The way from Slovenia to Budapest was calm and relaxed due to picturesque landscapes and shortened by diverse discussions. Remembering the great bridge that crosses the majestic Danube still evokes a great expectation.
On arrival to the 7th district – the Jewish district - of Budapest, I felt pleased that we had safely reached our destination. Despite the fact that Shabbat was approaching fast, we were warmly greeted by Eszter. We quickly carried the baggage into the apartment and went to Moishe House, where Kabbalath Shabbat had already started. After the prayers and Kiddush, we started to chat pleasantly and discuss sitting around a table full of kosher wine and snacks. During the discussions, I have managed to learn a lot about everyday life of other people. The atmosphere was simply incredible. The homeliness and warmth that were shared with us were definitely the most difficult feelings to forget. For Jews who live in Slovenia it was an awakening to see how vital and full of living organized life, as conducted in Budapest, can be. After the discussions in Moishe House and joyful congratulations to Eszter for her birthday.
The next day, we were attending Kiddush in the beautiful Dohány synagogue, along with 120 participants of the tour 'Journey and Herzl's footstep' . After Kiddush, we together continued with a guided tour through a charming Jewish Budapest, which finished in the Israeli Cultural Institute. After many warm conversations rest was much needed, and shabbat is the day for it. At the end of Shabbat, Havdalah announced the arrival of a new week which we seized until the early hours – of course starting in Sirály, where local folk-rock-klezmer group called 'Sheket' was having a gig.
In Sirály we had a lot of discussions and imbibed a glass of tasty genuine beer. Although I am still claiming that we were not in Hungary, because the atmosphere always felt so much like home, the influence of the environment in the Sirály was obvious. If I would not have been slightly surprised by a dog, that looked like a regular customer coming to Sirály for a chat, I might even today acknowledge that a mixture of heavy smoke in closed space could be very melancholic. However, I am quite sure that without the cherry on top of the cream, a dessert would no longer be the way it should be.
To me personally, as well as to the others, Sirály represented a hub and a meeting place for our group.
On Sunday morning, we all would have appreciated to sleep a bit longer. We slowly had our morning coffee and ate our breakfast and then went to visit the Shoa (Holocaust Memorial Center) museum which we left speechless and in contemplative mood.
We walked thru 7th district for the very last time and then, after strenuous yet very enjoyable days, we headed back to Slovenia, full of experiences and new friendships.
The Community led by Marom Budapest is exemplary and the ideas of its young members should resonate throughout the world. Every community in the world should wish to be so warm and open. It is important that we all follow and are inspired by these values.
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