Every year, tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews visit Olaszliszka, or Liska as the local Jewish community names it, a charming hideaway in Hungary.
Every year, tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews visit Olaszliszka, or Liska as the local Jewish community names it, a charming hideaway in Hungary.
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 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. The first Lisker Rebbe, known for his significant poverty, upheld a life characterized by deep teachings, acts of charity, and miraculous help. His name is linked with numerous miraculous acts: the renowned rebbe healed the sick and blessed many, leading them to prosperity. The remarkable life of the rebbe profoundly influenced the Orthodox Jewish communities of his era. Today, tens of thousands of pilgrims still visit the rebbe each year, especially on his yahrzeit, which falls on the 14th of Av.
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 was famous far and wide for healing. Individuals from other countries frequently migrated to Liska to seek his renowned healing. It was widely believed in the community that the rabbi’s blessings and prayers could cure physical and emotional pain.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. 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 flames offer more than light; they unlock a passage to the Eternal. As the Book describes: "Man's soul is the Lord's lamp, which searches out all the innermost parts." Proverbs 20:27
The year 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust. In the Jewish cemetery of Liska, the burning lights symbolize not only each grave but also an entire historical period and the collective experience of a people. The flame of the candles not only preserves the memory of the graves, but also the untold lives and the unbuilt families. Through their glow, these flames evoke the suffering of the Holocaust, serving as a poignant reminder that every life cut short is a loss shared by all.
The combined presence of the candle flames and the legacy of the Liska Rebbe serves as a testament to the eternal nature of remembrance. Join us for the upcoming commemoration, scheduled for the evening before the yahrzeit of Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at sunset.
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