Jewish-Armenian Gastro-Cultural Mix
September 1, 2024

In Târgu Mureș - Jewish-Armenian Gastro-Cultural MixAt the invitation of the organizers of the "Târgu Mureș Whirl," our community organized a "Jewish-Armenian Gastro-Cultural Mix" day as part of the event series between August 26 and September 1, 2024, a premiere in the cultural landscape. In collaboration with the Armenian Cultural Association of Târgu Mureș, we put together a program where both parties proposed complementary themes:

Musical Performance

An interesting concert was performed in the synagogue on Aurel Filimon Street by Zsuzsa Domahidi (flute) and Zsuzsánna Bakos (piano), featuring works by 20th-century Jewish composers (Leo Smit, Darius Milhaud, Gideon Klein, Isaac Nathan) and Max Bruch.

Cultural Exhibitions

The Armenian Association organized an exhibition of Armenian folk costumes in the synagogue. The exhibition was presented by György Kalamár and Attila Puskás, the president of the Armenian Cultural Association, who also gave a brief lecture on the history of Transylvanian Armenians and spoke about their language, writing, and culture.

Gastronomic Offerings

The "gastro" part was equally balanced:

• We offered a tasting of traditional matzah and "Hremzli" potato patties
• Our partners presented angadzsabur soup and Dalauzi pastries

Both communities showcased and sold handmade products, refrigerator magnets, and their own publications.

Art Exhibition

The event centered around the opening of an art exhibition featuring works from the collection of Andreas Pollak, a Jewish art collector from Reghin. The collection, donated to the Jewish Community in 2023 by his widow, Monica Pollak-Pokorny from Germany, consists of works with Jewish themes by artists from Târgu Mureș such as sculptors Márton Izsák and János Gyarmathy, graphic artist József Haller, as well as other Romanian, Hungarian, and Mongolian artists.

Event Success

The sunny weather, the picturesque courtyard of the Community, and a shaded area under a large walnut tree all contributed to the success of the program activities, which were attended by more than 450 people.This event proved that this path, nurturing diversity, is the way of the future.
László Dub, President of the Jewish Community