In the 1600s, the first Jewish settlers began arriving in various towns in Hungary, and their numbers grew significantly by the mid-1700s. Towns such as Erdőbénye, Erdőhorváti, Bodrogkisfalud, Mád, Olaszliszka, and Abaújszántó became home to these growing Jewish communities. By the mid-1700s, Hasidic Jews from Galicia also began to arrive, their distinct appearance and Hasidic customs drawing attention in the local communities. Hasidism is a branch of Orthodox Judaism that focuses on joyful prayer, spirituality, and a more heartfelt approach to religious practice.

Archival research shows that these Jewish settlers quickly integrated into their new towns, establishing vital religious and cultural institutions. Initially, most of the Jewish population was engaged in local and itinerant trade, but soon they diversified into various trades and crafts such as artisans, tailors, glassmakers, pharmacists, and laborers. Many Jewish families also contributed to local economies through medical practices and agriculture. Over time, Jews were granted rights to participate in vineyard cultivation and kosher winemaking, further boosting their communities’ influence in the wine trade. By the 1800s, the Jewish communities in the Tokaj region became well-known for their contributions to grape growing and the production of kosher wine.

By the early 19th century, growing Jewish populations in these towns necessitated the building of synagogues, prayer houses, and yeshivas. These institutions were essential to preserving religious life and Jewish education in the area. After the Compromise of 1867, which granted Jews “complete equality,” the development of Jewish schools and religious institutions accelerated even further. This legal shift not only solidified their place in Hungarian society but also allowed for the flourishing of Jewish culture and the advancement of the local Jewish economy.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, these Jewish communities continued to thrive, contributing to the growth of trade, religious life, and education in Hungarian Jewish history. Their role in the region’s wine industry, including the production of kosher wines, remains an enduring legacy of Jewish contribution to the region’s heritage.

Prominent Jewish communities were led by charismatic leaders who were revered for their profound Torah knowledge and often regarded as miracle workers by both Jewish and non-Jewish locals. These spiritual leaders, with deep expertise in Jewish law and natural healing practices, provided guidance and assistance without expecting any compensation. Their influence extended beyond religious circles, earning them widespread respect and admiration across various ethnic and religious groups.

The golden era of Liska occurred when the community selected its rabbis from esteemed families such as Horovitz, Klein, Veinmann, and Goldberger. These decisions shaped the fate of Liska’s Jewish population, making the village a significant center for Hasidic Judaism. The name Liska became etched in the hearts of Hasidic communities worldwide, with the village becoming a key spiritual destination.

The turning point in Liska’s Jewish history came when the community sought to appoint a successor to Rabbi Teitelbaum Mózes (1759-1841), the leading proponent of Hasidism in Hungary. They chose the young, scholarly Friedmann Hershel (1808-1874 / 5634, Av 14), whose wisdom and humility embodied the teachings of his master. Despite his growing influence, Rebbe Hershel insisted on keeping his modest weekly wage of one forint, demonstrating his deep commitment to a life of selflessness and asceticism.

Rebbe Hershel’s kindness, pure character, and immense Torah wisdom earned him a reputation that spread far and wide. By the 1840s, Olaszliszka had become the center of Hasidism in Hungary, and Rebbe Hershel became the country’s spiritual leader. Olaszliszka soon turned into a pilgrimage site for thousands of Hasidic Jews, drawn to the tzadik’s merit and teachings. His impact on Hasidism is still remembered, with the village holding a special place in the hearts of Hasidic pilgrims today.

Rabbi Friedmann Hershel led the community with a focus on Jewish spirituality, continuing the Hasidic traditions introduced by Rabbi Teitelbaum Mózes. His influence was so powerful that Liska became synonymous with the spread of Hasidism, and today, it remains a prominent spiritual center for Jews worldwide. The Hasidic pilgrimage to Olaszliszka remains a testament to the lasting legacy of Rebbe Hershel and his contributions to the growth of Hasidism in Hungary.

