Olaszliszka, referred to as Liska by the local Jewish community, is a enchanting haven in Hungary, visited by tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews every year.
Olaszliszka, referred to as Liska by the local Jewish community, is a enchanting haven in Hungary, visited by tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews every year.
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Every year, tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews visit Olaszliszka, or Liska as the local Jewish community names it, a charming hideaway in Hungary.
The Liska Jewish Cemetery stands out as a unique sanctuary for tradition and unwavering faith. The sacred resting place of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Friedman, affectionately known as "Hershel Lisker" by the community, the pioneer of Hasidism in Europe, is found here. Although he was famously impoverished, the first Lisker Rebbe lived in accordance with the values of teachings, generosity, and miraculous assistance. Associated with many miraculous events, his name is remembered for healing the ailing and blessing many to achieve prosperity. The life of the wonderful rebbe had a great impact on the present of the Orthodox Jewish communities of that time. Tens of thousands of pilgrims visit the rebbe every year even today. Yahrazeit: Av. 14.
The Liska Hasidic dynasty, along with Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman, greatly influenced the dissemination of Hasidism in Hungary and worldwide. The Kerestir Rebbe, Yeshaya Steiner—affectionately referred to as Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir—used this signature format in his correspondence:„Yeshaya son of R. Moshe, who attended the righteous Rebbe of Liska”
The Lisker Rebbe was famous far and wide for healing. Individuals from other countries frequently migrated to Liska to seek his renowned healing. The belief persisted in the community that the rabbi’s blessings and prayers were capable of relieving physical and psychological suffering.Even after his death, many pilgrims visiting his grave reported experiencing a sense of his enduring presence.
The actions of the two caretakers of the Liska Jewish cemetery served to honor the graves while also sustaining respect and remembrance for the past. At each grave, candles were ignited, their flickering flames bowing in respect to the spirits of former villagers. The light of the candles is perceived as a connection between the past and the present, radiating from the wellspring of remembrance.
In Jewish tradition, the candle flame represents a deep and significant symbol. The flames offer more than light; they unlock a passage to the Eternal. As the Book describes: "Man's soul is the Lord's lamp, which searches out all the innermost parts." Proverbs 20:27
In 2024, we are living the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust. The respectful lights at the Liska Jewish cemetery illuminate not just individual graves but also reflect the broader era and the collective fate of a people. The flame of the candles commemorates not only the graves but also the countless lives and families that were left unfinished. Through the lights of remembrance, these flames bring to life the tragedies suffered during the Holocaust, highlighting the reminder that each life that was never lived to its fullest is a loss to us all.
Together, the flame of the candles and the legacy of the Liska Rebbe remind us that the light of remembrance lives on forever. The next similar commemoration: before the yarhzeit of Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir on Thursday (2024-05-09) at sunset.
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