About this talk

When hearing the word "Transylvania" most people think of Bram Stoker's Dracula. However, this region is not only famous for its stunning landscapes and nature, but also for its historical heritage even beyond the "legacy" of Vlad the Impaler. 

Located in today's Romania, Transylvania's rich history reveals a vast Jewish heritage, dating back to ancient times. Jewish presence in the region left an incredible mark on its social fabric.

This talk will give an in-depth introduction to the history of Transylvania and its Jewish communities, shedding light not only on their struggles but on their uniqueness, and will finally provide an overview of the present of Jewry in the region. The talk will also reflect on the Sabbatarians (szombatos) of Transylvania, and  also cover the Jewish communities of, for example, Bezidu Nou (Bözödújfalu), Alba Iulia (Gyulafehérvár) Satu Mare (Szatmárnémeti) or Timișoara (Temesvár), Arad, Cluj-Napoca and Oradea - amongst others.

About Mercédesz

Mercédesz (Merci) Czimbalmos, PHh was born in Hungary, and has ancestral ties in Transylvania.

She is a researcher in Jewish studies and the study of religions. Whilst her current scientific focus is mainly on researching Finnish Jewry, as well as contemporary antisemitism in the Nordic countries, she has studied Transylvania for a long time, specifically focusing on the Shabbatarian community, their history, and the final years of their existence. She did several ethnographic field trips to the region collecting data and conducting research.