After the passing of Teitelbaum Moshe, Hasidic communities from neighboring regions recognized Rebbe Friedmann Cvi Hirsch Hershel of Liszka as the most worthy successor. This recognition not only shaped the Jewish community of Liska but also greatly influenced the town’s development. In the late 19th century, Rebbe Hershel built the community’s synagogue, which could accommodate 500 worshippers. Demonstrating his deep connection to Jewish tradition, he chose not to place a cornerstone in the synagogue’s wall, symbolizing the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. He also constructed his own house without a foundation, reminding everyone of the impermanence of earthly life. To this day, his grave remains a place of pilgrimage, drawing thousands of Hasidic Jews and other visitors seeking blessings through the tzadik’s merit.

Among his most devoted disciples was the future Bodrogkeresztúr Rebbe, Steiner Sájele, who deeply revered his master. After Rebbe Hershel’s passing, Rebbe Sájele consistently visited his grave, bringing pilgrims’ kvitlach (prayer notes) to honor his beloved mentor. He visited the Olaszliszka Rabbi’s grave at least once a month and, towards the end of his life, even signed his letters as “the servant of the Olaszliszka Rabbi.”

Rebbe Steiner Sájele was born in 1851 in Zboró. Despite becoming half-orphaned at the young age of three, his destiny was shaped by his early encounter with Rebbe Friedmann Cvi Hirsch of Liszka, who immediately recognized the boy’s potential and Torah brilliance. Before formally taking Sájele under his wing, Rebbe Hershel sent him to study at the renowned yeshiva in Bűdszentmihály, under Rabbi Rottenberg Semajahu, who further honed his intellect.

Beloved Disciple of the Liszka Tzadik

After his time in Bűdszentmihály, Sájele returned to become the favored disciple of Rebbe Hershel. It was said that Sájele was so cherished by his mentor that Rebbe Hershel would joke, “This Sájele is everything to me!” As Rebbe Hershel’s assistant, Rebbe Sájele tirelessly followed in his master’s footsteps, helping to distribute gifts and funds brought by visitors to those in need. His dedication to his Hasidic Rebbe and his community made him one of the most respected figures in the region.

The Hasidic traditions established by Rebbe Hershel of Liszka and continued by Rebbe Sájele of Keresztúr have left an enduring legacy. The Liszka Rebbe’s grave remains a central pilgrimage site, while the stories of Rebbe Sájele’s devotion to his master and community continue to inspire Hasidic Jews today. The influence of these tzadikim helped spread Hasidism throughout Hungary, turning Olaszliszka into a spiritual center revered by Jewish communities worldwide.

Beloved Disciple of the Liszka Tzadik

After his time studying at the yeshiva in Bűdszentmihály, Rebbe Sájele became the most cherished disciple of the Liszka Tzadik, Rebbe Friedmann Hershel. It is said that Rebbe Hershel cherished Sájele so deeply that he once playfully remarked, “This Sájele is everything to me!” As the assistant to the Liszka Rebbe, Sájele tirelessly followed his master’s example, learning the ways of Hasidism and adopting the tzadik’s humility and kindness. Visitors to the Liszka Rebbe would often bring gifts or donations, which Sájele would faithfully distribute among those in need.

On one memorable occasion, a widow came to the Liszka Rebbe seeking help to marry off her daughter, needing 300 forints for the dowry. The amount was promptly gathered from Rebbe Sájele’s own donations and handed to the woman in the antechamber. When Rebbe Hershel saw this, he humorously quipped, “Yeshayahu, you’re outpacing all my business dealings!” This story reflects not only Rebbe Sájele’s generosity but also the close bond he shared with his master.

The bond between the Liszka Rebbe and Rebbe Sájele was so deep that Rebbe Hershel desired Sájele to be his successor. However, this decision was met with resistance by some in the Hasidic community, and not everyone agreed with Rebbe Sájele’s staying in Liszka after his master’s passing.

Liszka: To Stay or to Go?

