Orthodox Synagogue, Budapest

A physical and spiritual center of Jewish life in the 8th District, the Orthodox Synagogue is nestled in a quaint little community that has a kosher eating establishment, a school, and a prayer room. Nearby there is also a mikvah (ritual Jewish bath) – the only one to be found anywhere in Budapest, dating to 1913.

The Hungarian Orthodox Jews, which make this house of worship their home, are a rather unique offshoot of Conservative Judaism. They maintain many of the practices of the Jewish immigrants from Germany and Moravia. There is also a strong Hassidic background in these people, which came to the area from Poland and Galatia.

Although the synagogue's Art Nouveau exterior appears a bit run down on the outside, its interior is beautifully restored and brightly painted, adorned with traditional Hungarian motives, a very unusual Bimah (similar to an altar), as well as original stained glass windows (situated high up near the roof).