The message associated with the U.S. Postal Service in New York is the following: Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor the darkness of the night will deter these postal carriers from executing their mission — to promptly deliver their parcels and mail with loyalty and devotion.

A mail carrier must remember the founding words of the U.S. postal industry. The Jew, however, must remember the words of a great Sage, “Be bold as a leopard; light as an eagle; swift as a deer; strong as a lion to perform the will of your G‑d in Heaven.”

The similarity between a mail carrier and a Jew is vividly clear. Both cannot allow themselves to be deterred and distracted from their work, even though they might find a simpler and less demanding work. One might instead entertain the option of sitting in a warm and comfortable office, not having to put up with the change of climate, etc. Yet, as a mail carrier, he knows that this is his purpose and mission in life.

The responsibility of a mail carrier is great. An ordinary recipient may eagerly be awaiting an important letter which contains valuable and vital information. If the deliverer should decide to delay or cancel his delivery route, this could cause great distress and financial loss.

The lesson to be learned from a mail carrier can be expanded further. Yes, one must realize that he carries a tremendous responsibility. At the same time, it is not his choice to lighten his burden by leaving a parcel behind or removing a stamp from a given letter due to the dirt accumulated on it. A Jew, too, must realize that it is not up to him to freely choose what to accept and observe, and what to leave behind.

From Nifla’os HaTeva, vol. 2, p. 202