Olaszliszka, referred to as Liska by the local Jewish community, is a enchanting haven in Hungary, visited by tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews every year.
Olaszliszka, referred to as Liska by the local Jewish community, is a enchanting haven in Hungary, visited by tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews every year.
Blog Article
Olaszliszka, referred to as Liska by the local Jewish community, is a enchanting haven in Hungary, visited by tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews every year.
The uniqueness of Liska Jewish Cemetery lies in its role as a sacred space for tradition and dedicated faith. The holy burial site of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Friedman, known to the community as "Hershel Lisker," the founder of Hasidism in Europe, is situated here. The first Lisker Rebbe, known for his significant poverty, upheld a life characterized by deep teachings, acts of charity, and miraculous help. His legacy includes many miraculous acts: the esteemed rebbe healed the sick and bestowed blessings that led to the prosperity of numerous individuals. The life of the wonderful rebbe had a great impact on the present of the Orthodox Jewish communities of that time. The rebbe continues to attract tens of thousands of pilgrims each year, with the yahrzeit on Av 14 being a major draw.
Through their endeavors, the Liska Hasidic dynasty and Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman helped propel the proliferation of Hasidism across Hungary and the world. 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 Lisker Rebbe gained widespread renown for his healing abilities. The reputation of his healing drew many people from different nations to the village of Liska. In the community, there was a strong conviction that the rabbi’s prayers and blessings could heal both physical ailments and mental distress.After his death, many pilgrims visiting his grave still felt as though he was somehow present with them.
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. Candles were lit at each grave, their flames bending in reverence to the souls of those who once resided 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 symbolism in the Jewish faith. These flames are not just sources of light but gateways to the Eternal. As the Book writes: "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. In the Jewish cemetery of Liska, the burning lights symbolize not only each grave but also an entire historical period and the collective experience of a people. The flame of the candles not only preserves the memory of the graves, but also the untold lives and the unbuilt families. The remembrance lights breathe life into these flames, highlighting the Holocaust’s tragedies and reminding us that each unfulfilled life represents a loss to everyone.
Both the candlelight and the legacy of the Liska Rebbe symbolize that the light of remembrance shines on eternally. The next observance will occur on the evening before the yahrzeit of Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir, which falls on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at sunset.
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