The Frankel Community
About us
Rabbi Tamás Verő (known as "Tomi Rabbi") and his wife -Linda Vero Ban - have been building the Frankel Community for over 25 years. They were both born in Budapest and raised in traditional Jewish families. They have played active and influential roles in the revitalization of Jewish life in Hungary following the fall of Communism in the 1990s.
Rabbi Verő was ordained at the Hungarian Rabbinical Seminary in 1999 and has since served as the chief rabbi of the Frankel Synagogue. He also earned a Ph.D. from the Seminary. In addition to his role at Frankel, he serves as the rabbi of the city of Veszprém, the Scheiber Sándor Jewish Community School, and the Benjamin Kindergarten.
Linda holds a degree in Art History and General Humanities from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and is a graduate of Paideia – The European Institute for Jewish Studies in Sweden. She is a leading figure in informal Jewish education, having self-published Bee Jewish children's books, and convesation cards. She is the founder and director of BBYO Hungary - an international teen movement.
Beyond their work at the Frankel community, both Rabbi Verő and Linda are active volunteers with the JDC Szarvas Jewish Youth Camp and the March of the Living.
"Our mission is to build a warm, positive Jewish community rooted in vibrant shared experiences, meaningful home moments, deep connections, culture, values, and learning — alongside a strong commitment to Israel.
"There is much to remember—but even more to celebrate"
Our second goal is to show that Jewish life in Eastern Europe—especially in Budapest—is not just about history and remembrance. While we honor the past, we also celebrate a vibrant present and an exciting future. Today's community is dynamic and alive, with strong traditions, modern values, and inspiring people.
The Frankel Synagogue
The Frankel Synagogue is situated on the Buda side of Budapest, approximately a 10-minute walk north of Margaret Bridge. Built in 1888 in the Neo-Gothic style, with 400 seats the synagogue is nestled within a residential block constructed during the 1920s.
Frankel is a Neolog synagogue—a uniquely Hungarian stream of Judaism. While men and women sit separately, there is no physical divider (mechitza). Services are conducted in Hebrew, with a brief sermon delivered in Hungarian. The liturgy follows the Ashkenazi nusach, incorporating both Ashkenazi and Sephardic pronunciation elements.
The Frankel Synagogue is renowned for its warm, inclusive, and tolerant community. Led by Rabbi Tamás Verő and Cantor Gergő Nógrádi, the congregation offers a meaningful and welcoming Shabbat experience for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.