When the Beta Yisrael were uncovered
dutifully practicing Judaism
after millennia cut off from Am Yisrael
they feared they were the only Jews left in the world.
Still, they celebrated
the holidays and customs and mitzvot.
On the fiftieth day after Yom Kippur
they celebrate Sigd.
In the mountains of Gondar,
they fasted and prayed
in the direction of the Temple
they thought still standing
to renew the Covenant for another year.
Operation Mosheh and Operation Shimshun began their mass return to the Land,
and renewed the Covenant for all time.
When they arrived in Eretz Yisrael
they learned the Temple had been destroyed.
Some broke into deep tears
feeling this fresh loss.
Today Sigd is celebrated throughout the Land
as one more of our lost cousins
have returned Home!
