Sigd Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Sigd Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Sigd Day is celebrated on November 22nd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Sigd Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you should know about Sigd Day.

📅 What day is Sigd Day 2024?

In 2024, Sigd Day is on Wednesday, November 22nd. It is the 4th Wednesday in November; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all intriguing details and facts about November 22, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Sigd Day is a significant holiday celebrated in Israel on November 22nd, which corresponds to the 29th of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan. While Hanukkah is a well-known Jewish holiday, it is important to also recognize and appreciate the lesser-known festivities of Sigd Day. Ethiopian Jews have been quietly celebrating this occasion for generations within their own homes. By celebrating Sigd Day, it helps to strengthen the Jewish identity and diversity, shedding light on a minority population that has existed in Ethiopia since the time of King Solomon. These Jews have coexisted with Christians and Arabs, and many still hold a deep longing to return to Jerusalem.

📜 Sigd Day History

Ethiopian Jews have developed their own unique religious and cultural customs over thousands of years, which played a crucial role in preserving the Jewish faith. They had forgotten how to speak Hebrew and lacked certain holidays like Hanukkah and Purim. Instead, they composed and read the Torah in Ge’ez, Ethiopia’s sacred language, and were led by spiritual leaders called Kesim. Their main festival, Sigd, held 50 days after Yom Kippur, served as a significant occasion for repentance, atonement, and praying for a safe return to Jerusalem.

In the 20th century, the dream of returning to Jerusalem became a reality for thousands of Ethiopian Jews who were airlifted to Israel by the Israeli government. The Sigd holiday took on a new meaning as a celebration of their return to Israel. Today, Ethiopian Israelis celebrate Sigd Day with a combination of prayer and festive community gatherings. The celebrations have become more diverse and include vibrant Ethiopian events, attracting Jews from different backgrounds. It is a grand celebration of Jewish tradition and diversity, with music and theatrical performances. The Ethiopian Jewish community, also known as the Beta Israel, claims direct ancestry from Menelik I, the son of King Solomon and Queen Sheba.

✅ Sigd Day Facts

🔖 Writing the “Torah” takes one year
The scribes will carefully write the 304,805 letters of the “Torah” with great attention to detail, following in the footsteps of Moses.

🔖 Strict laws for writers

🔖 Know your “Torah”
Each year, Jewish families engage in the practice of reading the entire Torah, dedicating one small portion each week.

👍 Why Is Sigd Day Important

Observing Sigid Day helps everyone have a better understanding of the Jewish community. It’s the ideal time to learn about Ethiopian Jewish culture.
Sigd Day criticizes narrow, sometimes one-dimensional views of religion. Religious customs may differ, yet everyone has a similar faith.
Sigd Day is a cultural enthusiast’s dream. It’s the ideal day for experiencing unusual customs and sampling delectable meals.

🙂 How To Observe Sigd Day

⚡ Discover new music

⚡ Read up
Explore the rich cultural heritage and historical background of the Ethiopian Jewish community through a diverse range of books and online videos.

⚡ Try Ethiopian cuisine
Ethiopian Jews have a long and rich musical legacy. From religious music to ties to African American culture, their musical influences show a clear cultural orientation.

📅 When is Sigd Day?

Explore all 🔗 November holidays, including 🔗 Cultural and other 🔗 Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about Sigd Day. So be sure to check back soon.