Liska, as the local Jewish community calls it, is a magical hideaway in Hungary
Liska, as the local Jewish community calls it, is a magical hideaway in Hungary
Blog Article
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. Here lies the sacred resting place of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Friedman, affectionately called "Hershel Lisker" by the community, marking the birthplace 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 life of the wonderful rebbe had a great impact on the present of the Orthodox Jewish communities of that time. 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 disciple, the Kerestir Rebbe Yeshaya Steiner, also known as Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir, often signed his correspondence with the phrase: "Yeshaya, son of R. Moshe, who attended the righteous Rebbe of Liska."
The Lisker Rebbe earned widespread acclaim for his extraordinary talent in healing. Individuals from different nations also made their way to Liska, requesting healing from the esteemed Lisker Rebbe. In the community, it was widely believed that the rabbi's blessings and prayers had the power to heal both physical and mental ailments. Despite his death, numerous pilgrims who visited his grave claimed to experience a sense of his continued presence.
The caretakers of the Liska Jewish cemetery engage in work that honors not just the graves, but also the broader legacy of respect and historical remembrance. Candles were lit at each grave, the flames of which bowed before 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 candle's flame represents a deep and meaningful symbol within the Jewish religion. Beyond providing light, the flames serve as a portal to the realm of the Eternal.
As the Book says: "Man's soul is the Lord's lamp, which searches out all the innermost parts." Proverbs 20:27
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