Uncertain of his next steps, Rebbe Sájele sought the counsel of Rebbe Hajim Halberstam (1793–1876), the revered Sanz Rebbe, who advised him to remain in Liszka and continue his work. But this advice weighed heavily on Sájele’s conscience, as he had no desire to create conflict within the community. To seek further clarity, Rebbe Sájele journeyed to see Rebbe Mordkhe Leifer (1824–1894), the Nadvorna Rebbe, who provided a different perspective: “The Sanz Rebbe is a great warrior, but you are a peaceful soul. Move to Keresztúr, and there you will fulfill the teachings you learned from your master.”

Thus, following this counsel, Rebbe Sájele eventually moved to Bodrogkeresztúr, where he continued the spiritual legacy of Rebbe Hershel and spread the influence of Hasidism. His decision to relocate shaped the future of the Hasidic community, where his teachings continued to inspire pilgrims and followers for generations. Keresztúr became a significant site for Hasidic pilgrimage, and the bond between Liszka and Keresztúr remains strong to this day.

The Hasidic Throne Relocates to Bodrogkeresztúr

In line with his modest and humble nature, Rebbe Sájele moved to Bodrogkeresztúr in 1875, where he also found a wife. After the passing of the Liszka Miracle Rabbi, his son-in-law, Rebbe Chaim Friedlander (1835–1904), who had previously served as the Rabbi of Erdőbénye, became the heir to the Hasidic leadership. However, Rebbe Friedlander, the author of Tál Hájim (Bethlen, 1909), lived a more secluded life, not actively receiving followers. As a result, the figurative Hungarian Hasidic Throne, along with Rebbe Sájele, found a new home in Keresztúr.

Cvi Herschele (Cevi Hirsch) (1808–1874), the saintly tzadik of Liszka, became Hungary’s first major Hasidic leader after the passing of Teitelbaum Moshe, turning Olaszliszka into a major Hasidic pilgrimage site. Thousands flocked to Olaszliszka to seek blessings and advice from Rebbe Herschele, whose asceticism, kindness, and wisdom made him renowned throughout the region. Despite his influence, Rebbe Herschele maintained his life of poverty, refusing to increase his one-forint weekly salary and distributing all donations to the poor. He built a synagogue in Liska but intentionally left out the cornerstone to symbolize the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. His home, built without a foundation, reminded others of the impermanence of earthly life. To this day, his grave remains a significant pilgrimage site for those seeking his merit.

Upon Rebbe Hershel Lisker’s passing in 1874, the mantle of leadership was taken up by his son-in-law, Rav Chaim Friedlander (born in 1840 in Kisvárda), then serving as the Rabbi of Erdőbénye. As Rebbe Hershel had no surviving sons, the leadership passed to Rav Chaim Friedlander, who was descended from several prominent Torah luminaries of the 16th century, including Maharsha, Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel, David HaLevi Segal, Joel Sirkis, Isaiah Horowitz, and Naphtali Cohen. Known for his profound Torah knowledge and his melodious voice, Rav Chaim authored works like Tal Chaim, which offered homiletical explanations on each parsha, and Tal Chaim Uverocho, a glossary on the Talmud.

During Rav Chaim Friedlander’s tenure, Hungary was experiencing both political turmoil and worsening economic conditions. Despite these challenges, the Hasidic community in Liska worked hard to maintain the religious and social services established by the first Lisker Rebbe, ensuring that the legacy of Rebbe Hershel continued. In addition to economic struggles, Rav Chaim was deeply troubled by the rising antisemitism in the country. When a dangerous proclamation was issued, calling for the arrest, execution, and confiscation of Jewish property, Rav Chaim prayed fervently in the synagogue, offering himself as a sacrifice to avert the decree.

Tragically, a week later, while deep in thought during a meal, Rav Chaim Friedlander choked on a piece of meat. It was widely believed that through his selfless act, the Jewish community was spared from catastrophe. Rebbe Chaim Friedlander, affectionately known as the Tal Chaim, passed away in 1904. His selfless leadership and dedication to the Jewish people are remembered to this day, and his influence on Hasidic life in Hungary continues through the many pilgrims who visit Liska.