'The future of Hungarian Jewry’: Budapest opens synagogue run entirely by teens
The officer holders, board leaders, and event organizers are all local teens. The “oldest” regular worshiper at the sanctuary is youth community emissary Rabbi Tzami Bassman, who is in his early 30s.
In Budapest, the historic Wagon Drivers Synagogue, which has been standing for over 150 years, has been transformed into a synagogue exclusively for teenagers. This pioneering initiative may be the first of its kind in the world, as the Jewish community in Hungary's capital has reopened the building after extensive refurbishment. The synagogue is now designated for teens up to the age of 18.
The C-Teen youth organization manages the synagogue, with full funding and logistical support provided by the Association of Hungarian Jewish Communities (EMIH). The synagogue's first opening ceremony, held just before Rosh Hashanah, attracted 200 teenagers. Teen Rabbi Tzami Bassman, an American-born rabbi and Chabad emissary in his early 30s, played a significant role in the event. He spoke about the importance of young people being active leaders and decision-makers in communal life.
During the ceremony, Rabbi Baruch Oberlander, President of the Budapest Orthodox Rabbinate, emphasized that the young leaders represent the future of Hungarian Jewry. He expressed his deep admiration for the teens' eagerness to assume responsibility for shaping Jewish life.
Just two weeks after the opening, Bassman reported that there was a minyan of teens for Kol Nidrei. They also constructed a sukkah in the synagogue's courtyard. Every Thursday night, the synagogue hosts a learning program attended by 70 to 80 teens, which includes Hebrew, Hungarian, and Russian classes. On Friday nights, between 30 and 50 teens are expected.
The demographic at the synagogue is diverse, with many of the teens coming from non-religious families and not attending one of the city's Jewish schools. The teens and their parents learned about the synagogue through social media or met Bassman during one of his Chabad-mobile visits to local stores. Bassman plans to improve the synagogue by adding a kitchen, lounge area, and expanding Friday night Shabbats.
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