Olaszliszka is nestled among the hills of the Tokay country side (2 hours from Budapest) where the famous Tokay wines come from. It had a population in the 1830's of around 2,682 inhabitants. The Orthodox Jewish kehilla (community) numbered 70 families — 312 members altogether.
Among them were 57 tax paying citizens:
• 1 entrepreneur
• 17 small businessmen
• 2 farmers
• 2 civil servants
• 2 self-employed
• 5 freelance artists
• 8 blue collar workers
• 20 engaged in various other forms of employment
Two neighboring counties, as well as the town of Olaszliszka, banded together to supply 5,000 forint (Hungarian currency) toward the religious education as well as the support of the elementary school established in 1872. The elementary school had 1 teacher and 36 students. The Talmud Torah had 1 teacher and 25 students. The Jewish population also supplied the Talmud Torah students with housing and food. The Jewish community also made sure that the Library was well stacked and continually supplemented. The Library Project was called "Chevra Kiyan Seforim," or the Library Supply Committee.
Among other existing organizations are as follows: Chevra Kadisha (taking care of the deceased, funeral services and burials); Discretionary Funds — a poor house where one could stay if they had no place to go; and a Ladies Auxiliary.
