OLASZLISZKA, REFERRED TO AS LISKA BY THE LOCAL JEWISH COMMUNITY, IS A ENCHANTING HAVEN IN HUNGARY, VISITED BY TENS OF THOUSANDS OF ORTHODOX JEWS EVERY YEAR.

Olaszliszka, referred to as Liska by the local Jewish community, is a enchanting haven in Hungary, visited by tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews every year.

Olaszliszka, referred to as Liska by the local Jewish community, is a enchanting haven in Hungary, visited by tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews every year.

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Every year, tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews visit Olaszliszka, or Liska as the local Jewish community names it, a charming hideaway in Hungary.


Liska Jewish Cemetery is a unique place for traditions and dedicated faith. The sacred resting place of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Friedman, affectionately known as "Hershel Lisker" by the community, the pioneer of Hasidism in Europe, is found here. Even in the face of his notable poverty, the first Lisker Rebbe’s life was a testament to the spirit of teachings, charitable deeds, and miraculous support. 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 remarkable life of the rebbe profoundly influenced the Orthodox Jewish communities of his era. Tens of thousands of pilgrims visit the rebbe every year even today. Yahrazeit: Av. 14.


The Liska Hasidic dynasty, along with Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman, greatly influenced the dissemination of Hasidism in Hungary and worldwide. His student, Yeshaya Steiner, the Kerestir Rebbe (often called Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir), signed his letters in the following way:„Yeshaya son of R. Moshe, who attended the righteous Rebbe of Liska”


The Lisker Rebbe gained widespread renown for his healing abilities. 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.Despite his death, numerous visitors to his grave claimed to have felt his continued presence.


The actions of the two caretakers of the Liska Jewish cemetery served to honor the graves while also sustaining 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


As we reach 2024, we reflect on the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust. The reverent lights burning in the Jewish cemetery of Liska evoke not only individual graves, but also an entire era, the fate of an entire people. The candle flames not only honor the memory of the graves but also preserve the stories of untold lives and unformed families. 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. 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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