Diversity of Jewish culture to be revealed in October - the 24th Spinoza Jewish Festival is coming

Budapest will host the 24th Spinoza Jewish Festival in October, an event dedicated to celebrating the rich and diverse tapestry of Jewish culture. The festival promises a varied program designed to engage and educate attendees on various aspects of Jewish heritage, history, and arts.

Among the highlights is a concert titled "The 100 Most Beautiful Years of Jewish Evergreen Music," featuring performances by Judit Klein and the Haverim, as well as the Sabbathsong Klezmer Band. The festival will also screen a documentary film about the Swiss diplomat Carl Lutz, who played a crucial role in saving Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust. Additionally, Gábor György will deliver a lecture on the Talmud and the Torah, offering insights into Jewish religious texts and traditions.

The festival's program also includes the monodrama "Rewrite, Shakespeare!" adding a theatrical element to the cultural offerings. The event serves as a platform to remember the Hungarian Jewish martyrs of the Holocaust, with the Emanuel Tree sculpture in the garden of the Dohány Street Synagogue, donated by the Emanuel Foundation established by Tony Curtis, standing as a memorial.

Tony Curtis himself had a connection to promoting Hungarian culture, having starred in promotional films for Magyar Turizmus Zrt. aimed at older American tourists. He last visited Hungary in April 2009 to present his autobiography and paintings at the Book Festival. The Spinoza Jewish Festival aims to bring these diverse cultural elements together, offering a comprehensive look at Jewish life and contributions.