Coexistence and Religion: History, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity in Georgia
Georgia has always been a land of multiple faiths: Judaism, Islam, Christian Orthodoxy, and Paganism have a long and unique history of coexistence. In the three-week course, we’ll begin in Tbilisi at the Georgian-American University where you’ll hear lectures on the role of religious traditions in the history and current life of Georgia, followed by thematic lectures on religious and secular traditions in Georgia. Topics will include: Church music, spiritual art, church and temple architecture, the unique history of Georgian Jews, Islam in Georgia, the persistence of paganistic practices, and the era of Soviet Official Atheism.
During the last two weeks of the trip, the group will travel the length and breadth of Georgia, an alpine country about the size of West Virginia or Ireland. You'll see Tblisi as well as rural villages and everything from medieval monasteries to gorgeous beaches. There are so many sights to see, but we’ll focus on the spiritual sites that are central to the religious history of Georgia (without missing the scrumptious culinary traditions and the stunning natural beauty of this countryside!).
Dr. Michael A. Denner is Professor of Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies at Stetson University. He's also the editor of the Tolstoy Studies Journal and the director of Stetson's University Honors Program. Like most people who have visited Georgia, Dr. Denner decided it was the coolest place on earth. He currently does field research in Georgia on the topic of climate change and viniculture and viticulture. He's also translating the best cookbook on Georgian cuisine: Lobio, Satsivi, Khachapuri: Georgia with Taste.
The Taglit-Birthright Israel trip covers roundtrip airfare plus 10 days of accommodations and unique programs in Israel. Any Jewish young adult aged 18-26 is eligible to apply for the gift unless they have been to Israel on a peer-group program after the age of 18.
Akiva offers a unique mix of experiential and soulful experiences, designed for the student who is interested in exploring their Jewish background and history. Akiva takes 40 hand-picked students from across North America and offers them a unique blend of workshops and tours all while living in the ancient Old City of Jerusalem. This will be a trip to Israel, which you'll cherish for a lifetime.
