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. The sacred resting place of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Friedman, affectionately known as "Hershel Lisker" by the community, the pioneer of Hasidism in Europe, is found here. Even in the face of his notable poverty, the first Lisker Rebbe’s life was a testament to the spirit of teachings, charitable deeds, and miraculous support. He is celebrated for numerous miracles: people came to the renowned rebbe for healing, and his blessings also brought prosperity to many. The extraordinary life of the rebbe left a significant mark on the contemporary Orthodox Jewish communities. 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 disciple, the Kerestir Rebbe Yeshaya Steiner (commonly known as Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir), later signed his correspondence in the following manner:„Yeshaya son of R. Moshe, who attended the righteous Rebbe of Liska”

Far and wide, the Lisker Rebbe was acclaimed for his remarkable gift of healing. People from various countries also moved to the village of Liska, seeking his healing touch. The community trusted that the rabbi’s blessings and prayers could address and heal both bodily and mental afflictions.Even after his death, several pilgrims who came to his grave experienced his survival.

The caretakers of the Liska Jewish cemetery carried out a task that symbolized not only the care of the graves but also the respect and remembrance of historical legacy. Candles were lit at each grave, the flames of which bowed before the souls of those who once lived in this small village. The flickering flames of the candles are seen as a link between past and present, casting light from the heart of remembrance.

The light of candles serves as a profound emblem of the Jewish religion. The flames offer more than light; they unlock a passage to the Eternal. As the Book describes: "Man's soul is the Lord's lamp, which searches out all the innermost parts." Proverbs 20:27

The year 2024 represents the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust. The reverent lights burning in the Jewish cemetery of Liska evoke not only individual graves, but also an entire era, the fate of an entire people. The candle flames not only honor the memory of the graves but also preserve the stories of untold lives and unformed 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. 

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.