Olaszliszka, known locally as Liska, is a captivating retreat in Hungary that attracts tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews annually.
Olaszliszka, known locally as Liska, is a captivating retreat in Hungary that attracts tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews annually.
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 life of the wonderful rebbe had a great impact on the present of the Orthodox Jewish communities of that time. Even now, tens of thousands of pilgrims travel to visit the rebbe annually, especially during the yahrzeit on the 14th of Av.
Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman and the Liska Hasidic dynasty were instrumental in promoting the growth of Hasidism in Hungary and internationally. His student, the Kerestir rebbe, Yeshaya Steiner (known as Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir (Kerestirer)), who later signed his correspondence as follows:„Yeshaya son of R. Moshe, who attended the righteous Rebbe of Liska”
Far and wide, the Lisker Rebbe was acclaimed for his remarkable gift of healing. People from various countries also moved to the village of Liska, seeking his healing touch. The community trusted that the rabbi’s blessings and prayers could address and heal both bodily and mental afflictions.Even after his death, many pilgrims visiting his grave reported experiencing a sense of his enduring presence.
The efforts of the two caretakers at the Liska Jewish cemetery represented more than just the maintenance of graves; they embodied respect and a tribute to historical memory. 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 serve as a bridge between bygone times and today, illuminating from the core of collective memory.
The candle flame is a powerful symbol with deep roots in Jewish religious practice. The flames do not merely cast light, but also open a gate to all that is Eternal. As the Book says: "Man's soul is the Lord's lamp, which searches out all the innermost parts." Proverbs 20:27
The year 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust. In the Jewish cemetery of Liska, the burning lights symbolize not only each grave but also an entire historical period and the collective experience of a people. Beyond preserving the memory of the graves, the candles’ flames also honor the untold lives and the families that never came to be. 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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