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

Olaszliszka, or Liska, as the local Jewish community calls it, is a magical hideaway in Hungary, where tens of thousands of Orthodox Jewish peoples come every year.

The Liska Jewish Cemetery stands as a unique testament to enduring traditions and dedicated faith. The holy grave of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Friedman, or as the community calls him: "Hershel Lisker", the first home of Hasidism in Europe, is located here. The first Lisker Rebbe, renowned for his profound humility despite his renowned poverty, lived a life devoted to teachings, charity, and miraculous aid. His name is linked with numerous miraculous events: the sick came to him for healing, and many prospered 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. Tens of thousands of pilgrims visit the rebbe annually, with the yahrzeit taking place 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 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. The Lisker Rebbe's reputation for healing drew many people from other countries to the village of Liska. In the community, it was widely believed that the rabbi's blessings and prayers had the power to heal both physical and mental ailments. Even after his death, several pilgrims who came to his grave experienced his survival.

The two caretakers of the Liska Jewish cemetery performed an act that is not only the graves, but also the bearer of respect and remembrance for the past. Candles were set alight at each grave, their flames bowing in homage to the departed souls of this once vibrant village. The flames of the candles are regarded as a conduit between the past and the present, their glow reflecting the depths of remembrance.

The flame of candles is a profound emblem in Jewish tradition, rich with spiritual significance. The flames do more than illuminate; they also open a gateway 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