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Sigd is an Amharic
word meaning prostrating oneself.
On the 29th of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan, members
of the Ethiopian Jewish community fasted.
They met in the morning and walked to the highest point
on a mountain, the 'Kessim' came carrying the 'Orit'.
The 'Kessim' recited parts of the 'Orit', including
the Book of Nehemiah.
On that day, members of the community recited Psalms
and remembered the Torah, its traditions, and their
desire to return to Jerusalem.
In the afternoon they descended
to the village and broke their fast, danced, and rejoiced.
This holiday symbolized the covenant in receiving the
Torah on Mount Sinai.
Sigd is still celebrated in Israel today. The Ethiopian
community comes from all over Israel to Jerusalem. The
'Kessim' recite the prayers while the community prays
overlooking the old city of Jerusalem. The desire to
return has been realized.
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