In Hungary, Olaszliszka—referred to as Liska by the local Jewish community—is a delightful sanctuary that sees tens of thousands of Orthodox Jewish visitors annually.
Liska Jewish Cemetery is a special location where deep-seated traditions and committed faith are preserved. This site is home to the revered grave of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Friedman, known as "Hershel Lisker" in the community, the pioneer of Hasidism in Europe. The first Lisker Rebbe, despite his famous poverty, lived his life in the spirit of teachings, charity, and miraculous assistance. 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 life of the esteemed rebbe had a profound influence on the Orthodox Jewish communities of his time, shaping their present and practices. The rebbe continues to attract tens of thousands of pilgrims each year, with the yahrzeit celebrated on the 14th of Av.
Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman and the Liska Hasidic dynasty significantly contributed to the growth of Hasidism in Hungary and worldwide. 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 Lisker Rebbe earned widespread acclaim for his extraordinary talent in healing. The Lisker Rebbe's reputation for healing drew many people from other countries to the village of Liska. There was a belief in the community that the rabbi's blessing and prayers could heal physical and mental suffering. Visitors to his grave still reported experiencing his spiritual influence and comfort, even after he had passed away.
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. 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. The flames do more than illuminate; they also open a gateway 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
hasidic jews