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
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.
The Liska Jewish Cemetery stands as a unique testament to enduring 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. Despite his well-known poverty, the first Lisker Rebbe's life was a testament to his dedication to spiritual teachings, charitable deeds, and miraculous help. His name is associated with numerous miracles, including healing the ill and blessing many towards prosperity. The life of the esteemed rebbe had a profound influence on the Orthodox Jewish communities of his time, shaping their present and practices. Even today, tens of thousands of pilgrims make their way to visit the rebbe each year, with the yahrzeit observed on the 14th of Av.
Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman’s leadership and the Liska Hasidic dynasty’s endeavors greatly facilitated the dissemination of Hasidism in Hungary and around the world. The Kerestir Rebbe, Yeshaya Steiner—known as Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir—often signed his writings: "Yeshaya, son of R. Moshe, who was a disciple of the righteous Rebbe of Liska."
The Lisker Rebbe was famous far and wide for healing. Many people from other countries also migrated to the village of Liska and asked him to heal them. The community held a deep belief that the rabbi's blessings and prayers could alleviate 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 flame of the candles is considered a kind of bridge between the past and the present, the light of which shines 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
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