Something In The Water with Rachel Meyerowitz cover art

Something In The Water with Rachel Meyerowitz

Something In The Water with Rachel Meyerowitz

Written by: Something in the Water
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About this listen

 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.”Something in the Water Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Leaving the Ivory Tower, with Szonja Komoróczy

    Leaving the Ivory Tower, with Szonja Komoróczy
    Apr 24 2026

    “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 individuals to shape their own identities and communities.


    Mentioned:

    Jewish University in Budapest

    Lauder Javne School


    Thoughts? Feedback? Email me at rmeyerowitz1@gmail.com.
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • The Haver We Made Along The Way, an Interview with Anikó Félix

    The Haver We Made Along The Way, an Interview with Anikó Félix
    Mar 8 2026

    “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 does. A highlight of the conversation is the insight that these encounters are strongest when volunteer educators themselves are grappling with their Jewish identities, or even disagree with one another about what it means to be Jewish. Listen to find out why.


    Mentioned:

    Haver Informal Education Foundation


    Anikó's Restaurant Recommendations:

    Macesz Bistro

    Rosenstein


    Thoughts? Feedback? Email me at rmeyerowitz1@gmail.com.
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    58 mins
  • Applied Art of Existence, An Interview with Dr. Gábor Balázs

    Applied Art of Existence, An Interview with Dr. Gábor Balázs
    Feb 12 2026

    "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.
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    53 mins
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