Let's begin.
I have to start this off by saying that we don't live in a particularly Jewish area. I mean, there are Jews around here, but it's just not a Jewish-ish town like where we used to live.
Every Purim, we make packages of candy and cookies and send them to friends and family. Some people live in town and we drive around packages for drop off a few days before Purim. But some need to be mailed and we do those in three big batches. I also tend to be a bit scattered and unorganized with this whole undertaking so there have been many times that I have filled and labeled the packages while at the post office. Since I take over a corner of the post office to do this, I explained one year that it was for a holiday called Purim and everyone's eyes sort of glazed over. A few years ago, I started making one extra package for the post office as a thank you for humouring me as I took up all their counter space.
I went to the post office with the first batch this week (and yes, I know it's really early). When I set down my box in front of one of my favourite postmasters, he got this huge grin on his face. "Is it Purim now? Does this mean you're going to be sending cookies and candy again? Do we get a package again this year?"
I really love that our tradition has made post office lore history. That this group of Christian postmasters remember it and look forward to this every year. That we're Jewifying our little town. Who knows--maybe someday soon they'll join me in a rousing version of "Ki Va Moed" as they hand me my mail. The postmaster helped me price out every packaging option and found the best one for us financially and timewise. He even set me up with boxes and labels so I could fill them at home and just drop them off at the post office.
As I was leaving, the postmaster reminded me that he really doesn't like the poppyseed hamantaschen (nor do I, sir, nor do I) but they do enjoy my coffee or tea-infused toffees. Just wanted me to know. And if I was doing those sea-salt caramels again this year, they'd like a few of those.
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23 comments:
There's no doubt in my mind that you spread sunshine wherever you go. And keep people from going postal at times.
Present company included.
Oh I love that you are making such an impact. You will always be remembered.
That is incredibly cool that you are spreading your traditions that way.
love that story!
That's neat what you are doing. I liked that story.
Jewifying. Hahahaha! Oh Mel, you slay me. :)
I also Jewified someone with Purim! One of my best friends, but at the time I barely knew her. I had made my traditional (apricot) and non-traditional hamentashen (chocolate dough, peanut butter and jelly filling) and was passing them around the building. I got to her office around 4 p.m., and she gobbled one up. She said she hadn't eaten lunch, so I gave her a bunch more. She said I'd saved her life. She's a little dramatic sometimes.
For years after that, every March, she'd ask, "Is it almost time for that holiday with the triangle chocolate peanut butter cookies?" She actually went looking for hamentashen at a bakery once, and was shocked that they only had apricot and poppyseed. She thought everyone made chocolate PB&J. Modified Jewification.
Spread the Love lady! You are doing so good! These are things that people remember for a long time!
I'm sure your delicious homemade goodies are helping to spread the love. What a Kidush Hashem your making!
That's hilarious that he told you what went over well and not so well last year. "just so you know". :)
I STILL haven't made the sea salt caramels. And I've bought the chocolate and cream multiple times (eating chocolate and throwing away cream). Caramel just scares me so much to make!
Mel - a good relationship with your postmaster is on the "top ten good connections to have list"! Ok - well, it's on mine anyway!!!
In fact - my kid's call the PO "Pam's house" and are convinced she sleeps there!
You really are amazing.
I have always looked forward to incorporating Jewish traditions into my Christian family home. Jewify me please! :o)
I love your stories about your post office. How funny that he shared with you what went over well and what didn't...what are you taking orders now? lol.
So that's the secret to making postmen happy and friendly . . .
I'll have to try that sometime!
I love that the post office guy was giving you hints on what he wanted. :)
I love that the postman told you his likes and dislikes! That's awesome! "Hey, lady. Thanks for the treats, but leave out this and give extra of that- if you don't mind..."
Crazy! I mean, cool that you are sharing your traditions far and wide in your town, but funny that they go as far as to put in requests. I love it!
"We're Jewifying our little town"....awesome. And sea-salted caramels...YUM! :-)
How cool that everyone looks forward to your treats! Your such an amazing person!
It just goes to show that cookies are non-denominational.
:-) Jo
That's so neat that they remember and look forward to your tradition every year! I'm impressed you are that organized as well. I barely remember to buy birthday cards for my relatives :)
There's nothing like establishing relationships with places you frequent, but I never thought of bribing people with goodies! ;)
I LOVE that your post office is totally into it. That' fantastic.
Oops, didn't mean to add my name to this postdated show and tell! I'll get it right next time.
Sorry!
eve (infertility rocks!)
What a great thing sharing your holiday, well the yummy edibles with them. Those postal people are lucky to have ya!
I agree with Lori, you indeed spread sunshine in every place!
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