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
Olaszliszka, or Liska, as the local Jewish community calls it, is a magical hideaway in Hungary, where tens of thousands of Orthodox Jewish peoples come every year.
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. Although he was famously impoverished, the first Lisker Rebbe lived in accordance with the values of teachings, generosity, and miraculous assistance. 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. Even now, tens of thousands of pilgrims travel to visit the rebbe annually, especially during the yahrzeit on the 14th of Av.
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”
Far and wide, the Lisker Rebbe was acclaimed for his remarkable gift of healing. The village of Liska saw an influx of people from abroad, who came to request his healing. There was a belief in the community that the rabbi's blessing and prayers could heal physical and mental suffering.Despite his death, numerous visitors to his grave claimed to have felt his continued presence.
The two caretakers of the Liska Jewish cemetery performed an act that is not only the graves, but also the bearer of respect and remembrance for the past. Candles were placed at every grave, their flames gently inclining in homage to the souls of the villagers who once lived here. The light of the candles is perceived as a connection between the past and the present, radiating from the wellspring of remembrance.
The flame of candles holds profound symbolism in the Jewish faith. The light of the flames goes beyond mere illumination, serving as a portal to the Eternal. As the Book reveals: "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. 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 light of the candles keeps alive the memory of the graves, as well as the lives never fully lived and families never started. 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.
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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