Source: Overpass Light Brigade
Dear Tanenbaum Community,
A pillar of Sikhism is a deep commitment to Seva, selfless service, as a sacred practice. Seva isn’t simply volunteerism; it is a spiritual discipline, rooted in the belief that serving others is a way of honoring the Divine. Sikhs across the world embody Seva daily, whether preparing food in a langar or community kitchen, cleaning the gurdwara, or offering support in times of crisis.
Following the attack at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek on August 5, 2012, the Sikh community responded not with vengeance or hatred, but with Seva. Families of the victims, community members who witnessed the massacre, and Sikh leaders transformed their grief into collective action by hosting interfaith vigils, opening their doors to educate others, and calling for policy change to track and combat religiously motivated hate crimes. Their actions modeled another core tenet of Sikhism: Chardi Kala, a spirit of eternal optimism, even in the face of unimaginable pain.
In a moment that could have deepened division, the Sikh community demonstrated a resilience rooted in faith – a call to move forward not by forgetting, but by serving.
As we commemorate the lives lost at Oak Creek, we reflect on their memory and on the enduring strength of the community. In the face of tragedy, the Sikh principles of Seva and Chardi Kala serve as a powerful example of how compassion and collective care can pave the way toward healing.
We remain committed to confronting hate and supporting communities that lead with compassion and care. May this anniversary remind us of the power of service, solidarity, and hope.
Act
- Get Involved: Guide to Responding to and Reporting Hate Crimes Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund
- Guide to Visiting a Gurdwara The Sikh Coalition
Listen
- Basics of Sikhi Podcast Basics of Sikhi
- The Guru Granth Sahib Project Sikhri
Read
- The Story of Oak Creek The Sikh Coalition
- Who are the Sikhs and What are their Beliefs? The Conversation
Watch
- What is Sikhism? Religion for Breakfast
- ‘Seven Angels that Look After Us’: 12 Years Since Sikh Temple Shooting WISN 12 News
In unity,
Rev. Mark Fowler, CEO, Tanenbaum