Tu Bishvat in Georgia: Two JDC Clients Reflect on the Holiday of Trees

Ever wondered how Jews in Georgia celebrate Tu Bishvat? Discover more here.

By Tamara Khukashvili & Ada Tetrashvili - JDC Clients | February 7, 2023

As elderly JDC clients, Tamara Khukashvili (left) and Ada Tetrashvili (right) have fond memories of Tu Bishvat and Jewish life in Georgia.

This week, as we mark Tu Bishvat (literally, “The New Year of the Trees”), we turn from the human world to the natural world. On this day, some people plant trees, others eat fruits and nuts, and some even hold a Tu Bishvat seder. This Tu Bishvat, we turn to Georgia, where we hear from two JDC clients how Jewish Georgia celebrates The New Year of the Trees. 

Ada Tetrashvili

Name: Ada Tetrashvili

Age: 65

Location: Tblisi, Georgia

Occupation: Housewife and retired midwife

Describe your relationship to Jewish life growing up. What memories do you have? Any special traditions? 

I grew up in a family where Jewish holidays were always celebrated, and all Jewish traditions were treated with love. All adults observed Kashrut. And on Shabbat, I remember these words: “Everyone who observes Shabbat, observes all the commandments of the Torah, and whoever breaks Shabbat, breaks all its commandments.” I remember how, on Rosh Hashanah, a table was laid with festive treats. On Chanukah, candles were lit in the house. My most vivid memory is the Passover Seder, when, according to tradition, the whole family gathers in the grandparents’ house and reads the Haggadah. Grandfather recited chapters of the Torah by heart. Though he was blind, he attended synagogue every day, and I was instructed to accompany him.

What does Tu Bishvat mean to you? Do you have any special memories? How do you celebrate it?

Tu Bishvat, as we all know, is a tree-planting holiday. For me, it’s about interacting with the environment through this wonderful tradition of planting new trees. In doing so, a person contributes to improving the natural world.

Talk about your relationship to JDC. What programs are you involved in?

I have been involved with my JDC-supported Hesed social welfare center since 2019. It is difficult for me to express my gratitude when talking about JDC and the help provided to me as a client. I think of Winter relief, so necessary in the cold season – this is monthly support for food and medicine and is an immense help for me, with my small pension.

In addition, JDC helped purchase a tonometer – an instrument for treating glaucoma – which I needed so much. This is a significant and invaluable help, and most importantly, here at Hesed they share a piece of their heart with us.

Thank you everyone for your help; I wish you all prosperity.

Tamara Khukashvili

Name: Tamara Khukashvili

Age: 75

Location: Batumi, Georgia

Occupation: Seamstress

Describe your relationship to Jewish life growing up. What memories do you have? Any special traditions?

I have always been involved in Jewish life. My Father, Ilya Mikhailovich, knew Hebrew well and taught children to read and write. And we always observed Shabbat and all religious holidays as a family!

What does Tu Bishvat mean to you? Do you have any special memories? How do you celebrate it?

I remember very well how our family loved celebrating Tu Bishvat – the holiday of trees, fertility, and prosperity! Father always prayed for a good harvest. And in the yard, they always planted at least three fruit seedlings. Mom cooked holiday treats. As far as finances allowed, she tried to have five different fruits on the table.

Talk about your relationship to JDC. What programs are you involved in?

During all the years that I have been involved with JDC, I have received financial assistance and medicine from my local Hesed. This help is significant to me because my only income is my very small pension. In addition, thanks to the aid I receive as part of JDC’s Winter Assistance program, I do not freeze during the cold season.

For me, Tu Bishvat is about interacting with the environment by planting trees. In doing so, a person improves the natural world.

What else would you like to say that we didn’t cover? 

Your sincere support gives me the strength to live and not lose heart because there is JDC in my life. I express my gratitude for the invaluable help to the sponsors

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