Citywide Hanukkah Celebrations Illuminate Budapest’s Jewish Rebirth

On the first night of Hanukkah 2007 in Budapest, Hungary, JDC lit eight candles—one candle in each of eight distinct places where the organization was represented as a sign of partnership with the local Jewish community. This year, the centuries’ old story of the victory of few over many, and of religious freedom over persecution, had particular resonance: the festival of light was celebrated in over two dozen public venues in Hungary’s capital city alone.

In one part of town, both young and old gathered around the Menorah and sang traditional Hanukkah tunes at the Frankel synagogue, which receives JDC support.

"I was raised in a very secular home, discovering that I was Jewish only later in life," shares Eszter, a young Ronald S. Lauder/JDC Szarvas camp madricha who attended the celebration. "Although I don’t generally attend synagogue, this year I decided to come and participate in the Jewish wave currently sweeping Budapest. I now feel more comfortable to affirm my Jewish ancestry." Many others like Eszter have been encouraged by JDC’s outreach, which is going beyond traditional venues and programs, offering alternatives to reach the thousands of unaffiliated Jews in Budapest today.

At the top of the alternative list is Siraly—a hip Jewish café and cultural space situated in the heart of downtown, where young Hungarian Jews celebrated Hanukkah amidst a large Menorah made of recycled materials hanging on the café’s wall. Created by volunteers and environmental activists, this Menorah connotes the Jewish commitment to social and environmental causes. "Our goal is to engage young Jews who don’t find other ways to express their Jewish identity," says Adam, founder of the Center, which draws crowds for discussion circles, art exhibitions, lectures, and Klezmer concerts, as well as a recently opened book store.

Meanwhile, at the JDC-sponsored Balint Jewish Community Center (JCC), a hub for Jews of all ages, Hanukkah was commemorated by hundreds of volunteers who performed acts of Tzedaka, including the distribution of food, toys, books, and other items to the poor, among them children and the homeless. "I believe it is important to help the needy," said Andras, one of the younger volunteers. "And since it is also a Jewish value, we enjoy doing good deeds during the holidays."

Ezster Biro, a young JDC-sponsored Jewish artist who blends traditional Jewish tunes with modern rhythms, performed for an enthusiastic crowd. The audience was enchanted by Ezster’s voice, accompanied by images of Jewish scenes screened on the walls of the venue. "She is incredible!" said one woman of the concert. "And many were moved to tears."

This young performer has been involved in past JDC programs for a number of years. "I am grateful to JDC for helping me realize my dream," said Ezster, who recently produced a new CD featuring her original music. But it is the realization of a greater, communal dream—the renaissance of Jewish life in a country that for decades tried to systematically destroy it—that this year, more than any other, paid homage to the Hanukkah miracle.

December 2007