Budapest Inaugurates World's First Synagogue Managed Entirely by Teenagers
Budapest's Jewish community has opened the world's first youth-run synagogue on Dessewffy Street, managed entirely by teenagers under the C-Teen and EMIH initiatives.
The Jewish community in Budapest has inaugurated a historic synagogue managed entirely by teenagers, making it the first of its kind in the world. Located on Dessewffy Street in the city's sixth district, the orthodox house of prayer originally opened its doors in 1870.
A Rich History Renewed
The building initially served as a stable before being transformed into a place of worship for local Jewish workers. Over the decades, it became a cornerstone of orthodox tradition in Budapest, led for many years by Laszlo Herzog. Following his passing and the decline of the older congregation, the synagogue fell silent for over a decade.
Youth-Led Future
Now restored with the support of the EMIH organization and C-Teen, the synagogue will be operated by young people under the age of 18. Chief Rabbi of Hungary Shlomo Koves emphasized that this initiative breathes new life into abandoned spaces by entrusting the future directly to the next generation.
