Something In The Water with Rachel Meyerowitz

"Something in the Water" shares the story of Budapest's Jewish Community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. This episode marks the end of my two year fellowship in Budapest, Hungary, and I am taking the chance to reflect on what this experience has meant to me. This city and these people have changed me, and I hope the glimpse you've gotten into this community has stayed with you, too. Thank you for listening. Here's to the next chapter!Thoughts? Feedback? Email me at [email protected]

“Something in the Water” shares the story of Budapest’s Jewish Community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. Today’s guest is Ádám Schönberger who has been a key figure in Budapest’s cultural scene and Jewish community for over two decades. Ádám reflects on his roots in the city's underground, where he became a bridge between artists, activists, Jews, and anyone looking for a fun time. We discuss how that spirit evolved into an effort to create new spaces for Jewish and community life today. Mentioned: Dag NachashMarom Auróra Bánkitó Festival Open Spaces NetworkJewish Culture 2028 ROI Fellowship Thoughts? Feedback? Email me at [email protected].

"Something in the Water" shares the story of Budapest's Jewish Community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. In this episode, I speak with soon to be Rabbi Valéria Kuna about her journey to Jewish spiritual leadership, which began in the world of classical music! A serious cellist from a young age, Valeria was immersed in discipline and ritual. Those values guide her today in a life rooted in faith, spirituality, and community building, with music continuing to play a central role in her Jewish practice. Enjoy!Mentioned: Szim Shalom Reform CongregationValeria's Restaurant Recommendations: Cafe TamarHummus BarThoughts? Feedback? Email me at [email protected]

“Something in the Water” shares the story of Budapest’s Jewish Community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. In this episode, Barna Szász reflects on how he is bringing his Stanford MFA and teaching experience back to Hungary differently than anticipated. Orbán’s government infiltrated civil society and left no place for Szász in the institutions he was once devoted to. Instead of stepping back, Szász founded something new: “If These Streets Could Talk” is an augmented reality experience which makes the history of Budapest's Jewish quarter come to life in never before seen ways. This method of storytelling changes the way people interact with each other and the space around them, and it's all happening here in Hungary. Listen for more!Mentioned If These Streets Could TalkLandecker Digital Holocaust Memory LabBarna's Restaurant Recommendations: Gettó GulyásKolevesThoughts? Feedback? Email me at [email protected]

“Something in the Water” shares the story of Budapest’s Jewish Community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. In this episode, yiddishist and historian Szonja Komoróczy reflects on the power of bringing academic studies into everyday life and the work of community building. We discuss the ways she equips the community with substantiated knowledge and then “lets go," trusting individuals to shape their own identities and communities.Mentioned: Jewish University in BudapestLauder Javne SchoolThoughts? Feedback? Email me at [email protected].

“Something in the Water” shares the story of Budapest’s Jewish Community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. In this episode, Dr. Anikó Félix explains the evidence-backed methodology behind Haver Foundation’s work to prevent antisemitism. Haver means friend in both Hungarian and Hebrew, and personal encounters between Jewish and non-Jewish students are at the heart of what Haver does. A highlight of the conversation is the insight that these encounters are strongest when volunteer educators themselves are grappling with their Jewish identities, or even disagree with one another about what it means to be Jewish. Listen to find out why.Mentioned: Haver Informal Education FoundationAnikó's Restaurant Recommendations: Macesz BistroRosensteinThoughts? Feedback? Email me at [email protected].

"Something in the Water" shares the story of Budapest's Jewish Community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. Dr. Gábor Balázs, Director of Budapest's Jewish University, shares the power of the University to put multiculturalism into action. We also explore his journey through earlier leadership roles in Jewish communal institutions and how he navigates observance in a largely secular environment. Gábor's blend as a scholar and community-minded leader make this conversation especially rich. Mentioned: Jewish University in BudapestLauder Javne SchoolMerkaz - Israeli Cultural InstituteJCC Budapest - Bálint HázBudapest Jewish and Israeli Film FestivalThoughts? Feedback? Email me at [email protected].

"Something in the Water" shares the story of Budapest's Jewish community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. András Büchler joins us to talk about cherishing Jewish community at every scale, from national religious institutions to a small “jewel box” community he lovingly tends. The conversation centers on how communities, when equipped with knowledge and agency, can shape a future according to their own values and vision.Mentioned: Szarvas JDC-Lauder International Jewish Youth CampHashomer Hatzair Mazsihisz Jewish Federations of HungaryHaver Informal Education FoundationCentropa FoundationSopron Jewish CommunityAndrás's Restaurant Recommendation: GoliThoughts? Feedback? Email me at [email protected].

“Something in the Water” shares the story of Budapest’s Jewish community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. András Borgula, founder of Golem Theatre, picked up the phone one day to uncover a family secret. His grandfather and eight brothers survived Auschwitz. What follows is a journey into the Jewish world, a search for what it means to live a Jewish life, and the establishment of a Jewish theatre to share the richness and joy of Judaism with the world.  Mentioned: Golem TheatreThe New York Times: A Cabaret in Hungary Asks a Horrific Question: What if Jews Vanished?András's Restaurant Recommendations: KádárDavid's KitchenThoughts? Feedback? Email me at [email protected].

“Something in the Water” shares the story of Budapest’s Jewish community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. In our first episode, we welcome the luminary Zsuzsa Fritz. Once called the Ghetto Fairy, Zsuzsa says, with a smile on her face, “that pretty much sums it up.” Her experience provides an inside look at how the community has grown and struggled, as well as how her own Jewish identity has evolved over time. Mentioned: Szarvas JDC-Lauder International Jewish Youth Camp JCC Budapest – Bálint Ház Haver Informal Education Foundation Zsuzsa’s Restaurant Recommendation: The Blind Raven in Újlipótváros Thoughts? Feedback? Email me at [email protected].