Adventure House
is a family activity that takes place before each major Jewish holiday. Parents and children (ages 4 to 9) celebrate and learn about the traditions of the upcoming holiday.
The JCC Budapest — Bálint Ház serves a diverse range of needs and interests. With more than 3,500 monthly visitors and 120 in-house programs, we are the beating heart of Budapest’s Jewish community. But we are also an entry-point for Hungarian Jews who want to learn about their Jewish heritage after decades of fear and secrecy.
At JCC Budapest, we celebrate Judaism openly and without shame.
Given Hungary’s political situation, the JCC is more important than ever. We are a gathering place for Jews who seek companionship and a place to converse, learn, and celebrate Judaism. No matter what, we are committed to a strong Jewish future in the heart of Europe.
is a family activity that takes place before each major Jewish holiday. Parents and children (ages 4 to 9) celebrate and learn about the traditions of the upcoming holiday.
is a monthly program that teaches elementary school students about upcoming Jewish holidays. Each month, students from the Scheiber Sándor School and Lauder Javne Schools gather for a three-hour program that deepens their knowledge of Jewish celebration and traditions.
is a six-month program that teaches high school students from the Lauder Javne school how to become successful community leaders In addition to formal Jewish studies, students acquire leadership skills, and can hopefully pass this knowledge on to younger students. This program is led in partnership with the Lauder Javne School.
is a weekly program that teaches Israeli dance to Hungarians with disabilities. The program was created to help this population overcome the emotional, physical, and social barriers that often make it difficult for them to find positive social interactions, personal growth, and fun. Also included is an arts-and-crafts option.
is an after school program with the purpose of teaching real-life professional skills to teens, while also doing so in a social environment. It’s a quality-focused program teaching courses such as photo and video editing, animation, and video game development.
Each year, JCC Budapest organizes a Mitzvah project primarily targeting 16-20-year-olds. These projects change each year, but what stays the same is our commitment to give back to the greater community. Participants engage in various trainings discussing the importance of volunteering, what makes a good volunteer campaign, and how to effectively communicate what was accomplished to others after the completion of the project.
JCC Budapest participates in a day-long educational event where we engage community members in Jewish enrichment programming. Ranging from kids events to conversations with adults, each age group has programming that enables them to learn more about Judaism!
is a career development program that links leading professionals with university students in the first stages of their careers. By engaging these Jewish students in a way that addresses their current needs and interests, YAPP encourages both professional success and a sense of community.
are designed to fill the gaps of Jewish knowledge that Hungarian Jews were deprived of during communist rule. These programs are targeted towards adults who want to bring Judaism into their homes — often for the first time — or who want to keep up with what their children are learning in Jewish day schools, camps, and youth programs. Participants learn about Jewish holidays and traditions, as well as attend panel discussions and lectures.
is a learning and outreach event that gathers the JCC community for a night of study, discussion, cultural programming, and culinary workshops. This program provides the JCC community with an enjoyable, enriching study experience, while also building a vibrant Jewish community in the process.
is an amateur singing group for adults. Group members sing classical and contemporary Israeli music, Jewish liturgical songs, and more. Community Choir has performed multiple times at various synagogues, Jewish institutions, and both Jewish and non-Jewish events.
happens every Monday. Enthusiastic Hora fans meet to dance their hearts out and have a wonderful time with traditional Israeli folk dancing and not-so-traditional dancing as well!
provides a wide range of programs for its 200 members — the seniors and Holocaust survivors of the community. Members play cards, sing, take painting classes, or simply socialize. Our most enthusiastic and grateful members are the Shalom Club seniors.
Just to mention a few of their regular programs:
The JCC Budapest also sponsors large-scale cultural events that seek to engage the larger Budapest community.
is the JCC’s signature event and Budapest’s largest Jewish festival. The event includes a full day of activities with over 12,000 participants of all ages With culinary demonstrations, musical performances, and a crafts market, Judafest revives the character and ambiance of Budapest’s old Jewish quarter. More than 25 local Jewish organizations participate in the festivities.
To watch the video of our latest festival click here.
happens every winter. This JCC-organized event attracts over 4,500 people to the largest showcase of Jewish films in all of Hungary. ZSIFI screens international, Israeli, and local films, and hosts a series of related programs, including panel discussions and talkbacks with producers and directors.
Watch the recap of one of our past Film Festival here.
JCC Budapest is committed to supporting the broader community through various social responsibility projects.
During Pride Month in July, we organize several events on the topic of LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary. We make it clear that JCC Budapest is an inclusive community regardless of sexual orientation.
Watch highlights from Pride 2022 here.
Additionally, during the Ukrainian crisis in 2022, our JCC came together with other Jewish organizations to provide direct support to refugees coming to Budapest. More information about our efforts to support refugees can be found here.