Author: Nanuli Tskhvediani

For a Jewish woman raised in a traditional family, walking from street to street, from family to family, or from one congregation to another in the 1930s and 1940s, pencil and notebook in hand, must have been incredibly challenging. Rosa Tavdidishvili was that determined and enthusiastic woman who broke barriers to take the first step in ethnographic research about the lives of Georgian (Kutaisi) Jews. Her remarkable talent and abilities helped her achieve the seemingly impossible: creating a unique work titled Ethnographic Essay on the Ancient Life of the Jews of Kutaisi.

How significant must her work have been for the renowned Georgian ethnographer Sergi Makalatia to write a preface for it and serve as its editor. Makalatia remarked: “This ethnographic essay by Rosa Tavdidishvili on the life of the Jews of Kutaisi represents the first attempt and step in Georgian ethnographic literature.” He further noted that the Georgian Regional Studies Society supported Rosa in completing this work. According to Makalatia: “R. Tavdidishvili, as the first Jewish woman, managed to finish and submit her work for publication after three years of energetic effort. However, her essay is just the beginning. The Georgian Regional Studies Society plans to conduct similar studies among Georgian Jews in other regions of Georgia to gain a broader understanding of the ancient way of life of Jews in our country.” The book was published by the Technique and Labor Publishing House in Tbilisi in 1940.

Before delving into the content, the reader should note the author’s own words in the preface: “Since childhood, I had a great desire to study the life of the Georgian Jews of Kutaisi. However, as a non-specialist ethnographer, I hesitated to undertake such work. Instead, I immersed myself in their lives, seeking to understand every detail of the Georgian Israelites of Kutaisi and to share in their hardships.”

Her preface highlights the lives of Jewish women, particularly those from the second half of the 19th century. This passage is particularly striking: “It is very important to study the women whom the Georgian Jews of Kutaisi admired during this time. While most Jewish women of Kutaisi rarely ventured beyond their neighborhoods, some were known for their courage. In times of need, they would boldly confront the governor, stand up for community affairs, and speak out. Names like Saraia-Arab, Teteniai, Khananauri, Moshiauri, Bininauri, and Simsilauri were the pride of their people.”

Following the preface, the book is organized thematically and offers a treasure trove of fascinating information:

• Customs: Engagements, weddings, childbirth, child-rearing, family divisions (jalab), and family roles;
• Mourning and Burial: Traditions related to death and mourning;
• Superstition: Descriptions of New Year (Rosh Hashanah), Kipur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Pesach, and other rituals;
• Folklore: Legends, fairy tales, poems, anecdotes, and proverbs.

Rosa’s vivid descriptions bring to life the Jewish neighborhoods of Kutaisi, such as Mtsvanekvavila and Sapichkhia. Her work evokes the people—neighbors, acquaintances, classmates, and public figures—of the city. The detailed portrayal of customs like engagement, wedding ceremonies, childbirth, and even day-to-day activities paints a vivid picture of a bygone era. The book’s richness keeps readers returning to its pages.

More than 80 years have passed since the publication of the Ethnographic Essay on the Ancient Life of the Jews of Kutaisi, yet its relevance endures. The text is invaluable for historians, ethnographers, folklorists, and linguists. The contributions of consultants Sergi Danelia and Professor Mikheil Khananashvili further enhanced the work. Still, it is evident that Rosa’s talent shaped this masterpiece. To date, no comparable work on Georgian Jews in other regions has been produced.

The book’s journey is also noteworthy. For years, it was a bibliographic rarity. In 1996, the magazine Gantiadi reintroduced excerpts to readers. In 2000, a small edition was reprinted in Kutaisi by the creative association Tantra. However, wider recognition and distribution are still needed for Rosa Tavdidishvili’s invaluable work.

Who was Rosa Tavdidishvili?

Journalist Chessi Lezgishvili’s 1977 article A Lady Who Came with Honor sheds light on her life. Rosa was born in 1886 in Kutaisi’s Jewish Quarter. A curious child, she loved reading and excelled in school. Her father supported her curiosity by bringing books home and nurturing her intellectual growth. From 1924, she contributed to the Kutaisi newspaper Red Star and other publications. Her articles had revealing titles like “A New Jew,” “March 8 and the Georgian Jewish Woman,” and “More Attention to the Jewish Quarter.”

Rosa’s work was not easy. She faced obstacles, disapproval, and hostility. Yet she remained unwavering, working tirelessly to educate adults, encourage youth to learn trades and promote cultural and public engagement. She actively campaigned for women to move beyond the confines of family life and engage in public activities. Through public speeches, private conversations, meetings, and her articles, she tirelessly advocated for education and cultural involvement.

Professor Mikheil Khananashvili affectionately called her “Sidonia the Educator” for her remarkable efforts. With her active participation, the Poor People’s Committee opened workshops that involved Jews in its activities, providing practical skills and opportunities.

Rosa also served as a deputy in the Kutaisi City Council and a member of the Executive Committee. She was involved in the Women’s Delegate Club and taught at the School for the Elimination of Jewish Illiteracy. Her initiatives included creating educational programs for adults and youth, and bridging the gap between traditional and modern lifestyles.

Beyond ethnographic essays, Rosa wrote children’s books, including Two Brothers, Puzzle, Entertainment, and Proverbs in Rebuses. Her works were not just stories but educational tools that blended cultural values with practical learning. Her home in Tbilisi, after moving from Kutaisi, became a meeting place for prominent Georgian Jewish intellectuals, writers, and scientists. It was a hub of intellectual and cultural exchange.

Rosa Tavdidishvili passed away in Tbilisi in 1967, leaving behind an enduring legacy. Known as the “ Sidonia the Educator” of Kutaisi’s Jewish Quarter, her masterpiece, Ethnographic Essay on the Ancient Life of the Jews of Kutaisi, continues to inspire and inform. The depth and detail of her work remain unmatched, a testament to her dedication and vision.