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. 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, known for his remarkable poverty, dedicated his life to the teachings of faith, acts of charity, and miraculous assistance. His legacy includes many miraculous acts, with numerous individuals finding healing and prosperity through his blessings. The remarkable rebbe’s life significantly impacted the contemporary Orthodox Jewish communities, leaving a lasting mark on their way of life. Tens of thousands of pilgrims visit the rebbe annually, with the yahrzeit taking place on the 14th of Av.
The influence of Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman and the activities of the Liska Hasidic dynasty were instrumental in spreading Hasidism throughout Hungary and beyond. His disciple, the Kerestir Rebbe Yeshaya Steiner, also known as Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir, often signed his correspondence with the phrase: "Yeshaya, son of R. Moshe, who attended the righteous Rebbe of Liska."
The reputation of the Lisker Rebbe for healing was known throughout various lands. Individuals from different nations also made their way to Liska, requesting healing from the esteemed Lisker Rebbe. The community held a deep belief that the rabbi's blessings and prayers could alleviate physical and mental suffering. Despite his death, numerous pilgrims who visited his grave claimed to experience a sense of his continued presence.
The caretakers of the Liska Jewish cemetery engage in work that honors not just the graves, but also the broader legacy of respect and historical remembrance. Candles were placed at each grave, their flames flickering in reverence to the souls of those who once lived in this small village. The candle flames are viewed as a bridge connecting the past and the present, their light emerging from the depths of memory.
The flame of candles holds profound symbolic significance in the Jewish faith. Beyond providing light, the flames serve as a portal to the realm of the Eternal.
As the Book says: "Man's soul is the Lord's lamp, which searches out all the innermost parts." Proverbs 20:27
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