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.
Blog Article
The Hungarian village of Olaszliszka, or Liska as it is known to the local Jewish community, is a magical retreat that welcomes tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews annually.
Liska Jewish Cemetery is a unique place for traditions and dedicated faith. Here lies the revered grave of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Friedman, or "Hershel Lisker" as the community calls him, who established the first Hasidic home in Europe. The first Lisker Rebbe, known for his significant poverty, upheld a life characterized by deep teachings, acts of charity, and miraculous help. His name is associated with countless miraculous deeds: sick people visited the famous rebbe and received healing, but he also helped many to prosperity with his blessing. The inspiring life of the rebbe significantly impacted the present-day Orthodox Jewish communities of his time. Annually, tens of thousands of pilgrims make their way to the rebbe, with the yahrzeit observed on the 14th of Av drawing the most visitors.
Through their endeavors, the Liska Hasidic dynasty and Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman helped propel the proliferation of Hasidism across Hungary and the world. 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. Many international visitors relocated to Liska, hoping to receive his healing services. The community held a belief that the rabbi's blessings and prayers had the power to alleviate both physical and mental suffering.The experience of his presence was reported by several pilgrims at his grave, even after he had passed away.
The two caretakers of the Liska Jewish cemetery performed an act that honored not just the graves, but also preserved respect and remembrance for the past. Each grave was adorned with candles, their flames bowing solemnly to honor the souls of those who once called this small village home. The flame of the candles is considered a kind of bridge between the past and the present, the light of which shines from the depths of memory.
The flame of candles is a deep symbol of the Jewish religion. The flames not only illuminate but also open a gateway to the Eternal. As the Book states: "Man's soul is the Lord's lamp, which searches out all the innermost parts." Proverbs 20:27
As we reach 2024, we reflect on the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust. The sacred lights burning in the Liska Jewish cemetery recall not only the individual graves but also an entire epoch and the shared fate of a people. The candle flames not only honor the memory of the graves but also preserve the stories of untold lives and unformed families. The remembrance lights breathe life into these flames, highlighting the Holocaust’s tragedies and reminding us that each unfulfilled life represents a loss to everyone.
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 will take place before the yahrzeit of Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at sunset.
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