cím: The Forgotten Synagogue of Hévíz – Memories of a Bygone Era

lead: Few people know that in the last century, a grand synagogue stood in what was once Hévízfürdő. It served not only as a sacred place for the local Jewish community but also for the many visiting spa guests. Although the building is no longer visible today, the city still preserves its memory.

tartalom: + 1 The Birth of a House of Prayer – Hévíz’s Religious Diversity In the early 20th century, many Jewish guests came to Hévíz to enjoy the healing effects of the lake. As religious visitors needed a place to pray, a modest prayer house was built in 1905 next to the lake's outflow channel, near Ignác Lusztig’s guesthouse called “Jerusalem.” However, the small building quickly became too cramped as the spa resort grew in popularity. (Sharp-eyed readers may spot the prayer house's location on this 1925 map) By the late 1920s, the growing community and increasing number of spa visitors made it necessary to build a larger, more representative synagogue. One of the key initiators of the new building was Dr. Adolf Kertész, a lawyer from Budapest who was a devoted supporter of Hévíz’s development and religious life. He submitted a request to Prince Tasziló Festetics II, who generously provided land for the synagogue free of charge. Fundraising began in 1929, and in 1930 the Israelite Synagogue Association of Hévízfürdő was established. It operated fully independently but functioned as a branch of the Keszthely Jewish community. Construction was completed in 1933 at a cost of approximately 20,000 pengő. The town also contributed: the municipal council of Hévízszentandrás donated 1,000 pengő, recognizing the importance of boosting tourism. 1933 – A Ceremonial Inauguration in a Growing Town The Hévíz synagogue was officially inaugurated on July 2, 1933. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Lajos Glück, chief rabbi of Keszthely, who gave the opening address. Distinguished figures from the spa town and local community were also present, including Sándor Stern, the synagogue’s first trustee, and Mór Weisz, president of the local Jewish community. The event attracted great interest and was significant not only for locals but for visiting spa guests as well. Caught in the Storm of History Hévíz was not spared the tragedies of World War II. In 1944, the Jewish community was deported, and many never returned. Several members from Hévíz were taken to Auschwitz. According to records, Dr. Vilmos Schulhof, Hévíz’s spa physician, was also among the Holocaust victims. Dr. Schulhof played a vital role not only as a doctor but also as a community leader. Many of the synagogue’s former visitors and supporters perished in concentration camps, including Mór Weisz, Sándor Stern, and other local residents. After the war, the abandoned synagogue remained empty and slowly fell into ruin. By the late 1960s, it was in a dilapidated state and was eventually demolished in 1977. For decades, nothing stood on the site, as if a piece of history had vanished without a trace. Preserving the Memory Fortunately, the city of Hévíz did not forget its past. In 2000, a memorial was erected on the site of the former synagogue. Its design recalls the original building and commemorates the victims of the Holocaust. The plans were developed with the help of city officials and local historians, and Chief Rabbi Tamás Raj delivered the speech at the unveiling ceremony. This quiet yet powerful memorial site continues to invite visitors to pay tribute to those who were once an integral part of Hévíz’s community. Brought Back to Life – Virtually Though the synagogue no longer stands, today it is possible to explore it through a virtual tour. Thanks to a digital reconstruction, anyone can step inside and imagine what the interior might have looked like in its full glory. (You can view the rotatable 3D model at this link) If you’re curious to see how the Hévíz synagogue looked in its heyday, click here and explore it through a virtual walk!  

title: The Forgotten Synagogue of Hévíz – Memories of a Bygone Era

description: Few people know that in the last century, a grand synagogue stood in what was once Hévízfürdő. It served not only as a sacred place for the local Jewish community but also for the many visiting spa guests. Although the building is no longer visible today, the city still preserves its memory.

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cím: GreenPower – Recharge This Spring with the Energy of Nature!

lead: After months of urban lifestyle, digital noise, stress, and winter fatigue, it’s time to return to an ancient energy source: nature! Spring is arriving, bringing with it a fresh, green energy that surrounds us in every moment. Hévíz is a true natural oasis where healing waters, lush forests, and crystal-clear air help your body and soul renew.

tartalom: + 1 Water – The Source of Life Water, in its noble simplicity, is the essence of life – and this is especially true of the thermal waters of Hévíz. It’s a living healing source, rich in minerals that nourish the body and help restore tired joints. They say stress and sore muscles melt away in the warm waters of Hévíz! A relaxing bath can feel like a rebirth of your inner energy: the minerals boost circulation, support detoxification, and encourage cell renewal. It’s not just a physical refreshment, but a mental one too – a true stress-reliever.   Breathing Nature, Fresh Leaves, and Green Harmony Picture yourself walking through a dense, green forest, where every tree and leaf radiates life and freshness. The clean air offered by the forest acts as natural oxygen therapy – freeing your mind, helping you reflect, and pulling you out of daily stress. The silence of the woods, the trickle of streams, and the song of birds create a stress-relieving effect that reconnects you with inner calm. This spring, “Open up to nature!” in Hévíz – walk, jog, hike, or cycle to energize every cell in your body with fresh air! Let the Sunshine In! Natural sunlight is essential for vitamin D production, which is key to bone strength and a healthy immune system. In spring, days get longer, the sun shines warmer, and we can spend more time outdoors – enjoying early sunbaths, weekend yoga, or just being outside. You can amplify the experience with a bit of sound therapy: notice the relaxing sounds of nature – the rustling of trees, birds singing, and water flowing. Quiet your mind and hear the harmony of the earth.   The Healing Mud Imagine lying in a warm room as your body is massaged with thick, black therapeutic mud heated to 44°C. Thanks to the warm, mineral-rich substance and skilled massage, your whole body relaxes, your skin warms, and the beneficial elements absorb through your pores. Your muscles unwind, joints quietly regenerate, your skin becomes silky, and your nerves find calm. Don’t do it because you need to – do it because it’s simply fantastic! Vitamin Bomb Spring is the season of rebirth, and there’s no better way to boost a tired immune system than with a diet full of fresh vegetables. Ancient medicinal herbs that have been part of healing traditions for centuries are now central to modern wellness. A short detox or juice cleanse with fresh seasonal produce doesn’t just cleanse the body – it’s a true vitamin bomb that restores your vitality. Hévíz is the perfect place to rediscover the power of nature after a long, exhausting winter. The healing water, green forests, fresh air, sunlight, and natural sounds combine to create a revitalizing effect that recharges and restores. If you feel it’s time to escape the digital city noise and reconnect with nature’s ancient energy, don’t hesitate: start your spring renewal in Hévíz and experience the power of true green energy!

title: GreenPower – Recharge This Spring with the Energy of Nature!

description: After months of urban lifestyle, digital noise, stress, and winter fatigue, it’s time to return to an ancient energy source: nature! Spring is arriving, bringing with it a fresh, green energy that surrounds us in every moment. Hévíz is a true natural oasis where healing waters, lush forests, and crystal-clear air help your body and soul renew.

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