Sigd

Sigd is an Amharic word meaning prostrating oneself. On the 29th of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan (usually in October or November), members of the Ethiopian Jewish community fasted. They met in the morning and walked to the highest point on a mountain. The “Kessim” [Kohanim - spritual leaders of the community] carried the “Orit,” the Ethiopian Torah, which is is written in the ancient Geez language and comprised of the Five Books of Moses, the Prophetic writings, and other writings such as Song of Songs and psalms. The Kessim recited parts of the Orit, including the Book of Nehemiah. On that day, members of the community recited Psalms and remembered the Torah, its traditions, and their desire to return to Jerusalem. In the afternoon they descended to the village and broke their fast, danced, and rejoiced. This holiday symbolized the covenant in receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai. The fasting ends in mid-day, in a Seder of sorts.

The Ethiopian community in Israel has been celebrating the holiday by holding a mass ceremony in Mount Zion in Jerusalem, topped with a procession to the Western Wall. In the past few years, the ceremony has been held in Jerusalem's Armon Hanatziv Promenade.

The Knesset added Sigd to the list of State holidays in July 2008, and will be holding an annual state ceremony. The holiday's history, traditions and ceremonies will be included in the educational system's curriculum and going to work during the holiday will be optional.