Across Israel, the Ethiopian Beta Israel community is celebrating Sigd. The staff of the Department of Internal Medicine B at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa, Israel joined in to honor their colleagues’ rich heritage.
The name ‘Sigd’ is derived from a Semitic word meaning “worship.” For centuries, Ethiopian Jews dreamed of returning to Jerusalem and reuniting with the Jewish people. Traditionally, the holiday is observed as a day of fasting, seeking forgiveness, deepening commitment to biblical commandments, and fostering unity within the Beta Israel community. Most importantly, it is a day of prayer, asking God to bring His people, Beta Israel, back to Zion.
Across Israel, Ethiopian immigrant families and communities come together to honor the holiday’s rich traditions
On Wednesday, Department staff members celebrated with colleagues from the Ethiopian immigrant community. Many dressed up in traditional attire including Dr. Gidon Berger, the department’s director, and head nurse Carmit Farid. During the celebration, an explanation of the holiday’s traditions and significance provided attendees a chance to honor and embrace the Ethiopian community’s rich and meaningful heritage together.
Rambam Health Care Campus values and celebrates the multi-ethnicity of both staff and patients. By celebrating holidays like Sigd together, the hospital serves as a beacon of coexistence and peace.
Photo: Staff of the Department of Internal Medicine B celebrate Sigd with Dr. Berger (center) and Carmit Farid (right) Photography: Rambam HCC