Celebrating Sigd: An Ancient Holiday of Connection, Unity, and Hope
In the diverse landscape of Jewish holidays, Sigd stands out as a spiritually charged observance by Ethiopian Jews, also known as Beta Israel. Sigd is a unique blend of solemnity and celebration, observed on the 29th of the Hebrew month of Heshvan – 50 days after Yom Kippur. The word “Sigd” itself means prostration or worship in Amharic, perfectly capturing the day’s focus on reverence, unity, and communal connection.
What Sigd is All About
At its core, Sigd is a day of commitment and renewal for the Ethiopian Jewish community, a time to reconnect with the Torah and reaffirm a shared commitment to God. The holiday celebrates:
- Accepting the Torah as a guide and inspiration for life
- Renewing the covenant with God, just as the Jewish people did in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah
- Longing for Jerusalem – and enduring symbol of hope, unity, and spiritual homeland
- Fasting, prayer, and reflection to deepen the spiritual experience
- Strengthening the Jewish identity and unity within the community
These themes link Sigd to the global Jewish community, underscoring ideas that resonate for Jews everywhere – especially those of community, faith, and the desire for belonging.
Interested in learning more about the Beta Israel community? Join us at the JCC on Wednesday, February 19 at 6:30 PM for a FREE screening of Yerusalem, The Incredibly Story of Ethiopian Jewry. Plus, you can purchase an Ethiopian dinner (chicken or vegetarian) from OMO Ethiopian Bistro to enjoy during the film. Contact Reva Fox to learn more.
WAYS TO OBSERVE THE HOLIDAY
- Sigd is an opportunity for households to come together to make injera, a famous Ethiopian flatbread eaten with all meals. You can find recipes online and invite friends and family to join you for a celebratory meal.
- Traditionally, members of the Beta Israel community fast on Sigd. The fast ends mid-day with a feast and lots of dancing. You can create an Ethiopian music playlist and invite others to dance with you in celebration.
- Introduce the holiday to your children through coloring activities or crafts related to the holiday’s symbolism, like umbrellas. On Sigd, Kessim carry beautiful, colorful umbrellas meant to create shade for the community during the ceremonial prayers and readings on the mountaintop.
Sigd’s Origins
Sigd’s roots date back to ancient times, with ties to the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which tell of the Jewish people gathering in Jerusalem after returning from exile in Babylon. For Ethiopian Jews, who lived in isolation from other Jewish communities for centuries, Sigd became a profound expression of unity and resilience. Even amid persecution, Beta Israel held fast to their dream of Jerusalem and their unique way of celebrating Sigd. It’s believed that the holiday was formalized by Qesoch (Jewish spiritual leaders) in the 15th century as a day of peace and devotion, though some accounts trace it as far back as the 6th century.
How Sigd Was Traditionally Celebrated in Ethiopia
For Ethiopian Jews, Sigd was traditionally marked by a pilgrimage to the highest nearby mountain, symbolizing Mount Sinai. The entire community would gather at the base, and the Kessim (spiritual leaders) would lead them up the summit, carrying the Orit (the Ethiopian Torah, written in the ancient language of Ge’ez). Along the way, community members would recite passages from the Orit, especially from Nehemiah, while others would place rocks or holy books on their heads as a humble act of devotion to God.
Once at the top, the Kessim lead prayers, recounting the story of the Jewish covenant and praying for a renewed connection to Jerusalem. After descending, they would break their fast with a celebration – feasting, dancing and reconnection as a community, much like a Passover seder. It was a time to rejoice in their shared identity and recommit to preserving their faith and heritage.
Sigd Today
The dream of reaching Jerusalem came true for thousands of Ethiopian Jews in the late 20th century, thanks to airlifts like Operation Moses and Solomon. However, even though many Ethiopian Jews now live in Israel, Sigd remains a vital celebration, an acknowledgement of their journey, faith, and the challenges they’ve overcome. In 2008, the Israeli Knesset officially recognized Sigd as a national holiday, honoring Beta Israel’s rich culture and contributions.
Today, Sigd is celebrated in Israel with ceremonies held at Armon Ha’Natziv, a Jerusalem promenade overlooking the Old City. Thousands gather to pray, reconnect, and remember. Traditional songs, costumes, and parades toward the Kotel (Western Wall) fill the day, and the fast ends with festive dancing and joyful celebrations.
For Ethiopian Jews, Sigd is both a joyful acknowledgement of their heritage and a reminder of unfinished aspirations. Although they are now in Israel, Sigd carries a vision for a day when all Jews can unite in Israel.
Why Sigd Matters to All Jews – and to the world
Sigd celebrates core Jewish values of Torah, unity, and spiritual connections. Its powerful themes remind us all of the importance of preserving tradition, building community, and nurturing our shared aspirations.
Celebrating Sigd also broadens our view of Jewish identity. The Ethiopian Jewish experience is a vibrant chapter in the Jewish story, showing how resilience and faith can preserve a community for centuries. By learning about and commemorating Sigd, we embrace the beauty of a diverse Jewish world, honoring the Ethiopian Jewish community’s profound heritage while deepening our understanding of what connects us all.
So, this Heshvan, may we all say, Melkam Ye’sigd Bahal! (Blessed Sigd Holiday!) and celebrate the richness that every community brings to our shared Jewish tapestry.
