Jerusalem, Israel - Nov. 16, 2020 - Sigd has been one of the most photo-worthy, special annual events held in Jerusalem, Israel. For thousands of years in Ethiopia, people dreamed of returning to Jerusalem. Tens of thousands Ethiopian-Israelis and others would gather at the Tayelet, Armon Hanatziv promenade, for the annual Sigd Festival gathering. Prayers went from early morning through to breaking a fast at 2:00 pm. 

Crowds would line the path and fill gardens of the Tayelet with the Old City in view.  Besides the main ceremony, men gathered around their holy books as young people socialized.

Generations of Ethiopian-Israelis came together on Sigd.  White clothing was worn by women praying dressed in old traditional outfits. 

Once in the very restricted area, the main stage was filled with the Kessim under colorful umbrellas. 

President Reuven Rivlin reached up to shake hands with the Kessim as he proceeded to the stage to speak in the past.

Sigd was celebrated 50 days after Yom Kippur by Ethiopian Jews going to the tallest mountain, yearning to return to Zion. On top of the mountain, the faithful would pray and fast. At the conclusion of the prayers, the Kessim would break bread known as Dabu which symbolized the bread served in the Temple. 

Today, November 16, in Yerushalayim, Sigd was celebrated looking toward the Old City and site of Har Habyis, but in reduced "capsules." Limited numbers of Elders were seated apart and the main dais had three Kessim.

With the coronavirus restrictions, there was no long line of buses from all over Israel. The crowd was limited to a select few invited guests. There were colorful umbrellas and the weather was ideal.  However, Sigd this year was not the celebration it had grown to in past years. It was broadcast live to the thousands who were not able to attend.