27/05/2020
SPECIAL OFFER – Georgia for the Jewish Travelers - Jewish Heritage Cultural Routes in Georgia
The history of Georgian Jews is at least as old as the history of Georgia itself. Their presence in the area echoes several biblical stories. According to the first, the Georgian Jews would be ancestors of the 10 lost tribes of Israel, exiled from Jerusalem to other areas of Assyria by King Salmanasar around the eighth century BC.
According to the second version, they are descendants of the inhabitants of the kingdom of Judah, exiled by Nebuchadnezzar II after the capture of Jerusalem in 597. This version also explains why the Georgian Jews are called “guriyim”, which means lion cub in Hebrew, the emblem of the tribe of Judas.
It is well known that as people who were removed from the bulk of their historic homeland, the Jews scattered in dozens of countries and living in permanent danger of assimilation, if not annihilation, but it has never been a threat for them in Georgia. From ancient times in this country these two people were living and live up to now in mutual respect, common understanding, etc.
Discover the fascinating 2 600 year history of Jewish community in Georgia. Learn about the origins and history of Jews in the country of Georgia, how Jewish people have practiced their faith and culture here over many years as well as the history and traditions of our country.
