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 uniqueness of Liska Jewish Cemetery lies in its role as a sacred space for tradition and dedicated faith. The holy grave of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Friedman, or as the community calls him: "Hershel Lisker", the first home of Hasidism in Europe, is located here. Even in the face of his notable poverty, the first Lisker Rebbe’s life was a testament to the spirit of teachings, charitable deeds, and miraculous support. His legacy includes many miraculous acts: the esteemed rebbe healed the sick and bestowed blessings that led to the prosperity of numerous individuals. The rebbe's impactful life greatly shaped the Orthodox Jewish communities of his time. Every year, tens of thousands of pilgrims come to see the rebbe, with the yahrzeit on the 14th of Av being a particularly significant time.
The efforts of the Liska Hasidic dynasty and Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman played a key role in the expansion of Hasidism both in Hungary and around the globe. His disciple, the Kerestir Rebbe Yeshaya Steiner (commonly known as Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir), later signed his correspondence in the following manner:„Yeshaya son of R. Moshe, who attended the righteous Rebbe of Liska”
The Lisker Rebbe gained widespread renown for his healing abilities. People from various countries also moved to the village of Liska, seeking his healing touch. The community held a belief that the rabbi's blessings and prayers had the power to alleviate both physical and mental suffering.Even after his death, many pilgrims visiting his grave reported experiencing a sense of his enduring presence.
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. Candles were lit at each grave, their flames bending in reverence to the souls of those who once resided in this small village. The candle flames are viewed as a bridge connecting the past to the present, their light emerging from the depths of memory.
The flame of candles holds profound symbolism in the Jewish faith. 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
In 2024, we are observing the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust. The solemn lights burning in the Jewish cemetery of Liska not only honor individual graves but also evoke an entire era and the fate of a whole people. The candle flames not only honor the memory of the graves but also preserve the stories of untold lives and unformed families. The lights of remembrance bring these flames to life, illuminating the tragedies of the Holocaust and underscoring the fact that every life not fully lived is a collective loss.
Together, the candle flames and the legacy of the Liska Rebbe remind us that the light of remembrance endures 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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