About this Event
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 [email protected] if you have any questions.
Event venue & nearby stays
Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake Street, San Francisco, United States
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