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.
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.
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.
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. The first Lisker Rebbe, though renowned for his poverty, dedicated his life to the principles of teachings, charity, and divine intervention. He is celebrated for numerous miracles: people came to the renowned rebbe for healing, and his blessings also brought prosperity to many. The extraordinary life of the rebbe left a significant mark on the contemporary Orthodox Jewish communities. Tens of thousands of pilgrims visit the rebbe every year even today. Yahrazeit: Av. 14.
The activities of the Liska Hasidic dynasty and Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman contributed to the spread 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 healing prowess of the Lisker Rebbe was well-known and respected throughout various lands. 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.After his death, many pilgrims visiting his grave still felt as though he was somehow present with them.
By their actions, the two caretakers of the Liska Jewish cemetery upheld both the graves and the cherished memory of the past. The lighting of candles at each grave saw their flames bowing in tribute to the departed souls of this small village’s former inhabitants. The flickering flames of the candles are seen as a link between past and present, casting light from the heart of remembrance.
The light of candles serves as a profound emblem of the Jewish religion. These flames are not just sources of light but gateways to the Eternal. As the Book writes: "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 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 flame of the candles not only preserves the memory of the graves, but also the untold lives and the unbuilt families. Through their glow, these flames evoke the suffering of the Holocaust, serving as a poignant reminder that every life cut short is a loss shared by all.
The combined presence of the candle flames and the legacy of the Liska Rebbe serves as a testament to the eternal nature of remembrance. Join us for the upcoming commemoration, scheduled for the evening before the yahrzeit of Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at sunset.
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