Holidays
10 articles
September 16, 2026
Updated: the central Sigd 5787 assembly has been published — 9 November 2026, the Sherover Promenade
When this piece was written in September, no Sigd 5787 event had been published. On 5 November 2026 we checked again: the Ethiopian Jewry Heritage Center has published the central assembly — Monday 9 November 2026, the Sherover Promenade by Armon Hanatziv. The full details, with the organiser's link, are here and on the events page.
September 16, 2026
Yom Kippur on 21.9 and Sukkot from 26.9: when the clinic is shut, and whom to call instead
On the eve of Yom Kippur, 20 September, clinics close at midday; on 21 September they are shut. During the intermediate days of Sukkot they run shortened hours. We opened the holiday timetable Leumit published, checked the dates against the Hebrew calendar, and set out what to do if you need a doctor anyway.
September 8, 2026
The High Holidays of 5787: the dates, and the names the community carries for them
Rosh Hashanah 5787 on 12-13 September, Yom Kippur on 21 September, Sukkot from 26 September. In Beta Israel tradition these holidays carry their own names — Berhan Saraqa, Astasreyo — and a Ge'ez liturgy the kessim hold by heart. And from Yom Kippur the 50 days to Sigd are counted.
September 8, 2026
Sigd 5787 falls on Monday, 9 November 2026 — and what you are entitled to that day
29 Cheshvan 5787 falls on Monday, 9 November 2026. State employees are entitled to two paid choice days a year; in the private sector Sigd is a choice day deducted from annual leave. We have corrected a wrong date that appeared on our pages.
June 3, 2026
Injera and Ethiopian Cuisine: Tradition, Recipes and Restaurants in Israel
Injera, doro wot, tibs — Ethiopian cuisine is both tradition and culture. Basic recipes and restaurants across Israel.
June 3, 2026
Memorial Day for Ethiopian Jews — 28 Iyar: What We Commemorate and How
28 Iyar is the official Memorial Day for those who perished on the way to Zion. Ceremonies, significance and how to participate.
June 3, 2026
Timkat: Tradition, Ceremonies and Events in Israel
Timkat is a unique Ethiopian Jewish holiday celebrating baptism and renewal. What, when and where to celebrate in Israel.
May 31, 2026
Sigd 2026 — the complete guide: date, locations and meaning
Sigd 5787 falls on 9 November 2026. Mountain prayers, evening events, celebrations in Netanya, Jerusalem, Kiryat Malachi and Beersheba — all in one place.
May 1, 2026
Sigd 2026 — dates and details
The date: Monday, November 9, 2026 (29 Cheshvan 5787). The main ceremony is at Armon Hanatziv, Jerusalem, alongside municipal ceremonies.
November 20, 2025
The 2025 Sigd central prayer gathering in Jerusalem
The central Sigd prayer gathering was held in Jerusalem on the Sherover Promenade, with a state blessing at 12:30 and the fast ending at 14:00. Coverage also addressed Ethiopian-Israeli integration into security services.