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The Vaad’s involvement in Tbilisi started in 1984 when we sent shlichim to learn Torah with Ariel Levine. Ariel is a Tbilisi native who became interested in Judaism after attending a summer seminar held by the Vaad. Determined not to be the only Orthodox Jew in Tbilisi, Rav Ariel started teaching Torah in the local Shule. This eventually grew into full day elementary schools for boys and girls, a full day Yeshiva for older boys and now a community Kollel. The Kollel has solidified Tbilisi’s status as a self-sustaining Jewish city. A few of the Kollel members are original Tbilisi natives that studied under Rav Ariel, went to Israel to continue their studies, and have now returned to their hometown to teach the next generation of children. The Kollel members also give daily classes for the men, and their wives to the women. The demand for additional Shiurim for the community is increasing steadily. The Vaad recently renovated the Mikva which now serves about 40 families and is also increasing due to the weekly women’s classes that are so well attended. Other community activities of the Vaad include funding the Shule, providing a shochet, and sustaining the Rachamim Society, the local charity organization which provides food and medicine to the needy. Due to the depressed economic situation in Georgia, the community is incapable of providing even the most basic necessities for themselves, especially the elderly, making the Vaad’s role even more essential in their daily lives.
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TBLISI, GEORGIA
