Ethiopian Jews Celebrate The Sigd – Jerusalem

The Ethiopian Jewish community, called Beta-Israel, lived in seclusion for over 1,000 years, only reconnecting to the Jewish world in the late 20th century. According to Ethiopian tradition, their roots go back 3,000 years to the era of King Solomon. Like their brethren in many parts of the world, Ethiopian Jews suffered persecution for their beliefs and refusal to adopt Christianity. In the Middle Ages their lands were confiscated, villages plundered and many murdered. They were nicknamed Falash – intruders, homeless and without property. Despite the hardships, this community preserved their traditions with great devotion and generations were educated on the value of yearning for a return to Jerusalem, The Holy City, home of The Temple, pure and holy. The Sigd celebrations, Sigd meaning “to bow or prostate oneself”, convey their love and yearning for Jerusalem.

Traditionally the celebrations took place on a hilltop looking toward Jerusalem,signifying a renewal of the bond with God. Now, with a community of over 150,000 in Israel the main event takes place annually at the Sherover Promenade in Jerusalem, overlooking The Temple Mount.Thousands followed the Kessim, the religious leaders, and gathered in the late morning hours in colorful traditional garments or in whites signifying purity, to pray and give thanks. Guests of honor included Minister of Immigrant Absorption, Ms. Sofa Landver and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat.

The yearning for Jerusalem has become a reality. Israeli-born offspring to Ethiopian Jews are finding it more and more difficult to identify with the aspirations of their forefathers. First signs are evident that this ancient ethnic celebration of hope and faith might one day be forgotten.

Butcher

Sacrificial lambs are butchered, cleaned and roasted in pits. Mount Gerizim, Israel. 17/04/2011.

The Samaritans Passover Sacrifice HERE

Int’l Women’s Day

Even if it doesn’t help, it won’t hurt!

Hundreds gathered this afternoon, on the 22nd day of the Jewish month of Kislev in the year 5771, at the Wailing Wall for a mass prayer for rain, following a day of fast called upon by Chief Rabbis of Israel.

Services at the Kotel were lead by Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar, HaRishon LeTzion, Chief Rabbi of Sephardi Jews and President of The Great Rabbinical Court and silver horns were sounded. Yesterday, Rabbi Amar sent a plea to the worldwide Jewish community to join the fast and prayer, writing “We must gather and shout out to the Creator of the universe to have mercy and compassion on his people Israel, and His mercies are abundant.”

According to statistical data provided by the Israel Meteorological Service to date there has only been 5mm of rainfall on a nationwide average, which is only about 7% of the rainfall last year at this time and only 1% of the multi-year seasonal average.

In spite of the prayers forecasters are predicting at least another ten dry days.