JK 104 has been traveling around the world! Every year, this class does an Immigration Exploration project and this year they landed in Ethiopia to learn about the Jewish people who live there. They learned about the way traditions were shaped differently over time and even got to add a new Jewish holiday to their calendar: Sigd! 

Signifying the acceptance of the Torah in Ethiopia and coming 50 days after Yom Kippur, this unique celebration involves marching the Torah to the top of the nearest mountain, among other things. We were a little short on mountains, so the stairwell to the fourth floor would have to do. 

We marched, sang and danced, and carried painted umbrellas (a celebratory item in Ethiopia). Once we reached the top, the class was surprised by eighth graders who had been given umbrellas and joined in the song and dance. Later the same day, the class held a Sigd party where they invited parents, played mancala, danced to Ethiopian music, and enjoyed some Ethiopian cookies and injera they had helped mix the dough for. Live cooking!

The whole experience was wonderful, exploring maps, other cultures, the Torah, and more!

The yearly process of the Immigration Exploration is one of our favorite activities to do with our classes in 104 and this year’s will always hold a special place, as it was the first time our JK kehillah (community) has celebrated the holiday of Sigd.