How Rabbi Kotler Saved Jewish Postal Workers from Working on Shabbat

Rabbi Aharon Kotler, the respected head of the Lakewood Yeshiva, cared deeply about every Jew’s well-being both spiritually and materially. Whenever he learned about a problem affecting a Jewish person, he would not rest until he tried everything possible to find a solution. If it was a material or financial issue, he acted with great determination. But when it came to spiritual matters, things connected to Hashem he was even more passionate and tireless.

One day, Rabbi Kotler heard troubling news: Jewish employees working at the New York post office were being forced to work on Shabbat, the holy day of rest. They faced threats from management that they would be fired if they did not show up to work on Shabbat. This deeply upset the Rabbi. Like a spiritual warrior, he prepared himself to take action. He traveled directly to the post office management to ask for an exemption for the Jewish workers, so they could honor Shabbat without fear.

When the managers saw the distinguished visitor, they treated him with respect, seating him in an honored chair and asking about the purpose of his visit. Rabbi Kotler explained the situation and asked that Jewish workers be allowed not to work on Shabbat. The managers explained that many Torah institutions send their mail late in the week, creating a heavy workload for postal employees on Shabbat. Because of this rush, they said it was difficult to free the Jewish workers from working on that day.

Rabbi Kotler understood the problem and began going from one Torah institution to another, asking them kindly not to send mail at the end of the week. His request was simple but powerful: if the mail was sent earlier, Jewish postal workers could have Shabbat off, free from work and the stress of breaking Shabbat.

Thanks to Rabbi Kotler’s dedication and persistence, the Torah institutions agreed to change their mailing schedules. Because of this change, Jewish workers were able to keep Shabbat fully holy, without having to work. Rabbi Kotler’s efforts brought a real and lasting blessing to these workers and their families.

May we all be inspired by Rabbi Aharon Kotler’s deep care for every Jew and his unshakable commitment to the sanctity of Shabbat and the Torah way of life.