Sigd

Sigd is an Ethiopian Jewish festival celebrating the acceptance of the Torah as told in the book of Ezra.

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Rediscovering Sigd

HALAKHAH

Sigd was once a widely known festival among the entire Jewish people, not just a local Ethiopian tradition. Rabbi Sharon Shalom explores the historical and cultural significance of Sigd, a holiday preserved by Ethiopian Jews, and its potential integration into the broader Jewish community.

Some assert that Sigd is a particular, local holiday that developed in Ethiopia, and that it was never known in any other Jewish community. But I would like to argue that in ancient times, Sigd was known among the entire Jewish people, and that due to historical circumstances, it was forgotten, while in Ethiopia it was preserved. A Talmudic source indicates the existence of this custom in the past throughout the Jewish world:

From Sinai to Ethiopia, Shulhan haOrit; The Halakhah of Ethiopian Jewry, Then and Now, 4 Holidays and Festivals 23:43

The Faithful Jews of Ethiopia

HALAKHAH

The Beta Israel community of Ethiopia has maintained their Jewish identity and traditions for centuries, despite isolation from mainstream rabbinic Judaism. Rabbi Sharon Shalom’s work explores the unique customs and historical journey of Ethiopian Jews.

We accept the halakhic decision of the Ridvaz that the Beta Israel community of Ethiopia are Jews in the full sense of the word. The Israeli heart is uplifted by the encounter with their dedication and faithfulness to tradition that has spanned many generations. In the last few years, I have participated in the Sigd holiday celebration, held on the hill across from Mount Moriah to the south. This site is first referred to in the Bible in the verse “Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place far off” (Genesis 22:4)…

From Sinai to Ethiopia, Foreword by Rabbi Dr Yehuda Brandes 1

Longing for Jerusalem

HALAKHAH

The Beta Israel community has maintained a profound connection to Jerusalem, reflected in their unique customs and fasting practices. Rabbi Sharon Shalom’s work explores the ancient traditions of Ethiopian Jews, particularly their observance of the Sigd holiday, which embodies their longing for Jerusalem.

The hope was passed from one generation to the next. Some fasted for nine days over the defeat of Jerusalem and the destruction of the First Temple, and in the month of Av some fasted for seventeen days – from Rosh Hodesh until 17 Av – also in mourning for the destruction of the Temple. Many customs are related to Jerusalem. To give only several examples: during prayers the congregants faced Jerusalem; when slaughtering an animal, the Beta Israel pointed the animal’s head toward Jerusalem; one of the central reasons for the Sigd holiday was the longing and hope for Jerusalem…

From Sinai to Ethiopia, Shulhan haOrit; The Halakhah of Ethiopian Jewry, Then and Now, 1 Daily Practices 12:11

Beta Israel community celebrating Sigd at Armon HaNatziv, Jerusalem.

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