Sigd Day – Nov. 8, 2026

Expected Sigd Day Deals

Sigd Day is a time for reflection and community, rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the North American Conference on Ethiopian Jewry (NACOEJ) and Jewish Federations of North America often host educational programs, cultural events, and fundraising drives to support Ethiopian Jews in Israel and the diaspora. Look for virtual or in-person gatherings that share the history and traditions of the Beta Israel community. We will update this page with confirmed community events as November approaches.

History of Sigd Day

According to myth, Jews arrived in Ethiopia during the reign of the biblical King Solomon. They settled in the country and continued to observe Jewish traditions, despite the geographical alienation from Jews elsewhere.

As millennia passed, the Jewish people in Ethiopia developed religious and cultural practices unique to their land and people. It was a matter of the Jewish faith surviving. The people had lost Hebrew. Shabbat existed in some form, but there was no Hanukkah or Purim.

The Ethiopian Jews wrote and read the “Torah” in Ge’ez — a holy language in Ethiopia. The community’s spiritual leaders were called Kesim, and the biggest celebration was Sigd. These practices kept Jewish traditions alive, even though the dream of Jerusalem seemed distant. Sigd Day celebrations are synonymous with life for Ethiopian Jews. The holiday falls 50 days after Yom Kippur, bringing people together for a festive communal celebration. For thousands of years, Ethiopian Jews spent the day repenting and making amends with those they have wronged. The community would also fast and pray for their eventual safe return to Jerusalem. In the afternoon, everyone gathered for feasting and dancing.

The dream of returning to Jerusalem came true in the 20th century. The Israeli government airlifted thousands of Ethiopians to Israel. Upon their arrival, the festival of Sigd acquired a new meaning — the celebration of the return to Israel. Since then, Ethiopian Israelis celebrate Sigd Day with prayer in the first half and festivities in the second. Present-day Sigd Day festivities feature colorful Ethiopian festivals. Jews of all backgrounds take part. From concerts to theater performances, Sigd Day is a vibrant display of Jewish heritage and diversity. The Ethiopian Jewish community is also known as the Beta Israel — people who claim to be direct descendants of Menelik I. For the uninitiated, Menelik I was the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Sigd Day