Sigd: An Ethiopian Jewish Tradition
Sigd is a sacred holiday in Beta Israel (Ethiopian Jewish) tradition, observed 50 days after Yom Kippur. Rooted in fasting, prayer, covenant renewal, and the longing for Jerusalem, Sigd brings communities together to reflect on their relationship with God and one another.
Explore Sigd through this abridged version of Orit Jewish Learning's educational presentation.The slideshow introduces traditional Sigd observances in Ethiopia and the ways the holiday continues to be celebrated in Israel today.
Interested in a deeper learning experience? Orit Jewish Learning offers the full presentation for schools, synagogues, and community organizations, available virtually or in person.
How to use the Slideshow: Use the left and right arrows to move through the slides at your own pace. Each slide includes a short description beneath it to provide additional context.
This abridged presentation is designed for independent learning and can also serve as a starting point for discussion in classrooms and community gatherings.
*Melkam Sigd!* Happy Sigd! Sigd is one of the most significant holidays in Beta Israel tradition, bringing together generations through prayer, remembrance, and communal celebration.
Sigd is a holiday of pilgrimage, fasting, thanksgiving, and communal renewal. Through prayer and blessings led by the Kessim (religious leaders), communities reaffirm their relationship with God and one another.
Observed 50 days after Yom Kippur, Sigd historically expressed the Ethiopian Jewish community's longing to return to Jerusalem. The holiday offered an opportunity to renew the covenant with God and reflect on the community's shared hopes and responsibilities.
Preparations for Sigd traditionally began before the pilgrimage, with prayers led by the Kessim, ritual purification, and food prepared for the communal meal after the fast. These practices brought together spiritual preparation and the practical work of gathering as a community.
In Ethiopia, Beta Israel communities traditionally gathered to ascend a mountain, recalling Moses' journey to Mount Sinai. At the summit, the Kessim led prayers and offered blessings for peace, healing, and the hope of reaching Jerusalem. The gathering also provided an opportunity for reconciliation and communal repair.
Today, Ethiopian Jews continue to gather for Sigd in Israel, particularly at Jerusalem's Armon HaNatziv promenade. The holiday remains a time for prayer and blessings while also bringing generations together to celebrate Ethiopian Jewish identity, traditions, and community life.
Photographs of contemporary Sigd gatherings capture the continued importance of religious leadership, communal participation, and shared prayer. These celebrations connect traditions preserved in Ethiopia with Ethiopian Jewish life in Israel today. *Photography: Gidon Agaza (as credited in the original presentation).*
This introduction provides a foundation for learning about Beta Israel history, religious life, and traditions.
Explore our Holiday Traditions resources to discover how Beta Israel communities have traditionally observed Jewish holidays, including Pes’cha (Passover), Brhan Sereke (Rosh Hashanah), and Bale Meselet (Sukkot).
