Celebrating Sigd: Old Traditions Meet New Communities

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The Sigd festival held last week in Jerusalem was a special experience because it demonstrated a balance between isolation and assimilation, between tradition and modernity. Until contemporary times, the holiday of Sigd was practiced solely by Ethiopian Jews. Sigd celebrates the acceptance of the Torah and the desire to return to Israel and the Temple. It also marks the day that God is thought to have revealed Himself to Moses.

Walking through the festival here in Jerusalem, it was impossible not to notice the subtle ways that Ethiopian and Israeli cultures alike have shaped our modern celebration of Sigd. Ethiopian Israelis dressed in traditional garments intermingled with those wearing popular street fashion. But, most importantly, it was not only the Ethiopian Israeli community celebrating. The crowd represented a mix of Jewish identities from numerous origins. For many immigrants, making a new life in another country tragically requires relinquishing ties to one’s traditions and homeland. Sigd, however, represents the unique harmony between Ethiopian and Israeli culture, built on shared Jewish roots.

Ethiopian and non-Ethiopian Israelis continue to influence one another and build a common Jewish community. Sigd is even recognized as a national holiday in Israel. The festival was held in a mix of Hebrew and Amharic to avoid excluding anyone from participation. Notable speakers included both high ranking Israeli government officials as well as the spiritual leaders of the Ethiopian community, called the Kessim. I ate a pita filled with schnitzel and goat meat, cooked with Ethiopian spices. The flavors blended perfectly.

ABOVE: A woman prays in traditional garb. In the bottom right corner,
a young girl in a pink jacket plays on her mobile phone 

As Sigd shows, both Ethiopian and non-Ethiopian Israelis strive to appreciate one another’s unique traditions and the roles they play in our shared society. I spoke with several non-Ethiopian Jews who were excited to celebrate the festival for the first time this year and to connect with another aspect of their Jewish heritage. However, for full integration to be possible, social services like ENP’s Scholastic 

Assistance Program must continue. Although a mutual culture has begun to form here in Israel, Ethiopian Israelis in particular face the hardships of low-income work, lack of access to education, and the language barrier. As we celebrate with the Ethiopian Israeli community, we must also remember to offer support through these difficulties.

Article contributed by Jessica Powers

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