The Jewish Voice of Hungary
Rabbi Jonatan Megyeri
Rabbi Jonatan Megyeri has become the most prominent Jewish spokesperson in Hungary, reaching millions through television, radio, and social media. Through his media presence, he has succeeded in making Judaism familiar and respected among audiences who previously knew little about it.
Megyeri was born in Hungary to a non-religious family. "Until I was nine, I had no idea I was Jewish," he says. "Even after I found out, I didn't really understand what it meant." Everything changed in 1990, when he was fourteen. The Reichman brothers from Canada opened a Jewish school in Hungary. "That's where I felt a strong connection to my roots." Later, he traveled to the United States, where he spent ten years studying in yeshiva.
When he returned to Hungary, Megyeri searched for a religious framework and naturally connected with Chabad. "They have built entire worlds here of education, Torah, and kindness," he says. "They have truly become the main artery of Jewish life." Chabad emissaries such as Rabbi Baruch Oberlander and Rabbi Shlomo Köves opened a door for him into Chassidic thought. "I established a regular study partnership with them in Torah and Chassidut."
At first, Chassidic philosophy was challenging for him. “It wasn't easy to grasp," he admits. “But G-d helped, and the effort paid off. A whole new world opened before me." He felt a particularly strong connection to Rabbi Köves, whose personal journey closely resembled his own. "We became close friends."
Megyeri entered the media world and gradually began public speaking as part of his work with Chabad in Hungary. "Hungarian is my native language, and I understand the Hungarian mindset," he explains. "That allows me to present Judaism in a way that truly resonates with people across the country."
Hungary, he notes, is considered one of the safest countries in Europe for Jews. "There is a deep friendship between the leadership of our two countries. The authorities also prevented mass immigration from Muslim countries, unlike what happened in France, Sweden, and elsewhere. There is some old-fashioned antisemitism here and there, people who simply don't like Jews. But the new antisemitism from Muslim sources, thank G-d, does not exist here."
The Jewish revival led by Chabad in Hungary is vast. Synagogues have been restored, large schools established, Torah and charitable organizations expanded, strictly kosher restaurants opened, and summer camps created for all ages. It is a network of activity that touches every segment of Jewish life throughout the year.
During the COVID period, Megyeri and his team launched an online Torah class. "It began with a few dozen viewers," he says. "Today, more than forty thousand people follow our content, and some videos have reached over half a million views." He regularly appears on radio shows, television programs, and podcasts. "Every two weeks, I am a guest on a popular local morning show. I speak about Judaism, Torah, and Israel."
To illustrate the relationship between Hungary and the Jewish people, Megyeri shares a striking example. "Six months ago, a major television channel produced a special film about Shabbat. I don't think anything like this has happened elsewhere. They explained to viewers what Kiddush is, what challah is, and the meaning of Shabbat itself. The film generated genuine respect for Judaism."
For Megyeri, the power of his work lies in truth. "Our Torah is called Torat Emet, the Torah of truth, for a reason," he says. "Judaism carries absolute truth. We have something special to offer. When you speak truthfully, people sense it and respond with respect."
In today's sensitive climate in Israel and across the Jewish world, Megyeri believes that responsibility rests on every individual. “Every Jew is a small ambassador, both for Israel and for the Jewish people," he says. “Each of us carries responsibility. We must make G-d's name beloved and bring people closer together, reducing division from the outside and from within."
Adapted from Sichat Shavua Magazine