Olaszliszka, known locally as Liska, is a captivating retreat in Hungary that attracts tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews annually.

The uniqueness of Liska Jewish Cemetery lies in its role as a sacred space for tradition and dedicated faith. The resting place of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Friedman, referred to by the community as "Hershel Lisker" and the initiator of Hasidism in Europe, is located here. Despite his well-known poverty, the first Lisker Rebbe lived his life embodying teachings, charity, and miraculous aid. 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. Today, tens of thousands of pilgrims still visit the rebbe each year, especially on his yahrzeit, which falls on the 14th of Av.

The activities of the Liska Hasidic dynasty and Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman contributed to the spread 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 reputation of the Lisker Rebbe for healing extended far beyond his local community. Many people from other countries also migrated to the village of Liska and asked him to heal them. The community held a belief that the rabbi's blessings and prayers had the power to alleviate both physical and mental suffering.The experience of his presence was reported by several pilgrims at his grave, even after he had passed away.

The two caretakers of the Liska Jewish cemetery performed an act that honored not just the graves, but also preserved respect and remembrance for the past. At each grave, candles were ignited, their flickering flames bowing in respect to the spirits of former villagers. The light of the candles is perceived as a connection between the past and the present, radiating from the wellspring of remembrance.

The candle flame is a powerful symbol with deep roots in Jewish religious practice. The flames do not merely cast light, but also open a gate to all that is Eternal. As the Book says: "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 respectful lights at the Liska Jewish cemetery illuminate not just individual graves but also reflect the broader era and the collective fate of a people. The candle flames not only honor the memory of the graves but also preserve the stories of untold lives and unformed families. The lights of remembrance bring these flames to life, illuminating the tragedies of the Holocaust and underscoring the fact that every life not fully lived is a collective loss. 

United, the candle flames and the legacy of the Liska Rebbe remind us that the light of remembrance is a timeless beacon. 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.