Something In The Water with Rachel Meyerowitz
In September 2024, Rachel Meyerowitz moved to Budapest, Hungary, and discovered a vibrant Jewish community whose history was nearly erased by the Holocaust and suppressed under communism. Since 1989, these communities have worked to revive Jewish life and rediscover identity. This podcast amplifies the stories of individuals who choose to live Jewishly in ways that work for them, sharing lessons from Budapest's community with Jews around the world. It is a personal exploration of identity, resilience, and the ongoing renewal of Jewish culture in a post-communist setting.
Epizódok
Reflecting on Two Years in Jewish Budapest, with Rachel Meyerowitz
"Something in the Water" shares the story of Budapest's Jewish Community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. This episode marks the end of my two year fellowship in Budapest, Hungary, and I am taking the chance to reflect on what this experience has meant to me. This city and these people have changed me, and I hope the glimpse you've gotten into this community
Freeing Judaism, an Interview with Ádám Schönberger
“Something in the Water” shares the story of Budapest’s Jewish Community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. Today’s guest is Ádám Schönberger who has been a key figure in Budapest’s cultural scene and Jewish community for over two decades. Ádám reflects on his roots in the city's underground, where he became a bridge between artists, activists, Jews, and anyone looking for a
Finding Freedom in Discipline, with Valéria Kuna
"Something in the Water" shares the story of Budapest's Jewish Community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. In this episode, I speak with soon to be Rabbi Valéria Kuna about her journey to Jewish spiritual leadership, which began in the world of classical music! A serious cellist from a young age, Valeria was immersed in discipline and ritual. Those values guide he
Meaning Between the Cracks, with Barna Szász
“Something in the Water” shares the story of Budapest’s Jewish Community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. In this episode, Barna Szász reflects on how he is bringing his Stanford MFA and teaching experience back to Hungary differently than anticipated. Orbán’s government infiltrated civil society and left no place for Szász in the institutions he was once devoted to. Instead o
Leaving the Ivory Tower, with Szonja Komoróczy
“Something in the Water” shares the story of Budapest’s Jewish Community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. In this episode, yiddishist and historian Szonja Komoróczy reflects on the power of bringing academic studies into everyday life and the work of community building. We discuss the ways she equips the community with substantiated knowledge and then “lets go," trusting
The Haver We Made Along The Way, an Interview with Anikó Félix
“Something in the Water” shares the story of Budapest’s Jewish Community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. In this episode, Dr. Anikó Félix explains the evidence-backed methodology behind Haver Foundation’s work to prevent antisemitism. Haver means friend in both Hungarian and Hebrew, and personal encounters between Jewish and non-Jewish students are at the heart of what Haver
Applied Art of Existence, An Interview with Dr. Gábor Balázs
"Something in the Water" shares the story of Budapest's Jewish Community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. Dr. Gábor Balázs, Director of Budapest's Jewish University, shares the power of the University to put multiculturalism into action. We also explore his journey through earlier leadership roles in Jewish communal institutions and how he navigates observanc
Shaping a Community to Cherish with András Büchler
"Something in the Water" shares the story of Budapest's Jewish community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. András Büchler joins us to talk about cherishing Jewish community at every scale, from national religious institutions to a small “jewel box” community he lovingly tends. The conversation centers on how communities, when equipped with knowledge and agency, ca
Eight Secret Great Uncles and Other Stories, With András Borgula
“Something in the Water” shares the story of Budapest’s Jewish community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. András Borgula, founder of Golem Theatre, picked up the phone one day to uncover a family secret. His grandfather and eight brothers survived Auschwitz. What follows is a journey into the Jewish world, a search for what it means to live a Jewish life, and the establishment
Jewish Budapest with Ghetto Fairy, Zsuzsa Fritz
“Something in the Water” shares the story of Budapest’s Jewish community through interviews with the individuals who shape it. In our first episode, we welcome the luminary Zsuzsa Fritz. Once called the Ghetto Fairy, Zsuzsa says, with a smile on her face, “that pretty much sums it up.” Her experience provides an inside look at how the community has grown and struggled, as well as how her own Jewis
