year-olds (and teens) from 10:00 to 12:30. Age-group sessions prep for holidays, teach mitzvot, explore traditions, instill lifelong values. Whether tiny tot, budding teen, pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah, or IFI-ready—this is for you!
In Miskolc, Jewish House (Zsidóház) at 3525 Miskolc, Kazinczy Ferenc u. 12, offers “Cooking Course – Israeli Kitchen.” Whip up Israel’s favorites like hummus and falafel with Chef Balázs Sepsi. Learn Mediterranean secrets. Adults $7 entry, pay on-site; pre-register at zsidohaz.miskolc@zsido.com.
Monday, March 16: Memory Training & Kabbalah Kickoff
Budapest’s Óbuda, 1036 Budapest, 3rd district, Lajos utca 163, hosts Memorial Lab (Memórialabor) – Memory Training. “Memories are like paths winding between brain cells. Well-trodden ones stick; rarely used ones overgrow and vanish.” – Anders Hansen, Hardened Brain (Edzett agy). This “mental aerobics” targets over-50s but is open to all, sharpening cognition, memory, concentration. Éva Janzsó has led these since 2016, drawing 50s and 60+ crowds. Evening Kabbalah lessons with Rabbi Baruch Oberlander start at 19:00 in Vasvári Pál Street Synagogue (Vasvári Pál utca Zsinagóga), 1061 Budapest, 6th district – Terézváros, Vasvári Pál utca 5. Everyone welcome weekly Mondays!
At Újpesti rakpart 1, HAVRUTA – House of Joint Study schedule: 18:30 Weekly Portion with Rabbi Samuel Glitzenstein; 19:30 Women’s Role in Judaism with Rebbetzin Sarah Nógrádi.
Tuesday, March 17: Women’s Singing & Tea with Torah
Óbuda Synagogue, Lajos u. 163, features Women’s Learning with Liora – Joint Singing. No need to introduce our star choir leader; women’s energy sparks magic “here and now.” Women-only for deep connections—singing’s shortest path to self and others. Community feels great; singing together’s better; with Liora, best! Free, register required. Gates open 17:30. Photos/videos may be used online. In Kecskemét, Jewish House (Zsidóház) at 6000 Kecskemét, Katona József tér 12, Tea & Torah (Tea & Tóra) every Tuesday with Rabbi Shalom Ber. Torah’s top brain food for understanding world and self—like a cozy tea sip. 5 PM starts.
Wednesday, March 18: Study Houses & Kiddie Afternoons
Zsilip’s HAVRUTA thrives in its third year—Mon/Wed, two hours each! Learning’s core to Jewish worldview and community strength. Small yeshiva-style groups ponder ancient wisdom. Open to all knowledge-thirsty folks. Wed: 17:30 Messianic Era, philosophy & halacha with Rabbi Baruch Oberlander; 18:30 Book of Mitzvot, 613 commandments with Rabbi Jonathan Megyeri. KiddieTime every Wed 16:30-18:00 at Óbuda, Lajos utca 163. For 3-10s: music with parents, playful Judaism learning while parents do Hebrew, then krav maga together. Music, study, play, move!
Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22: Baking & Talks
Szentendre baking party March 19, 18:30 at Pátriarka u. 6. Food tastes best made with love—especially Shabbat feasts. Rebbetzin Tzivia turns cooking communal in her kitchen. Bake Friday’s treats together! March 20, Óbuda Synagogue: “Sky Kipa on My Head (Fejemen az ég kipája) – March TalkSlo Guest: János Lackfi.” Poet Lackfi on endless energy, near-death, Holocaust-survivor grandma’s tales unlocked by dementia. Rabbi Slomó Köves hosts chat on life, identity, joy, infinity. No phones/Sabbath sanctity. Upstairs, stairs only, no accessible bathroom. $27 ticket; $23 with Haver Card (Haverkártya). Zsiliputi Sunday School repeats March 22 at Újpesti rakpart 1.
Upcoming: Israeli Breakfast & More Kabbalah
Szentendre March 22: Israeli Breakfast workshop. Brain guzzles 20-25% energy—feed mind, body follows! Spirit-first: short study by Rebbetzin Tzivia Myers, then Chef Balázs Sepsi cooks. $14 registration, pay on-site, Pátriarka utca 6. March 23 Kabbalah with Rabbi Oberlander, Vasvári Synagogue. HAVRUTA at Újpesti rakpart 1: Weekly Portion & Women’s Role.
