Sigd

What is it?

Sigd is a community holiday of Ethiopian Jewry. The name derives from the Aramaic "to bow." It is observed on the 29th of Heshvan — 50 days after Yom Kippur — and marks the longing for Zion and renewal of the covenant with the Torah.

History

In Ethiopia, Sigd was the day on which the communities ascended a designated mountain (Mount Hoharwa) to listen to the Kessim chant from the Torah and the prophets. After Operation Solomon (1991), Sigd became a nationwide observance in Israel — the main ceremony is held in Jerusalem at the Armon HaNatziv promenade, with parallel ceremonies in Netanya, Rishon LeZion, Rehovot, Beersheba, Haifa, and other community-strong cities.

Law 5774-2008

On July 30, 2008, the Knesset passed the Sigd Holiday Law (5769-2008), recognizing it as an official Israeli national holiday. Ethiopian-Israeli employees are entitled to a paid day off; the Ministry of Education runs a community-themed lesson day.

Community relevance

• Anchor cultural-identity event — transmitted across generations
• The Kessim (religious leaders) lead the prayers and the Torah recitation
• Every city with a sizeable community (Netanya, Rehovot, Rishon LeZion, Haifa) holds a local ceremony
• Municipalities subsidize venue and logistics (Sigd event funding)

See also

• Beta Israel — the communal identity of Ethiopian Jewry
• Kessim — religious leadership in Ethiopian Judaism
• Operation Solomon — the airlift that made the Israeli Sigd possible