Israeli President Shimon Peres met with members of the Ethiopian community Oct. 31 ahead of the holiday called the Sigd.

Roughly translated as the “day of worship,” the Sigd is one of the unique holidays of the Beta Israel Ethiopian community. It’s celebrated annually on the 29th of Cheshvan and is a symbolic celebration of the community’s acceptance of the Torah.

The Knesset added the Sigd to the list of recognized Israeli state holidays in 2008.

During the holiday, members of Beta Israel fast, recite the Psalms, and convene in Jerusalem, where Kessim – spiritual leaders of the community – read from the Torah.