Glossary
What is Sigd? Who are the Kessim? What's the difference between Beta Israel and Falash Mura? All essential community terms — in Hebrew, English, and Amharic.
32 terms
Ge'ez
An ancient Semitic liturgical language used for prayer and scripture by Beta Israel. No longer spoken, but alive in liturgy.
Injera
A flat, spongy, slightly sour flatbread made from teff flour — the staple of Ethiopian cuisine, served as a base for stews (wot).
Kessim
The traditional religious leaders of Beta Israel. In Israel today they are recognized as religious-cultural authorities but are not integrated into the official Chief Rabbinate.
Orit
The sacred scripture of Ethiopian Jewry — the Pentateuch (and more) in the Ge'ez language, the core text the Kessim read from.
Sigd
An Ethiopian-Jewish community holiday observed on the 29th of Heshvan. Law 5774-2008 recognizes it as an official Israeli holiday.