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

The local Jewish community calls it Liska, but Olaszliszka in Hungary is a captivating hideaway that draws tens of thousands of Orthodox Jewish individuals each year.

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. Despite his well-known poverty, the first Lisker Rebbe's life was a testament to his dedication to spiritual teachings, charitable deeds, and miraculous help. His name is associated with numerous miracles, including healing the ill and blessing many towards prosperity. 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 celebrated on the 14th of Av.

Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman and the Liska Hasidic dynasty significantly contributed to the growth of Hasidism in Hungary and worldwide. His disciple, the Kerestir Rebbe Yeshaya Steiner, also known as Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir, often signed his correspondence with the phrase: "Yeshaya, son of R. Moshe, who attended the righteous Rebbe of Liska."

The Lisker Rebbe earned widespread acclaim for his extraordinary talent in healing. Individuals from different nations also made their way to Liska, requesting healing from the esteemed Lisker Rebbe. In the community, it was widely believed that the rabbi's blessings and prayers had the power to heal both physical and mental ailments. Despite his death, numerous pilgrims who visited his grave claimed to experience a sense of his continued presence.

The actions of the two caretakers at the Liska Jewish cemetery encompass more than grave maintenance; they serve as a tribute to respect and remembrance of the past. Candles were set alight at each grave, their flames bowing in homage to the departed souls of this once vibrant village. The candle's light is considered a bridge linking past and present, glowing with the warmth of memories from deep within.

The flame of candles is a profound emblem in Jewish tradition, rich with spiritual significance. Beyond providing light, the flames serve as a portal to the realm of the Eternal. 

As the Book says: "Man's soul is the Lord's lamp, which searches out all the innermost parts." Proverbs 20:27