In Hungary, Olaszliszka, or Liska as it is affectionately called by the local Jewish community, serves as a mystical sanctuary drawing tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews each year.
In Hungary, Olaszliszka, or Liska as it is affectionately called by the local Jewish community, serves as a mystical sanctuary drawing tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews each year.
Blog Article
Olaszliszka, known locally as Liska, is a captivating retreat in Hungary that attracts tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews annually.
Liska Jewish Cemetery represents a singular blend of cherished traditions and devoted 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, despite his famous poverty, lived his life in the spirit of teachings, charity, and miraculous assistance. He is celebrated for numerous miracles: people came to the renowned rebbe for healing, and his blessings also brought prosperity to many. 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.
Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman and the Liska Hasidic dynasty were instrumental in promoting the growth of Hasidism in Hungary and internationally. 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”
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. 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.
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.
Candles' flames carry a deep symbolic meaning within Jewish spirituality. 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
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 candles’ flames safeguard not just the graves but also the memories of unrecorded lives and families that were never established. Through the lights of remembrance, these flames bring to life the tragedies suffered during the Holocaust, highlighting the reminder that each life that was never lived to its fullest is a loss to us all.
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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