Stories of Sigd: An Evening With Ethiopian Chef Beejhy Barhany

As the Ethiopian Jewish community prepares to celebrate Sigd — which marks the acceptance of the Torah and longing for Jerusalem, observed this year on November 9 — join us for an evening that brings that spirit to life through story, ritual, and food.

Our guest is Beejhy Barhany, a distinguished chef, author, and the founder and executive chef of Harlem's Ethiopian-Israeli restaurant, Tsion Cafe — which was forced to close as a public dining space in early 2026 due to antisemitic threats. Beejhy will open up about her own journey: a childhood in Ethiopia, the difficult path her family took to reach Israel, coming of age on a kibbutz, and eventually building a new life in New York City, including what it's meant to build a business rooted in her culture in the face of that hostility.

Woven through the evening will be the story of Sigd itself — its history, its meaning, and why it remains such a powerful thread connecting Ethiopian Jews to Jerusalem and to each other.

Following the talk, we'll indulge in several recipes from Beejhy's pioneering debut cookbook — the first Ethiopian Jewish cookbook from a major American publisher and recognized among The New York Times' Best Cookbooks of 2025.

Ticket Price Includes a signed copy of Beejhy's Cookbook Gursha

Emanu-El Members - $36

Non Emanu-El Members - $45

Please reach out to Senior Manager of Programs Arlo Renee Ledesma at arledesma@emanuelsf.org if you have any questions.