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Eastern Hungary
Jews first came to Eastern Hungary in the early 18th century, an area largely known for its wine production. Jews soon joined in the regional trade, and began to produce kosher wine in large quantities. Much wine was exported north and east to the Hassidic courts in Greater Poland, facilitating contact between these regions and introducing the eastern Hungarian Jews to new religious developments. Influenced by the strong Hassidic spirituality, Jewish communities in Mád, Tokaj, Bodrogkeresztúr, Nagykálló and Sátoraljaújhely developed their own strong and unique spiritual tradition.
Eastern Hungary Itinerary
The full-day tour leaves in the morning from Budapest:
1. We will first stop in Miskolc, the second largest city in Hungary, and a center for Jewish life in the eastern part of the country. Specifically, we will explore the magnificantly restored old town and visit the still-active 19th century synagogue designed by Ludwig Förster (architect of the Dohány Street Synagogue in Budapest).
2. In Mád, we will see the finest surviving Baroques Synagogue in Hungary. The reknowned Mád synagogue, built in 1795, is one of only four surviving from its period. In addition to the rich original
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decor of the synagogue itself, the attached building, which housed a yeshiva and the rabbi’s residence, make the complex particularly remarkable. The entire structure overlooks the picturesque town and surrounding vinyards.
3. Tokaj, the next stop, is the capital of the most famous Hungarian wine region and was the center of the local Jewish community until the Holocaust. The Tokaj synagogue, built in the late 19th century, is the most impressive in the region. And, as is fitting in Tokaj, we will explore old wine cellars and taste some of the excellent kosher wines.
4. Our trip will conlude in Sátoraljaújhely, the town in which Reb Ismach Moshe Teitelbaum founded Hungary’s Hassidic movement in the early 19th century. Under his leadership, Sátoraljaújhely became a great Hassidic center, and people travelled long distances to seek his counsel and study at his yeshiva. Reb Teitebaum’s descendents also became great Hassidic rabbis in Máramarossziget (Sighetu - Romania), and his grandson became the rabbi of Sátoraljaújhely after his death. We will visit Reb Teitebaum’s grave at the old synagogue before returning to Budapest.
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