News

Tonight, Jews around the world begin celebrating the year 5785! We wish everyone a healthy, sweet, and creative New Year.

In the fall, the workload for shtetl postmen would increase dramatically. Jewish New Year postcards were sent in large numbers to and from the towns. Most families had relatives and friends living in the U.S., Palestine, South Africa, Argentina, and other countries, and this special occasion called for warm greetings.

Sending postcards required planning ahead. You had to buy the card, come up with a message, and send it off in time for it to arrive before the holiday. Even if the card had just a simple greeting like, “Wishing you a sweet and healthy New Year,” receiving it brought immense joy. Back then, staying in touch wasn’t as easy as it is today.

A postcard with a photo was an especially treasured gift. It wasn’t uncommon for people to go many years without seeing their parents, siblings, or friends in person, so they were eager to know how their loved ones had changed.