Something In The Water with Rachel Meyerowitz

Something in the Water
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In September 2024, I moved to Budapest, Hungary and discovered an inspiring Jewish community. Here, Jewishness was nearly erased by the Holocaust and suppressed by decades of communism, and still, since 1989, communities have sought to revive Jewish life and rediscover Jewish identity. I am fascinated by the individuals who embark on a journey to live Jewishly in a way that works for them. This project will amplify stories of individuals who do not take being Jewish for granted and share the lessons of Budapest’s community with Jews around the world. Welcome to “Something in the Water.”

Episodes

  1. FEB 12

    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 observance in a largely secular environment. Gábor's blend as a scholar and community-minded leader make this conversation especially rich. Mentioned: Jewish University in Budapest Lauder Javne School Merkaz - Israeli Cultural Institute JCC Budapest - Bálint Ház Budapest Jewish and Israeli Film Festival Thoughts? Feedback? Email me at rmeyerowitz1@gmail.com.

    53 min

  2. JAN 7

    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, can shape a future according to their own values and vision. Mentioned: Szarvas JDC-Lauder International Jewish Youth Camp Hashomer Hatzair  Mazsihisz Jewish Federations of Hungary Haver Informal Education Foundation Centropa Foundation Sopron Jewish Community András's Restaurant Recommendation: Goli Thoughts? Feedback? Email me at rmeyerowitz1@gmail.com.

    1h 2m

  3. 11/30/2025

    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 of a Jewish theatre to share the richness and joy of Judaism with the world.   Mentioned: Golem Theatre The New York Times: A Cabaret in Hungary Asks a Horrific Question: What if Jews Vanished? András's Restaurant Recommendations: Kádár David's Kitchen Thoughts? Feedback? Email me at rmeyerowitz1@gmail.com.

    53 min

  4. 10/16/2025

    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 Jewish identity has evolved over time. Mentioned: Szarvas JDC-Lauder International Jewish Youth Camp JCC Budapest – Bálint Ház Haver Informal Education Foundation Zsuzsa’s Restaurant Recommendation: The Blind Raven in Újlipótváros Thoughts? Feedback? Email me at rmeyerowitz1@gmail.com.

    1h 13m
  • 4 Episodes

About

In September 2024, I moved to Budapest, Hungary and discovered an inspiring Jewish community. Here, Jewishness was nearly erased by the Holocaust and suppressed by decades of communism, and still, since 1989, communities have sought to revive Jewish life and rediscover Jewish identity. I am fascinated by the individuals who embark on a journey to live Jewishly in a way that works for them. This project will amplify stories of individuals who do not take being Jewish for granted and share the lessons of Budapest’s community with Jews around the world. Welcome to “Something in the Water.”

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