Georgia’s Jewish community is one of the oldest in the world, with roots that, according to tradition, go back more than 2,500 years. A group of graduates of the Chelki BaKehilati community leadership course recently set out to discover it first-hand, on a tour of the Jewish community of Tbilisi produced by Flight Hunter together with Keshet Tours, two companies that specialise in journeys to Jewish communities around the world.
Every detail taken care of
The organisers handled the entire trip, from flights and transfers to accommodation at the kosher Genesis Hotel in Tbilisi. The hotel, in the centre of the city, gave the group a warm welcome, with strict kashrut and every comfort.
Meeting the Jewish community of Tbilisi
The Great Synagogue
The group began at the Great Synagogue, Beit Rachel, in the heart of the old town. There they heard a talk from the Chief Rabbi of Georgia, Rabbi Avimelech Rosenblatt, about the long and proud history of Georgian Jewry and the community’s life today.
The Or Avner Jewish school
Next, the group visited the Or Avner Jewish school and met the local Chabad emissary, Rabbi Mendy Edery. He spoke about the challenges facing the community and the ways the Chabad House encourages local parents to choose a Jewish education for their children. One key factor is cost: unlike many private schools in the city, studying at the Jewish school is free, which has helped attract many new pupils.
Or Avner in Tbilisi is regarded as one of the leading Jewish schools in the region. Under the management of Chabad emissary Rabbi Meir Kozlovsky, it combines broad Torah knowledge with a high standard of general studies.
An inspiring visit
For the participants, the visits to the synagogue and the school were the highlight of the trip. They came away with a deeper understanding of the history of Georgian Jewry, Chabad’s work in the community and the importance of Jewish education for its future.
Planning your own visit
Tbilisi is an excellent destination for Jewish travellers, with kosher accommodation, an active community and fascinating history. See our Tbilisi travel guide, things to do in Tbilisi and day trips from Tbilisi, or join an organised mehadrin kosher tour to Tbilisi.
