Olaszliszka, or Liska as it is known among the local Jewish community, is a unique haven in Hungary that attracts tens of thousands of Orthodox Jewish people every year.
Liska Jewish Cemetery is a unique place for traditions and dedicated faith. Located here is the holy grave of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Friedman, or "Hershel Lisker" as he is known within the community, the first center of Hasidism in Europe. The first Lisker Rebbe, who lived a life marked by severe poverty, was deeply committed to religious teachings, charity, and miraculous interventions. He is celebrated for his many miracles, having healed the sick and helped many achieve prosperity through his blessings. The rebbe’s impactful life played a crucial role in shaping the present of the Orthodox Jewish communities during his time. The rebbe continues to attract tens of thousands of pilgrims each year, with the yahrzeit celebrated on the 14th of Av.
The efforts of the Liska Hasidic dynasty and Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman played a pivotal role in the expansion of Hasidism both in Hungary and across the globe. His student, the Kerestir rebbe, Yeshaya Steiner (known as Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir (Kerestirer)), who later signed his correspondence as follows: „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. People from various countries also traveled to the village of Liska, seeking the Lisker Rebbe's healing expertise. The community held a deep belief that the rabbi's blessings and prayers could alleviate physical and mental suffering. His grave remained a place where pilgrims reported feeling his enduring presence and receiving spiritual solace, even posthumously.
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 each grave, their flames flickering in reverence to the souls of those who once lived in this small village. Candles are seen as a symbolic link between past and present, with their flames shining from the heart of memory.
In Judaism, the candle flame serves as a powerful symbol with deep religious meaning. The flames not only shine but also unlock a passage to the Eternal.
As the Book says: "Man's soul is the Lord's lamp, which searches out all the innermost parts." Proverbs 20:27
jews