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

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 distinctive site for honoring traditions and unwavering faith. This site is home to the revered grave of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Friedman, known as "Hershel Lisker" in the community, the pioneer 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 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.

 

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 Lisker Rebbe earned widespread acclaim for his extraordinary talent in healing. People from various countries also traveled to the village of Liska, seeking the Lisker Rebbe's healing expertise. The rabbi's blessings and prayers were thought to possess healing powers for both physical and mental suffering within the community. Even after his passing, many pilgrims visiting his grave reported experiencing his spiritual presence.

 

By tending to the Liska Jewish cemetery, the two caretakers have not only managed the graves but also carried forward the values of respect and historical memory. The lighting of candles at every grave allowed their flames to bend in tribute to the souls who had once lived in this serene village. Viewed as a bridge between bygone days and the present, the candle flames illuminate from the core of collective memory.

 

The flame of candles is a profound emblem in Jewish tradition, rich with spiritual significance. The flames not only shine but also unlock a passage 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

kosher

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Comments on “Liska, as the local Jewish community calls it, is a magical hideaway in Hungary”

Leave a Reply

Gravatar