Sigd is one of the most photo worthy, special annual events held in Jerusalem, Israel.
Tens of thousands Ethiopian-Israelis and others gathered at the Tayelet, Armon Hanatziv promenade, for the annual Sigd Festival gathering today. Prayers went from early morning through to breaking a fast at 2:00 pm.
Crowds lined the path and filled gardens of the Tayelet with the Old City in view.
Besides the main ceremony, men were gathered around their holy books.
These cutout figures were dressed as in Temple times.
Generations of Ethiopian-Israelis come together on Sigd.
For thousands of years in Ethiopia, they dreamed of returning to Jerusalem.
For Sigd, smiles and colorful costumes were abundant.
White clothing was worn by women dressed in old traditional outfits prayering.
These women were probably all born in Ethiopia, each must have a story of how they and families arrived in Israel.
Crowds were huge. Security was especially tight.
But at least I got to see Rav Shaul and others arrive and enter, as I impatiently waited entry.
Once in the very restricted area, this was view of the main stage with the Kessim under colorful umbrellas.
The prayers were still being chanted around noon.
One man near the stage raised his hands in prayer.
President Rivlin reached up to shake hands with the Kessim as he proceeded to the stage to speak.
So many buses, from all over Israel were lined up, it was a long walk for these women to find their bus home. One was complaining in Hebrew about the distance, but I thought how much longer and difficult was the journey from Ethiopia to Israel.
Sigd was celebrated 50 days after Yom Kippur by Ethiopian Jews going to the mountains yearning to return to Zion. On the top of the mountain, the faithful would pray and fast. At the conclusion of the prayers, the Kessim would break bread known as Dabu which symbolized the bread served in the Temple. Today in Jerusalem, Israel, Sigd was remembered looking toward the Old City and site of the Temple.
Here is a short video near the end of the prayer service.
More Sigd photos on Facebook HERE
Your post is always very interesting. However it is extremely sad and upsetting to see how the brave people in Sderot have to suffer and cope with the constant attacks.
Thank you. Sad indeed. However yesterday young people from Sderot and south led a march to Knesset, ending with a program in Rose Garden which attracted hundreds, calling on government to “Let Us Grow up in Quiet.” Will it have any affect, no idea, but was positive expression for those involved and strong message. If time will post some of the photos. Shabat shalom and Chodesh tov.
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Thanks for giving me another chance to celebrate Sigd during this time I’m not yet comfortable to hang out in crowds. Next year, bs”d?
Let’s hope next year, all this will be history and only an unpleasant memory. Stay well and hope to see you soon!