Bakehila at Sigd Day

Sigd day is a religious and spiritual time celebrated by Jews of Ethiopian descent to remind them of their obligation to G-d's commandments, and to signify the longing to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Holy Temple.

This is one of the most significant days in the Ethiopian Jews' calendar, and it has many interesting customs.

Traditionally, the community gathers on a high mountain, preferably one from which it is possible to view the Temple Mount, and the Kess (spiritual leader) leads the people in special prayers and blesses them. The community wear traditional white garments and fast for a half day, before breaking the fast on a festive meal.

This year, Bakehila's children of Ethiopian descent hosted our Year of Service fellows at the Sigd day gathering in Armon Hanatziv, and together they received blessings from the leaders, ate from the traditional bread and saw youth perform Ethiopian dances.