Happy Sigd holiday to the Ethiopian Jewish community! The Sigd holiday is the annual holiday that takes place 50 days after Yom Kippur, when the Jews of Ethiopia renew their covenant with God. The days ceremonies would take place on a high mountain in Ethiopia, but now that the Ethiopian Jews have returned to Israel, it takes place at the Tayelet promenade in the Armon Hanetziv neighborhood of Jerusalem, overlooking Har Habayit (the Temple Mount). Last night as I was heading home from work I heard fantastic music playing loudly in the center of town. I went over to see what was going on, and there was a group of Ethiopian Jewish youth, connected to the Bnei Akiva youth movement, celebrating the Sigd holiday. Traditional music was playing, and traditional foods were being handed out to passersby. They were part of a leadership program called Tochnit Hashachar, which was holding a two-day seminar for them in Jerusalem. After all the tension and turmoil of the past few days in Jerusalem, it was empowering to be reminded of the miracles of our country. For thousands of years the Jews of Ethiopia yearned to return to the land of Israel, and other Jews around the world barely even knew they existed! These Jews held tenaciously to their Jewish traditions while isolated from other Jewish communities, and when the time came, they literally walked through deserts to get here, many thousands dying on the way. But they were determined to get to the Land they loved. And here they are, their descendants - young Israelis, carrying on their and our traditions in the State of Israel. It can be hard to see the forest for the trees. When were in the midst of terror, all can seem lost. But we are surrounded by miracles. חג סיגד שמח!
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 14:55:47 +0000
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