The Hungarian village of Olaszliszka, or Liska as it is known to the local Jewish community, is a magical retreat that welcomes tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews annually.

Liska Jewish Cemetery is a unique place for traditions and dedicated faith. This location is home to the venerated grave of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Friedman, or "Hershel Lisker" as he is known among the community, the first center of Hasidism in Europe. The first Lisker Rebbe, despite his famous poverty, lived his life in the spirit of teachings, charity, and miraculous assistance. Countless miraculous deeds are attributed to him: the famous rebbe cured the ill and granted prosperity to many through his blessings. The remarkable life of the rebbe profoundly influenced the Orthodox Jewish communities of his era. Tens of thousands of pilgrims visit the rebbe every year even today. Yahrazeit: Av. 14.

The Liska Hasidic dynasty, along with Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman, greatly influenced the dissemination of Hasidism in Hungary and worldwide. Yeshaya Steiner, the Kerestir Rebbe (also known as Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir), signed his letters as follows:„Yeshaya son of R. Moshe, who attended the righteous Rebbe of Liska”

The healing prowess of the Lisker Rebbe was well-known and respected throughout various lands. Many international visitors relocated to Liska, hoping to receive his healing services. There was a belief in the community that the rabbi's blessing and prayers could heal physical and mental suffering.Despite his death, numerous visitors to his grave claimed to have felt his continued presence.

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 every grave, their flames gently inclining in homage to the souls of the villagers who once lived here. 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 is a deep symbol of the Jewish religion. The flames not only illuminate but also open a gateway to the Eternal. As the Book states: "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. The reverent flames in the Jewish cemetery of Liska do more than mark individual graves; they also commemorate an entire era and the destiny of an entire people. The candles’ flames safeguard not just the graves but also the memories of unrecorded lives and families that were never established. 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 flame of the candles, along with the enduring legacy of the Liska Rebbe, continually reminds us that the light of remembrance is everlasting. 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.