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

Liska, as the local Jewish community calls it, is a magical hideaway in Hungary

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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.


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 extraordinary life of the rebbe profoundly affected the present-day Orthodox Jewish communities, influencing their traditions and daily 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.


The Liska Hasidic dynasty, along with Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman, was crucial in advancing the reach of Hasidism within Hungary and internationally. The Kerestir Rebbe Yeshaya Steiner, a student of the Liska Rebbe, signed his letters as: "Yeshaya, son of R. Moshe, who learned from 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. His grave remained a place where pilgrims reported feeling his enduring presence and receiving spiritual solace, even posthumously.


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 is a deep symbol of the Jewish religion. The light of the flames extends beyond mere illumination, offering access 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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