Spending time at Szarvas, the one-of-its-kind International Jewish Youth Summer Camp in Szarvas, Hungary, has been an eye opening experience. In the two days we have stayed here, the group has been exposed to new Jewish customs, alternative perspectives and stimulating discussions. Whether we are participating in a singing class, assisting with a meeting of different countries or facilitating discussions about modernity vs. religious practices, our eyes, ears and hearts have been infused with an amazing new connection to European Jews.

The camp has welcomed us with open arms. We have been privileged to see and help out with all the different activities Szarvas offers. Through talking with campers and staff/madrichim, we have come to realize that while our backgrounds differ, we are united by a common love of Judaism.

Earlier on in the trip, the group debated if it is possible for us as individuals to feel as if we are part of the international Jewish community. Some wondered if the cultural and religious divides between continents are too great for us to forge a connection. I believe that after a few days at Szarvas, not only have we discovered more similarities than differences, but we are now proud to call ourselves members of the International Jewish Community.

- Allie Cuperfain, JDC Short-Term Service Participant to Hungary with Hillel of Greater Toronto

Pictures from our experience at Szarvas are below.

Some photos from our time at the Bánkitó Fesztivál!

As a Canadian  Jew,  I am used to the idea that community is a space where one can belong and feel safe, but I never gave it any more thought.  Since our arrival to Hungary, my understanding of community has dramatically shifted.

In Canada we are used to a highly organized and bureaucratic structure which acts as an umbrella organization whereas in Hungary, the Federation, which is officially recognized by the government, does not necessarily  represent the entirety of the Jewish community. There are also many youth groups that are contributing to Jewish leadership and communal organizations in Hungary and JDC is working to help bridge the variety of Jewish groups in Hungary to work more efficiently as one.

We have heard from many officials in both Budapest and Bank that the Jewish community takes on many forms. Some examples are the Limmud study festival  in Budapest and the Bankito community festival on the lakefront of  Bank.

Our understanding and investigation of the differences between the Canadian Jewish community and the Hungarian Jewish community continues to evolve day by day as we share in various events and learn from each other. I really hope that we are able to develop a thorough understanding of their communal culture and ways of life.

Stay curious,

Garry of the JDC Hungary Hungary Hungarians.

Hey now kids, quick recap of the past week since my departure to Hungary- got to spend three amazing days in Budapest; worked with children from various summer camps, made care-packages for a seniors residence of holocaust survivors, had a fascinating day tour of the Jewish ghetto and other attractions. Now in the city of Bánk for the Bánkitó festival until Sunday. It is made up of Hungarian, Jewish, Gipsy, Slovakian, Gnawa, Bulgarian, Arabic, Balcan, Moldavian, progressive electronic dance, hiphop, DJ-sets and classical music. There are Exhibitions, round table discussions, debates, lectures, movies, inter-faith programs, tale-house, bike and other sport programs- pretty sick. Four of us yahoo’s rented bikes for the weekend to check out the country-side and get around this little cottage-town. We are staying at the Tó Wellness Hotel here and have a gorgeous view overlooking the lake from the room, LOVE it! That’s all for now,

Xo,

Yana

The loudest thunder I have ever heard was this morning, as I suddenly awoke from my deep sleep, in Bank, Hungary. Unfortunately today was one of the days it was crucial for it to not rain, but it did, for most of the day. We are at the Bankito festival, having an amazing time, but it is all outside. Bands playing, great food, amazing people from all over the world, and we are staying in a beautiful hotel right on the lake. Nothing could be better right now. Tonight was Shabbat, and we had great services with a wonderful Rabbi with Jews from Hungary, France, the Netherlands, Israel, U.S., and of course, Canada, gathering in to pray and sing. Now, we are all sitting around talking and enjoying the quiet night in, because the bands have packed up and gone home. We are all hoping that tomorrow will be a bright sunny day, so we can all continue on with our volunteering and enjoy this outstanding trip so far, in Hungary!

Tracy

The hills are alive with the sound of music!

Playing “Zug el Zug” with children at the Balinthaz Day Camp at the Budapest Balint JCC.

Due to the the lack of wireless internet, this is the JDC  Short-Term Service program to Hungary’s first post. The group arrived Monday evening in Budapest. Exhausted from our two flight journey to Eastern Europe, we decided to settle in in the Marco Polo hostel to freshen up and take it easy for the evening. The hostel is located in the heart of the Jewish Ghetto in Pest, one of the two cities that makes up Budapest. The next day began at 9, after a quick breakfast in the hostel, we ventured out with our tour guide. Our first stop was Dohany Shul, one of the biggest synagogues in Europe, capable of seating 3000 people. To my surprise, the shul was quite church-like, complete with an organ and all. The synagogue was quite lavish, with grandiose chandeliers and intricate woodwork throughout. Although the shul was built in a mere 5 years, the restoration of the synagogue took six years.

The synagogue is located at the edge the ghetto, and from there we walked to a conservative synagogue close by, the Rumbach Synagogue built in 1875, designed by Otto Vaugner. It was in a a state of repair, and the shul was stripped down to the columns. However, during this time,  the synagogue is being used as a gallery. Currently the exhibit was on Jewish Life.

From there we headed to the orthodox synagogue, the Kazinczy Synagogue. This shul suffered a lot of interior damage during WWII, but had been restored.

We continued searching around the Jewish ghetto for the rest of the afternoon. At dinner we met with the head of JDC Europe as well as the founder of the first Jewish Theatre group in Hungary, the Golem Theatre. So far, all is amazing! We have one more day in Budapest and then on to Bankito, a music festival in the town of Bank in Hungary.

Signing off for now….

Jonah Greenbaum Shinder

Hi all! Our group is currently in transit from Toronto to Warsaw to Budapest. More to come upon our arrival – stay tuned!