In 1874, the passing of Zvi-Hersh Friedman heralded the end of prosperity in the Jewish community. Although to this day, on the day of his yahrzeit, the 14th day of Av, thousands still converge to pray at his grave. Just like he helped many in his lifetime, let him pray for us from his heavenly abode.
At the passing of Hershel Lisker in 1874 the mantle of leadership fell to his son-in-law Rav Chaim Friedlander. Hershel Lisker had no surviving kin. Rav Chaim Friedlander came from the illustrious 14th Century Torah luminary, the Marshu. He himself was a great Torah scholar and outstanding orator with a mellifluous voice. Among his writings were the Tal Chaim — a homiletical explanation of each parsha, Tal Chaim Uverocho a glossary on the Talmud.
At this time there was a change in the political climate of Hungary plus a worsening of the economy. Nevertheless, the Rabbi and kehilla tried to continue with the social and religious services instituted by the first Lisker Rebbe under duress and great hardship. Rav Chaim Friedlander's concern did not only pertain to the economic hardship, but to the new political climate that worried him. A proclamation went out throughout the land that all Jews should be imprisoned and killed and their properties confiscated. The Rebbe went to shul and prayed — he offered himself as a sacrifice if this terrible verdict could be averted.
The following week as the Rabbi was sitting at the dinner table deep in thought, he took a piece of meat in his mouth, the food got lodged in his throat and he choked. The terrible tragedy against the Jews had been averted. The Tal Chaim, as he was called, passed away in 1904.
