Students at Solomon Schechter Day School held a celebration of Sigd on Monday.

Solomon Schechter students celebrate the Ethiopian Jewish Holiday of Sigd. Courtesy photo

Submitted

On Monday, Nov. 13, students of Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford celebrated the Ethiopian Jewish holiday of Sigd.

The Ethiopian Jewish Community, called Beta Israel, celebrates Sigd 50 days after Yom Kippur. Sigd became recognized in Israel as an official holiday in 2008.

On Sigd, members of the Beta Israel community fast, read from scriptures (five books of Moses, Joshua, Judges and Ruth), recite psalms, and pray for the rebuilding of the Temple. The community engages in introspection and reflection similar to that of Yom Kippur, but this time focuses more on joint communal behavior.

The day begins with a serious tone and a monochromatic, white look and transitions mid-day to colorful celebrations filled with feasts of tasty foods, vibrant colors, and dancing to energetic music. Umbrellas are commonly used to protect celebrants from the beaming sun and heat.

In recent years, Sigd has become more widely celebrated in Israel, and Schechter is very excited to add this holiday to the other Jewish holidays and cultural traditions that students learn about and celebrate.

Schechter students of all ages (2 through eighth grade) had the opportunity to learn about the holiday, bake a special bread called Dabo, decorate umbrellas, dance to Ethiopian Jewish music, and have in-depth conversations about the culture and history of the Ethiopian Jews.

Solomon Schechter students celebrate the Ethiopian Jewish Holiday of Sigd. Courtesy photo

Solomon Schechter students celebrate the Ethiopian Jewish Holiday of Sigd. Courtesy photo

Solomon Schechter students celebrate the Ethiopian Jewish Holiday of Sigd. Courtesy photo

Solomon Schechter students celebrate the Ethiopian Jewish Holiday of Sigd. Courtesy photo

Solomon Schechter students celebrate the Ethiopian Jewish Holiday of Sigd. Courtesy photo

Solomon Schechter students celebrate the Ethiopian Jewish Holiday of Sigd. Courtesy photo

Solomon Schechter students celebrate the Ethiopian Jewish Holiday of Sigd. Courtesy photo

Solomon Schechter students celebrate the Ethiopian Jewish Holiday of Sigd. Courtesy photo

Solomon Schechter students celebrate the Ethiopian Jewish Holiday of Sigd. Courtesy photo

Solomon Schechter students celebrate the Ethiopian Jewish Holiday of Sigd. Courtesy photo

Solomon Schechter students celebrate the Ethiopian Jewish Holiday of Sigd. Courtesy photo

Solomon Schechter students celebrate the Ethiopian Jewish Holiday of Sigd. Courtesy photo

Solomon Schechter students celebrate the Ethiopian Jewish Holiday of Sigd. Courtesy photo

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