Today (Thursday), hundreds of Ethiopian Jewish community leaders, religious leaders (Kessim), and members of parliament gathered at the Western Wall to celebrate Sigd, marking one of the community's most significant holidays.
But just what is Hag Hasigd?
The Origins
Deep in the Ethiopian highlands, some 500 villages of Beta Israel (Ethiopian Jews) preserved their unique Jewish traditions for over a millennium. Isolated from other Jewish communities after the last exile from Israel, they maintained biblical practices that often predated rabbinic Judaism, creating a living connection to ancient Israelite customs.
At the heart of their tradition was Hag HaSigd, a holiday dedicated to both spiritual renewal and the dream of return. The name "Sigd" comes from Ge'ez, an ancient Ethiopian language used exclusively for Jewish liturgy, and means "to prostrate" – reflecting the day's solemn origins.
The Traditional Observance
Historically, Hag HaSigd was observed 50 days after Yom Kippur, when the entire community would fast and climb the mountain near Ambober. There, they would spend the morning in prayer, renewing their covenant with God and expressing their yearning for Jerusalem. The afternoon would see them descending for a communal feast, uniting spiritual devotion with celebration.
A Dream Realized
The turning point came in 1977 when Israel officially recognized the Beta Israel as Jews under the Law of Return. What followed was a series of dramatic airlifts and rescues that brought hundreds of thousands of Ethiopian Jews to Israel, transforming an ancient dream into reality.
Modern Celebration
Today, Hag HaSigd has evolved from a day of longing into a joyous celebration of homecoming. While the community still gathers for prayers, the focus has shifted to celebrating their successful return through song, dance, and festive meals. The holiday has become a national celebration in Israel, welcoming all Israelis to join in honoring this remarkable journey.
The Beta Israel's unique heritage continues to enrich Israeli society, as evidenced by their distinctive traditions, including their holy book, the Orit, written in Ge'ez rather than Hebrew.
President Isaac Herzog joined today's ceremonies, emphasizing the deep connection between Ethiopian Jewry's journey and Israel's national spirit. "If there's one supreme value that Ethiopian immigration symbolizes above all, it's the understanding that this is everyone's home," Herzog said. He also highlighted the plight of hostages still held in Gaza, including Avera Mengistu, calling for renewed efforts for their release.
The day's observances included both traditional Sigd rituals and contemporary elements. Community members explored the Western Wall tunnels and visited a special exhibition showcasing Ethiopian Jewish history from biblical times to the present. The main prayer service was held at the Haas Promenade (Armon Hanatziv), with additional prayers scheduled at the Western Wall.
Pantahun Asefa Dawit, chairman of the Ethiopian Jewish Heritage Center, spoke about the community's ongoing challenges and achievements. "For thousands of years, we dreamed of returning to Zion," he said. "While the return wasn't easy and came with many hardships, our faith remained strong. Today's young generation continues to fight for equality while preserving our heritage."
Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar praised the community's preservation of traditions: "No other people in the world has preserved their traditions for so many years." He also addressed current events, expressing sorrow over the 101 hostages still in captivity, including Avera Mengistu, who has been held for over a decade.
Davar and iKonnect contributed to this article.