Budapest Shluchim Open Europe’s First Youth-Run Shul
The Rebbe’s Shluchim in Budapest, Hungary, have inaugurated a unique synagogue designed for Jewish youth under 18, with the young members themselves taking responsibility for its leadership and daily operations. The historic synagogue, which had been inactive for more than a decade, is being revived as the center of a vibrant, independent young Jewish community, under the auspices of C-Teen and with the full support of EMIH, the Association of Hungarian Jewish Communities • Read More, Photos
The Orthodox synagogue at 23 Dessewffy Street in Budapest’s Sixth District dates back to 1870. Originally established in a former stable, it served Jewish coachmen, transport workers and porters in the area. Over the years, it also became a center for Jewish education and youth activities.
In the decades following World War II, the synagogue remained an important center of Orthodox Jewish life in Budapest. Its longtime leader, Laszlo Herzog (1950–2014), served as a chazzan, baal korei and teacher, helping bring many young Jews closer to their heritage. Following his passing and the decline of the longtime congregation, regular services eventually ceased.
Now, the historic building has been restored to Jewish communal life, with C-Teen taking the lead in operating the synagogue. EMIH, which has helped restore numerous historic synagogues across Hungary, is providing full funding and support.
Rabbi Baruch Oberlander, the Rebbe’s Shliach to Hungary, emphasized that the future of Hungarian Jewry rests with the next generation. He expressed his excitement that the young members are not only eager to learn and participate in Jewish life, but are also prepared to take responsibility for leading it.
Rabbi Shlomo Koves, Chief Rabbi of EMIH, said the reopening continues the organization’s longstanding effort to revive abandoned and closed synagogues. He noted that this project is especially meaningful because the building will be filled with life by a growing C-Teen community, whose members will play a central role in its management.
Gabor Keszler, president of the Orthodox MAOIH community, welcomed the reopening, saying that a synagogue truly comes alive when its doors are open and people gather there to pray, learn and build a community.
Rabbi Tzvi Basman, rabbi of the young community, said the goal is to create a welcoming home where Jewish tradition and youth culture come together, allowing every young person to find community, learn, pray and take pride in their Jewish identity.
The inauguration was also attended by Tamas Soproni, mayor of Budapest’s Sixth District, who welcomed the return of Jewish religious life to another of the district’s historic synagogues. He described the reopening as a continuation of Budapest’s longstanding Jewish communal tradition, rather than the beginning of something entirely new.
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