Sigd Holiday Experience

About this event

The Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles celebrates Sigd, an ancient Ethiopian Jewish holiday of renewal and togetherness observed 50 days after Yom Kippur. Hosted by cookbook author and restaurateur Beejhy Barhany and Being Jewish podcast host Jonah Platt, the evening shares Ethiopian Jewish traditions through ritual, food, music and storytelling. It is a rare chance for families to learn about a holiday many people have never heard of, right on the Skirball's hillside campus.

The celebration begins at 4:00 p.m. with a free communal walk across the Skirball grounds, inspired by Sigd's custom of pilgrimage and ascent. Led by Beejhy Barhany and Dr. Beza Abebe, the walk ends with a shared ritual overlooking the surrounding hills. This opening walk is open to the public at no cost, so families can join even if they skip the ticketed evening.

At 5:00 p.m., the ticketed celebration moves inside Herscher Hall with a traditional Ethiopian meal, a coffee ceremony and live Ethiopian folk and jazz from Anbessa Orchestra. Kids can head to a children's arts table sponsored by Be'chol Lashon to explore Sigd through hands-on art. Grownups can enjoy a recorded panel conversation about heritage and belonging, a cookbook signing for Gursha, recorded testimonies from the USC Shoah Foundation and a photography display celebrating Ethiopian Jewish culture.

📅 Dates & Times

Sunday, November 8, 2026

4:00 p.m.: Ceremonial Walk (free and open to the public)

5:00 p.m.: Evening Celebration (ticket required)

📍 Venue

The Evening Celebration takes place in Herscher Hall.

Skirball Cultural Center

2701 N Sepulveda Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90049

👨🏻👩🏻👦🏻👦🏻 Age Requirement

All ages are welcome.

The evening program runs late and includes a panel conversation, so it is best suited to school-age kids and older.

🎟️ Tickets/Price

The 4:00 p.m. Ceremonial Walk is free and open to the public.

The Evening Celebration requires a paid ticket:

General: $72

Children (ages 2–17): $36

GET TICKETS FOR THE SIGD HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE

🍔 Food

The Evening Celebration includes a traditional Ethiopian meal with dabo bread, spiced pumpkin and sweet potatoes, seasonal vegetables and cabbage, red lentil stew, yellow split peas, beets, ground provisions, kale chopped salad, and mango and pineapple juices, plus a traditional coffee ceremony.

🚙 Parking

Free on-site parking is available at the Skirball Cultural Center.

🌐 Website Link

Skirball Cultural Center Sigd Holiday Experience

🧭 Directions

Click on the “Google” map for directions.

📢 Disclaimer

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