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Sigd

Sigd is a holiday celebrated by Ethopian Jews on the 29th of Cheshvan. Here, you will find more information about Sigd and the ways that our community celebrates it! How are you celebrating Sigd? We'd love to hear stories and see photos of how you are bringing your full, queer selves to this chag (holiday).

November 26, 2019

“I want to wish Melkam Sigd Bahal for everyone at Keshet. That means Happy Holiday of Sigd in Amharic.”

Resources:

Sigd – The Ethiopian Jewish Day of Covenant– an explanation of the history of Sigd and some great photos, from the Museum of the Jewish People.
Israeli, Ethiopian, and Gay- An Interview with the leaders of KALA, and Israeli Ethiopian LGBTQ group.
In Photos: Ethiopian Israelis Celebrate Sigd Holiday in Jerusalem– a photo series about the celebration.
Sigd: What’s It All About?– A primer on the history, customs, rituals and celebrations of Sigd from Moishe House.
What is Sigd? -A short explanation with some great links for more in-depth learning.
‘Eating the Fat’ and ‘Drinking the Sweet’ on Sigd– some traditional Ethiopian Jewish recipes to help celebrate the holiday.
Israel Celebrates Ethiopian Jewish Holiday– a short video about Sigd with some information about the Israeli celebrations.
Want to learn a bit of Amharic? (the Semitic language that is the official language of Ethiopia)

*Why are we celebrating Sigd?

Our Jewish community is diverse, multiracial, and multi-ethnic. Keshet is committed to addressing the needs and elevating the voices of LGBTQ Jews of Color. We want to make LGBTQ connections to this holiday, but to do so we need your help! Please send resources, stories, and photos of your LGBTQ celebration of Sigd to [email protected]

Keshet envisions a world in which all LGBTQ+ Jews and our families can live with full equality, justice, and dignity. Stay connected by joining our email list and following us on social media.