BC Communities | Jewish Federation of BC | Jewish Federation of British Columbia

OUR SHARED JEWISH STORY

Meet Beta Israel

Beta Israel, meaning “the House of Israel,” is the Jewish community rooted in Ethiopia. For generations, the community preserved its Jewish faith, sacred traditions and deep connection to Jerusalem, while developing distinctive forms of prayer, learning and communal life.

The Kessim, the community’s spiritual leaders, guided religious life and passed on the teachings of the Orit, its sacred scripture. Across journeys from Ethiopia to Israel and into the present, Ethiopian Jewish voices, traditions and creativity continue to enrich our shared Jewish story.

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Kessim, Ethiopian Jewish spiritual leaders, holding the Orit — Kessim holding the Orit. Ethiopian Jewry Heritage Center

REFLECTION. RENEWAL. COMMUNITY.

What is Sigd?

Sigd is a holiday of Beta Israel observed 50 days after Yom Kippur. It is a time for reflection, prayer and renewal of the covenant between the Jewish people, God and the Torah, with Jerusalem at its heart.

In Ethiopia, communities gathered to ascend a mountain, fast and pray under the leadership of the Kessim. After the prayers, they descended to break the fast and celebrate together. Today, Sigd continues to bring generations together through its spiritual traditions, communal gathering and enduring connection to Jerusalem.

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