FOUR-PART EDUCATIONAL SERIES
Sigd Videos
Four videos from Be’chol Lashon explore Beta Israel history, Sigd in Ethiopia, aliyah and the holiday today.
Created by Be’chol Lashon
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HERITAGE IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Video & Film
Explore Sigd and Ethiopian Jewish life through educational videos, personal stories and films.
START WITH SIGD
Sigd across generations
STORIES & LEARNING
A story to explore together
BOOK CONNECTION
The Story Behind Yuvi’s Candy Tree
Explore the story behind Yuvi’s Candy Tree in this video featured in PJ Library’s Sigd resources.
Featured in PJ Library’s Sigd resources
HISTORY, VOICES & TRADITION
More to Explore
Continue with personal stories, history and longer community recordings. Each selection below is featured in PJ Library’s Sigd resources.
HISTORY & ALIYAH
The Secret History of Ethiopian Jews
Explore Beta Israel’s history, the community’s connection to Israel and the journeys behind Ethiopian Jewish aliyah.
Content note: Persecution, torture and deaths during the journey to Israel.
PERSONAL STORY
My Father, the Ethiopian-Israeli James Bond
Naomi Ezra interviews her father, Solomon Ezra, about his childhood in Ethiopia, his journey to Israel, his role in Operation Solomon and what Sigd means to him.
Content note: Persecution, imprisonment and an explicit description of torture.
EXTENDED LEARNING
Sigd and the Traditions of Ethiopian Jews
Naftali Aklum discusses Sigd, Ethiopian Jewish traditions, aliyah and life in Israel in this recorded 2020 lecture.
Content note: References to death, sexual violence and racism.
MUSIC & TRADITION
Ethiopian Kabbalat Shabbat in Honor of Sigd
Join a recorded Kabbalat Shabbat held in honour of Sigd, with music, prayers, family blessings and Ethiopian Jewish voices. This is a Shabbat gathering celebrating Sigd.
Includes English, Hebrew and Amharic. English translation is not available for all segments in the transcript reviewed.
Audience suggestions for the interview and lecture are editorial guidance. These are recorded resources; references to current events or population figures reflect the time of recording.
GO DEEPER
Ethiopian Jewish stories on film
These dramas explore difficult experiences. Read the content notes and preview your selection before choosing it for a group.
FEATURE FILM · DRAMA
Fig Tree
A Jewish teenager in Ethiopia faces the upheaval of civil war as her family prepares to leave for Israel. Directed by Aäläm-Wärqe Davidian.
Content note: War, forced military recruitment and attempted suicide.
Official distributor: Menemsha Films
Film details & trailerFEATURE FILM · DRAMA
Red Leaves
After his wife’s death, an Ethiopian immigrant in Israel moves between his children’s homes, confronting family tensions and the place of his traditions. Directed by Bazzi Gete.
Content note: Bereavement and family conflict.
Official distributor: Go2Films
Film details & trailerVideos play through YouTube’s embedded player. External links open YouTube or official distributor pages in a new tab. Viewing options, subtitles, fees and regional availability depend on the provider. For a community screening, arrange permission or a screening licence with the rights holder.