Looking For Any Sikhs In Israel

[akivaatwood]

Hello

I've been studying the basics of Sikhism, and would like to make contact with any sikhs in Israel in order to learn more.

Can anyone suggest how I could do so? Or where to ask?

Thanks

Akiva

[Singhstah]

Welcome Akiva,

I'm not totally sure about who you could contact in Israel, however you may wish to try to contact, 'Bhai Sahib' Mohinder Singh Ji of the Nishkam Sevak Jatha, who may be able to point you in the right direction -

T : 0121 551 1125

F : 0121 551 0022

E : info@gnnsj.org

They went as part of a Sikh delegation to Israel in 2005, you can read about the very interesting trip here http://www.jpost.com/JewishWorld/JewishFeatures/Article.aspx?id=8734

[akivaatwood]

Thanks for the contact information. I hadn't thought about contacting Bhai Mohinder Singh -- thanks for the suggestion.

I'm just a bit overwhelmed trying to figure out where to start learning more about sikhism -- so any suggestions on how to proceed would be appreciated.

Akiva

Welcome Akiva,

I'm not totally sure about who you could contact in Israel, however you may wish to try to contact, 'Bhai Sahib' Mohinder Singh Ji of the Nishkam Sevak Jatha, who may be able to point you in the right direction -

They went as part of a Sikh delegation to Israel in 2005, you can read about the very interesting trip here http://www.jpost.com...le.aspx?id=8734

[.- Prabhjot Singh -.]

Hello Akiva,

A warm welcome to you here on SikhSangat Here are few links you might be interested in:

http://aboutsikhs.com/

http://www.allaboutsikhs.com

http://www.darbarsaheb.com

http://www.sikhnet.com

Also, If you want to read about the basic principles of Sikhism then these books on Punjab Digital Library might be helpful (you might have to create a free account to read these books):

A brief account of the Sikhs: http://www.panjabdigilib.org/InitialSearchedPage?ID=3042&page=1&CategoryID=1&Searched=

The Sikh Religion - Teja Singh: http://www.panjabdigilib.org/InitialSearchedPage?ID=2999&page=1&CategoryID=1&Searched=

And if you want to buy a decent introductory book on Sikhism, then this is the one to go for:

The Sikhs by Patwant Singh - http://www.amazon.com/Sikhs-Patwant-Singh/dp/0385502060/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1303234773&sr=1-1

Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about us, and we will more than glad to answer

[guruvah]

Welcome...Am sure you have many questions. Well here is a website dedicated in providing answers :biggrin2:

http://www.sikhanswers.com/

[akivaatwood]

Thanks for the welcome here -- and for the links.

I've read some basic overviews of sikh belief and practice -- and I find it very attractive -- but I'm stuck at the "next step"

It's too easy to focus time and energy on the wrong thing -- so I'd welcome advice on what to focus on first.

(My goal is for a spiritual practice that works for me -- not just an abstract study)

[Singh559]

Thanks for the welcome here -- and for the links.

I've read some basic overviews of sikh belief and practice -- and I find it very attractive -- but I'm stuck at the "next step"

It's too easy to focus time and energy on the wrong thing -- so I'd welcome advice on what to focus on first.

(My goal is for a spiritual practice that works for me -- not just an abstract study)

Sikhi doesn't believe in rituals or superstition so there isn't really a "spiritual practice" that would actually benefit you other than reading Gurbani/katha from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and understanding what Sikhi teaches and then strive to apply the teachings of Guru Ji in every wake of your consciousness.

A Sikh should do these three things

kirat karo - honest work

naam japo- recite God's name and Gurbani

vand chako- distribute to the needy

A Sikh strives to stop or control these things with true intention

Kaam- Lust

Krodh- anger/hate

Lobh- Greed

Moh- Worldly attachment

Ahankar- Ego

The best summation of what Sikhi is in Jap Ji Sahib mool mantar.

http://en.wikipedia....hib#Mool_Mantar

Sikhi also discredits aarti or the ritualistic pooja of a worldly object. You can read what true service is in Sikhi:

Think of Sikhi as a path and you will slowly gain more and more understanding of the world and automatically you will start to change your lifestyle. A GurSikh is she or he that thinks of Sikhi in everyday life and strives to follow the Guru's way.

[GPS]

Hello

I've been studying the basics of Sikhism, and would like to make contact with any sikhs in Israel in order to learn more.

Can anyone suggest how I could do so? Or where to ask?

Thanks

Akiva

I have visited Israel four times. The time was middle of 1990s. I was setting up a chemical plant at Beer sheba ( southern part of israel).

I have moved all over Israel from southern tip to northern most tip. My stay lasted one time to about two months.

In my understanding, there was no visible legal sikh staying in Israel at that time. However i found some illegal Indians in Eilat. I met

a mona sikh there who was ALSO ILLEGAL. In all probability there are such people still there as Israel needed labour.

I visited a mall at Beer sheba. The guard ( a Jew) greeted me with sat sri akal. I chatted with him for half an hour and he knew

japji sahib by heart. He had been to Golden temple as well. He was not a sikh but a jew who knew quite a bit about sikhism

and was impressed by Sikh teachings.

I had a German colleague with me.So could not talk longer with him. I parted thinking i will see him alone next day. I went and searched for him

on two different days but was not able to locate him.

There was an Indian store at beer sheba owned by Indian Jews. There are a few Indian Jews settled in Israel. I am sure they will be knowing other Indians

like living at Eilat.

[akivaatwood]

Thanks for the suggestion of searching out Indian Jews and asking them.

There was an Indian store at beer sheba owned by Indian Jews. There are a few Indian Jews settled in Israel. I am sure they will be knowing other Indians

like living at Eilat.

[akivaatwood]

Sikhi doesn't believe in rituals or superstition so there isn't really a "spiritual practice" that would actually benefit you other than reading Gurbani/katha from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and understanding what Sikhi teaches and then strive to apply the teachings of Guru Ji in every wake of your consciousness.

Which is exactly what I "m looking for -- I"m not looking for rituals or superstition.

The best summation of what Sikhi is in Jap Ji Sahib mool mantar.

http://en.wikipedia....hib#Mool_Mantar

Thanks for the link.

Think of Sikhi as a path and you will slowly gain more and more understanding of the world and automatically you will start to change your lifestyle. A GurSikh is she or he that thinks of Sikhi in everyday life and strives to follow the Guru's way.

Which is what I find attractive in Sikhi. I just need to learn HOW to walk the path

Thanks