Calling In Sikh: America Responds to the Wisconsin Temple Attack

The Wisconsin Temple Attack Was An Attack Against The American Mosaic

 The horrendous attack against the worshippers at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin touched a nerve in the deepest soul of America.   There is special resonance for many faith communities—especially those with ethnic immigrant foundations—with the sentiment that this heinous attack is not simply a Sikh tragedy.  It is an American tragedy.  The expression of support for and solidarity with the Sikh Temple in Wisconsin spanned the American landscape, geographically no less than theologically.  From the heartland outward to each coast and from top to bottom, America has had to ask itself hard questions about core values.  The results have been an affirmation of what this country is supposed to be about in being a beacon of liberty for all its’ citizens.  Across America, America has called in Sikh.

Thursday Aug 9^th, I attended the vigil held by the Sikh Association of Baltimore in Randallstown.    Guests were greeted at the door, escorted to a sink for hand washing, and a storage area for shoes.  Men and women who did not have requisite headgear were provided them.  I was gratified to realize that the rabbinic presence spanned the Conservative, Reconstructionist, Reform and Renewal movements.  Kol Halev, a Reconstructionist congregation, had a significant envoy of its members present as well.

 Services inside the sanctuary were a stark reminder for me as a rabbi what it feels like for guests visiting a synagogue service for the first time.  Some of it was totally familiar in a foreign way.  The central place of worship was a temple structure at the front of the room, where charity offerings were made.  Music was provided by three musicians; two on harmoniums, and one providing rhythm on a tabla and a bass drum.  Verses of the Gurū Granth Sāhib, the final Sikh Scripture, were called kirtan style. 

2Interior of Akal Takht, seat of central Sikh religious authority and location of all doctrinal decisions for Sikhs.

The back-and-forth response and rhythms were assisted by modern technology.  A large flat screen monitor displayed the verses and responses in the original the Gurū Granth Sāhib script, often accompanied by an English translation, and always with a phonetic transliteration.  Jewish kids who struggled with Hebrew in Sunday school can attest to the helpfulness of the transliteration in worship.  Langer, a mixture of warm, sweet dough representing a holy meal was distributed to everyone and eaten near the close of worship.  The sanctuary was elegant in its simplicity.  The carpeted floor was packed on both the men and women’s sides, but there always seemed to be room for more.  Sikhs of all backgrounds and ages were there.  Many of them came wearing turbans.  Even so, a number had to utilize a visitor’s head covering no different than mine. 

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley speaks at the Sikh Association of Baltimore Vigil.

 Governor O’Malley was present, as was Representative Dan Morheim and Woodlawn Precinct Captain Andre Davis from the Baltimore County Police Department. Nonetheless it was clear America called in Sikh as a matter of Faith.  Beyond the Jewish presence at this event, there were leaders and members an array of churches along with leaders and clergy from the Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist communities. Outside the temple, a group of boys played American football in the grass next to the parking lot.

The Sanctuary at the Sikh Association of Baltimore.

After the conclusion of the services inside the sanctuary, the assembled crowd held a candle-light vigil outside despite the gathering wind and intermittent rain. The elected officials and police professionals affirmed in their statements of support that America is larger than the hatred of the attack. The statements of support for the Sikh community as a vital part of the American Mosaic was affirmed countless ways.  Prayers of healing and peace in support of the Sikh community in Oak Creek, Randallstown, and across America were offered; and so God’s praise was lifted by America.  It was offered variously in the name of Jesus, in the Hebrew of Jewish Scriptures and the Jewish Prayer-book, and in Arabic extolling the name of Allah the Compassionate One through his Prophet Allah, Peace be Upon Him.  It was offered by good people of faith of all types, and good people of all types not necessarily of any faith.  It was the prayer offered from the American Mosaic, colorful and complex, and sometimes even contradictory.  Indeed, it is our exceptional American Mosaic that makes it possible to see our Sikh neighbors as ourselves.  In the wake of America’s tragedy in Wisconsin, America has responded at its best.  America called in Sikh. 

3The First khanda to appear at Arlington National Cemetery.  Uday Singh was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and American Citizenship.

Here's the link to the local CBS coverage of the vigil.  Be sure to go to full screen!

Baltimore County Sikhs Hold Memorial For Those Killed In Wisconsin Temple Shooting « CBS Baltimore