Malcom Sigd Behal!
This is NOT in any way meant to limit the number of Sigd-related posts standing alone on the sub, but rather provide a central location for questions, comments, and advice as we approach this unique and ancient holiday of Beta Israel.
This post is to both educate those Jews who might not know about Mehlella (ምህላ), and to better include our Beta Israel brethren and sistren in this subreddit of global Jewry. Ask questions and share ideas here to help your fellow Jews celebrate Sigd and continue welcoming this new year.
Amata Saww (ዐመተ ሰወ) is celebrated on 29 Cheshvan. This year that is from sundown on Sunday, November 12, through the evening of Monday, November 13.
Sigd (ስግድ) is an annual chag celebrated by Beta Israel/Ethiopian Jews 50 days after Yom Kippur. Sources differ on its exact origin, but at least by the 15th century CE Sigd represented the receiving/acceptance of the Torah. It also symbolizes the (re)unification of Ethiopian Jews in an otherwise hostile and oppressive Christian land. Some take pilgrimages on Sigd to various locales around Ethiopia, most of which are thought to have been refuges from Christian oppressors of the era. Other performances of commemoration include a community fast, the reading of Psalms, and the reading of the Orit (the Octateuch: Torah plus Sefer Yehoshua, Sefer Shoftim, and Megilat Rut). The day generally ends with a break-fast and other celebrations.
Some resources to introduce Sigd/סיגד (Prostration) / Mehlella (Supplication) / Amata Saww (Grouping Day):
These links were from a quick consultation with Rav Google (and just knowing some good resources). There are many, many resources out there. If you have any to add to this list, please share below.
Previous posts:
And of course, the havura of Reddit is here for you. You are not alone this year. We are all in this together, and will be together again next year, in Jerusalem.
submitted by /u/drak0bsidian
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Source: Reditt
