In Hungary, Olaszliszka, or Liska as it is affectionately called by the local Jewish community, serves as a mystical sanctuary drawing tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews each year.

Liska Jewish Cemetery represents a singular blend of cherished traditions and devoted 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. 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 rebbe's impactful life greatly shaped the Orthodox Jewish communities of his time. Every year, tens of thousands of pilgrims come to see the rebbe, with the yahrzeit on the 14th of Av being a particularly significant time.

The efforts of the Liska Hasidic dynasty and Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Friedman played a key role in the expansion of Hasidism both in Hungary and around the globe. 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.Pilgrims who came to his grave continued to feel his spiritual presence long after his passing.

The efforts of the two caretakers at the Liska Jewish cemetery represented more than just the maintenance of graves; they embodied respect and a tribute to historical memory. At each grave, candles were ignited, their flickering flames bowing in respect to the spirits of former villagers. The light of the candles is perceived as a connection between the past and the present, radiating from the wellspring of remembrance.

The flame of candles holds profound symbolism in the Jewish faith. The light of the flames goes beyond mere illumination, serving as a portal to the Eternal. As the Book reveals: "Man's soul is the Lord's lamp, which searches out all the innermost parts." Proverbs 20:27

As we reach 2024, we reflect on 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. The following commemoration will be held just before the yahrzeit of Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at sunset.