Since 2002, Marom Hungary has been actively reaching out to the generation of young Jewish adults in Budapest who are re-awakening to their Judaism.
The goal of Marom is to strengthen Jewish identity, educate about Judaism, Israel and pluralism, and develop young leadership for the community. Marom presents a modern, relevant and proud Jewish way of life while showing tolerance and respect for non-Jews as well as Jews with different viewpoints.
The Marom Center is located in 'Siraly', a cultural center and coffee house/bar located in the old Jewish quarter. Weekly activities attract several hundred participants for programs in Jewish music, dance, Israeli film, theater, Hebrew lessons, workshops and lectures from among the Hungarian Jewish intelligentsia. Marom also arranges popular public festivals around Jewish holiday themes, where learning is combined with concerts, theater performances and exhibitions. These festivals attract close to a thousand participants per event. Marom is the best-known and most active Jewish young adult organization in Hungary.
As a result of exposure and participation in Marom Hungary events, a group of members wanted to deepen their knowledge and practice of Judaism and launched Kehillat Dor Chadash. These young adults did not feel comfortable in the formal synagogue structure in Hungary based on only Neolog or Orthodox practice. They felt aligned to the ideology of Masorti because it is pluralistic, egalitarian and balances tradition with modernity and change. Members meet weekly for Shabbat services and holidays followed by community meals and programs. The kehillah is made up of Jews from all backgrounds, secular and observant, affiliated and unaffiliated alike. Dor Chadash is committed to bringing the warmth of Shabbat and holidays and a welcoming organization to all who are interested, regardless of their religious background.
