This is the first time I am writing a column in the middle of a vacation. However, I did not want to miss writing about my vacation. There are so many other things going on which may grab my attention, such as the bromance between Trump and Mamdani. I am sure that all those who criticized NY Democrats for being silent about Mandami will criticize Trump for what he said or didn't say at the meeting.
Right now I am in Budapest, Hungary, with my daughter. As is typical with my vacations, it is raining almost every day.
I was told that unlike other cities in Europe, you can safely wear a yarmulka. This is an accurate assessment. I have been staying in the old Jewish quarter right outside the walls of the 1944-1945 ghetto. There are so many frum Jews, including Ashkenazi, Sefardi, and chasidim. I have been davening in the beis medrash next to the Kazinczy Street Synagogue. I feel like I am in Boro Park. The difference is that these chasidim daven nusach Ashkenaz unlike the American chasidim who, from my experience, daven nusach Sefard.
You hear Hebrew on the streets and in the shul. It is a popular place for Israelis who are both visiting and moving here. One told me that they come here because they feel safe and welcomed. There were not too many Americans which some people may say is a good thing.
One thing you do not have to worry about is going hungry. There are plenty of restaurants and a bakery. For Shabbos there was a choice of eating at Chabad or at a restaurant (prepaid, open on Shabbos for meals). We tried both.
The Jewish quarter reminds me of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with chasidim and hipsters.
Although the hotel I am staying at is outside the walls of the Budapest ghetto, the Kazinczy Street Synagogue is within the ghetto. There are signs on the ground indicating where it begins. I take some solace that it is eighty years after they tried to annihilate the Jews and the ghetto was liberated that there is a vibrant Jewish community.
I went to the Jewish Museum and in the exhibit addressing the extermination of much of Hungarian Jewry, the focus was not on Eichmann. Instead it was on the Hungarian Arrow Cross Party. The Hungarian Arrow Cross Party was an extremist right wing political group whose ideology was similar to Nazi ideology. The most famous atrocity was when they massacred Jews along the banks of the Danube River. There is a memorial of the shoes by the river to commemorate this tragic event.
Although I am enjoying my trip, I send a warning for those who want to spend Shabbos in Budapest (or anywhere else, for that matter): Do not rely on websites that refer to a place as “Shabbos accommodating” or near synagogues. The word “near” can be at least a 15-20 minute walk. Every place on the lists that I saw had electronic keys. There are also issues with the front door to the facility. Don't assume a place with room keys doesn't have an electronic entrance. Some places require electronic keys for access to the stairs. Additionally, some have motion detectors that are so sensitive they turn on the hall light when you merely open your door.
The staff at these listed facilities may be aware of some of the issues. However, you need to check beforehand with the place and your rabbi so you don't end up with some unpleasant surprises when you get to the hotel.
I have a few more days here before I return home. I am looking forward to visiting more historical places and viewing the sights.
