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Sigd Holiday Experience

November 8 @ 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm

This evening brings the traditions and culture of Ethiopian Jewish life to the Skirball with a celebration of Sigd, an ancient Ethiopian Jewish holiday of renewal and communal gathering observed 50 days after Yom Kippur.

Begin with a communal walk through the Skirball grounds inspired by Sigd’s tradition of pilgrimage and ascent. Led by cookbook author and restaurateur Beejhy Barhany and Beza Abebe, Doctor of Juridical Science, the walk invites reflection on the holiday’s themes of renewal, connection, and collective responsibility, culminating in a shared ritual and ceremony overlooking the surrounding landscape.

Continue with a celebratory evening hosted by Beejhy and Being Jewish podcast host Jonah Platt. Savor a traditional Ethiopian meal, experience a traditional coffee ceremony by Sisi Ti, and enjoy live Ethiopian folk and jazz music from Anbessa Orchestra. Younger guests can explore Sigd through a children’s arts table sponsored by Be’chol Lashon.

Join Jonah for a special conversation with Beejhy, Beza, and Nikki Legesse of Destination Little Ethiopia, exploring home, heritage, and belonging through the lens of Sigd. Through personal stories and perspectives from Ethiopian Jewish life and the wider Ethiopian community, the panel will reflect on preserving traditions, sharing culture across generations, and building connections between Ethiopia, Israel, and Los Angeles. The conversation will be recorded for Being Jewish.

The evening also includes a book signing with Beejhy for her acclaimed cookbook, “Gursha,” named one of The New York Times’ best cookbooks of 2025.

Explore testimonies from members of the Ethiopian Jewish community recorded by USC Shoah Foundation, and learn about its ongoing efforts to record more of these experiences and support programming that builds awareness of antisemitism in all its forms.

Featuring photography celebrating Ethiopian Jewish culture by Kelly Fogel.

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