Sigd: A Celebration of Faith, Heritage and Mutual Respect

From the mountains of Ethiopia to Jerusalem — a tradition of renewal, community and belonging

By Tami Lancut Leibovitz

Some holidays invite us to pause, look inward and reflect on what brings us together. Sigd, a distinctive holiday of Beta Israel — the Ethiopian Jewish community — is one such occasion: a day of prayer, reflection and renewal of the covenant, followed by celebration and fellowship.

It tells a story of faith sustained across generations, of longing for Jerusalem, and of the enduring bond between people and their heritage. It also offers an opportunity to discover a rich Jewish tradition and appreciate its place in contemporary Israeli life.

In 2026, Sigd falls on Monday, November 9 — 29 Cheshvan 5787. The Hebrew date begins at sunset on Sunday, November 8, while the fast, prayers and central gathering take place on Monday. This year’s main prayer assembly is scheduled for the Sherover Promenade in Jerusalem’s Armon HaNatziv neighborhood.

What Does “Sigd” Mean?

The name Sigd comes from Ge’ez, the sacred liturgical language of Ethiopian Jewish tradition, and refers to worship or prostration before God. The holiday is also known as Mehella, meaning supplication or a plea for forgiveness.

Observed fifty days after Yom Kippur, Sigd centers on renewing the community’s covenant with God and the Torah. Its traditions draw inspiration from the public gatherings, readings of scripture and renewal of the covenant described in the Book of Nehemiah, during the return to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile.

The Kessim, the community’s spiritual leaders, guide the prayers and religious ceremonies.

From Personal Reflection to Shared Responsibility

One of Sigd’s most meaningful ideas is the connection between personal reflection and communal responsibility.

While Yom Kippur emphasizes individual repentance, Sigd extends that reflection to the community as a whole. It is an opportunity to consider shared values, strengthen relationships and renew a collective commitment to a better way of life.

For me, this carries a message that reaches into our everyday interactions. Alongside asking how we conduct ourselves as individuals, we can ask what kind of environment we create together.

Do we listen? Do we notice one another? Do we make room for each person to feel respected, together with the traditions and experiences they bring?

Sigd in Ethiopia: Ascending the Mountain

In Ethiopia, members of the community gathered to climb a high mountain, led by the Kessim and accompanied by sacred texts. The ascent evoked Mount Sinai and gave physical expression to the spiritual significance of the day.

Some participants carried stones as a sign of humility and repentance. At the summit, prayers and readings from scripture expressed a desire for forgiveness, renewed commitment and a profound longing for Jerusalem.

When the prayers concluded, the mood shifted from fasting and supplication to joy. Singing and a shared festive meal brought the community together.

Hospitality also played an important role as people gathered for the holiday. Sigd connected religious devotion with the welcome, generosity and human relationships that sustain a community.

Sigd in Israel: Praying in Sight of Jerusalem

In Israel, the longing for Jerusalem has acquired a new dimension: prayers are now offered overlooking the city that generations dreamed of reaching.

The central gathering takes place on the Armon HaNatziv promenade, with views toward the Old City and the Temple Mount. Some also observe the holiday at the Western Wall.

Led by the Kessim, people of different generations come together for prayer, remembrance and a renewed sense of belonging. Many participants continue fasting until the prayers conclude in the afternoon.

In 2008, the Knesset passed the Sigd Holiday Law, formally recognizing Sigd as a state holiday. Educational and cultural activities also help introduce the wider public to Ethiopian Jewish heritage.

Passing this tradition from one generation to the next gives younger people an opportunity to explore their family histories. It also invites Israeli society as a whole to deepen its understanding of the diversity within Jewish life.

From Prayer to the Table: Dabo and the Shared Meal

At the end of the fast, attention turns to food and fellowship. Among the foods associated with breaking the fast is dabo, a traditional Ethiopian bread, which is shared as the prayers give way to celebration.

The meal creates time for conversation, warmth and connection after the hours of worship.

This is where the holiday’s traditions meet the art of hospitality: welcoming others, sharing what we have and helping people feel that they belong.

Where Etiquette Comes In: Curiosity, Consideration and Respect

Learning about another person’s holiday is a simple expression of consideration. It says: I see you, I am interested in your world, and I respect what matters to you.

When acknowledging Sigd with friends, neighbors or colleagues, a few thoughtful gestures can make the encounter more meaningful:

• Offer a warm greeting. “Happy Sigd” is a simple and appropriate way to acknowledge the occasion.

• Ask without making assumptions. “How does your family observe Sigd?” leaves room for different traditions and personal choices.

• Be considerate of those fasting. Before offering food or arranging a gathering around a meal, check what would be comfortable.

• Respect prayers and participants. Follow the organizers’ guidance, remain quiet during worship and ask permission before taking close-up photographs.

• Make space for personal stories. Invite people to share if they wish, without expecting any one person to speak for an entire community.

Sigd invites us to learn about a tradition and to listen to the people who carry it forward.

“Etiquette is the human language that crosses borders, bridges differences and connects people.”Tami Lancut Leibovitz

Wishing the Beta Israel community and all who celebrate a happy Sigd — a day of renewal, connection and mutual respect.