Sigd Festival in Tapiyot 2010

By Breny Aceituno -
Shalom all beautiful people!

It was such a wonderful day here in Israel. I am so excited to be able to share with you all my wonderful (and first) Sigd experience. For those of you who are not too familiar with Sigd, here is a link to their facebook page which gives a great overview http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sigd/138229019535354.

However here is a short sweet version of sigd:
Sigd is a Festival celebrated every year in honor of the mass pilgrimage to Jerusalem by the Ethiopian Jews. It is celebrated 50 days after Yom Kippur it is an essential part of the Ethiopian culture here Israel.
Now, to explain the beauty of it...well there are no words, but I will attempt. I was told that the festival would take place in Tapiyot, exactly the opposite of Mt Scopus (where I currently live). However exactly where in the Tapiyot I was not sure. I was certain to find out through random wondering and silly questioning and so I hopped on the bus and headed in that direction. I got off at the Ban Ilan Juntion and saw many ethiopians hanging around and walking in a certain direction. So, I did what any lost person would do, I followed the crowd. And wala, there I was in the middle of the festival with ethiopians from all over Israel enjoying the sun and taking part in the festivities of Sigd. There was singing, dancing, theatre and a lot of laughing from all who were there, and of course the traditions that also come with Sigd, praying, blessing and eating. Most were siting on the grass enjoying the surroundings and others were walking around to the varies informational tables of the ethiopian communities. It was a joyous festival with many friends present- which is always nice to see. I am so glad to be exposed to such a community and cant wait for the many more adventures that will come from them. :)

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