The Hungarian village of Olaszliszka, or Liska as it is known to the local Jewish community, is a magical retreat that welcomes tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews annually.
The Hungarian village of Olaszliszka, or Liska as it is known to the local Jewish community, is a magical retreat that welcomes tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews annually.
Blog Article
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.
The uniqueness of Liska Jewish Cemetery lies in its role as a sacred space for tradition 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. Although he was famously impoverished, the first Lisker Rebbe lived in accordance with the values of teachings, generosity, and miraculous assistance. Associated with many miraculous events, his name is remembered for healing the ailing and blessing many to achieve prosperity. The inspiring life of the rebbe significantly impacted the present-day 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.
Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman and the Liska Hasidic dynasty were instrumental in promoting the growth of Hasidism in Hungary and internationally. The Kerestir Rebbe, Yeshaya Steiner (widely known as Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir), used this signature style in his correspondence:„Yeshaya son of R. Moshe, who attended the righteous Rebbe of Liska”
The Lisker Rebbe gained widespread renown for his healing abilities. The reputation of his healing drew many people from different nations to the village of Liska. The belief persisted in the community that the rabbi’s blessings and prayers were capable of relieving physical and psychological suffering.Even after his death, many pilgrims visiting his grave reported experiencing a sense of his enduring presence.
The efforts of the two caretakers at the Liska Jewish cemetery represented more than just the maintenance of graves; they embodied respect and a tribute to historical memory. Candles were lit at each grave, their flames bending in reverence to the souls of those who once resided in this small village. These candles’ flames are regarded as a conduit between history and the present, shining with the light of deep-seated memories.
The flame of candles is a deep symbol of the Jewish religion. 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 represents the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust. The solemn lights burning in the Jewish cemetery of Liska not only honor individual graves but also evoke an entire era and the fate of a whole people. The candles’ flames safeguard not just the graves but also the memories of unrecorded lives and families that were never established. The lights of remembrance animate these flames, reflecting on the Holocaust’s sorrows and emphasizing that every life that was not lived to its fullest is a loss for us all.
Together, the flame of the candles and the legacy of the Liska Rebbe remind us that the light of remembrance lives on forever. The next similar commemoration: before the yarhzeit of Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir on Thursday (2024-05-09) at sunset.
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