Ethiopian Jews, members of the Beita Israel community, have been celebrating the Sigd festival each year on the 29th of Cheshvan ever since the sixth century C.E. This year 29 Cheshvan falls on 25 November, 2011.
Sigd falls on the 50th day after Yom Kippur and symbolizes the acceptance of the Torah. During the celebration, members of the community fast, recite Psalms, and gather in Jerusalem where Kessim (Ethiopian rabbis) read from the Orit-Torah and celebrate.
Photo: Jack Vinonska
