Ethiopian Jews mark the Sigd holiday

In depth

The Sigd holiday, observed on the 29th of Cheshvan, is celebrated 50 days after Yom Kippur. For generations, members of the community gathered in the mountains of Ethiopia, fasted and prayed for a return to Zion. The holiday is dedicated to the renewal of the covenant with God, communal soul-searching and longing for Jerusalem.

In Israel, the holiday is marked with special lessons in schools, meetings with leaders of the Beta Israel community and traditional activities. Students will also take part in the central ceremonies marking the holiday, and some will travel to Jerusalem for them.

According to the author of the book "Me'Ethiopia Derech Sudan LeHar Herzl", making the holiday a state event and the participation of members of other communities strengthen the connection between Ethiopian Jewry and the rest of the Jewish world. He says the date is accompanied by prayer for peace with Israel and yearning for Jerusalem. Today the holiday is celebrated mainly at ceremonies in Jerusalem.