Rehovot’s Weizmann School Celebrates Sigd With Ethiopian Jewish Heritage Activities

Pupils at Weizmann School in Rehovot celebrated Sigd on Friday, November 13, with activity stations introducing Ethiopian Jewish heritage. The school celebration combined learning about the holiday with demonstrations of traditional clothing and musical instruments, food and dancing. At a lecture and discussion station, pupils explored Sigd’s meaning, history and the values associated with it. An exhibition included traditional instruments and a live musical demonstration. Pupils also encountered traditional clothing and an explanation of weaving, alongside the buna coffee ceremony and a tasting of dabo bread. At the dance station, pupils joined dances accompanied by songs in Amharic and Tigrinya. The school thanked parents and volunteers for their participation and contributions to the celebration, and for their partnership in arranging the activities. Sigd is a centuries-old Ethiopian Jewish holiday observed 50 days after Yom Kippur. In a November 5 explanation, the Education Ministry described its themes as renewal of the covenant made at Mount Sinai and longing to return to the Land of Israel. The observance includes reflection, fasting and repentance.