My Father, the Candy Man: A Tradition of Sweetness

In the heart of the Shul, amidst the joyful prayers, there is a remarkable figure known as the Candy Man. Through his simple act of giving candies to children, he spreads joy and teaches important lessons about kindness, gratitude, and community. As we approach Rosh Hashanah, the new year, the Candy Man invites us to reflect on these lessons and how to incorporate them into our lives.

My father is the Shul’s Candy Man. On Shabbos mornings, he noticed that the children often found sitting still during the long prayers hard. Wanting to make their time in shul more enjoyable, he began bringing candies to share with them. He remembered one Shabbos, a little girl’s eyes lit up with joy when she received her favorite candy, and a shy boy who usually kept to himself smiled and said ‘thank you’ after getting his treat. With a kind heart and a bag of treats, my father spread joy and sweetness, making Shabbos a little brighter for the children.

What began as a delightful surprise for a few restless youngsters became a weekly tradition, infusing the shul with a spirit of joy, friendship, and positivity. This simple act of kindness, initiated by the Candy Man, demonstrated the profound impact of small gestures on a community, filling it with a sense of joy and hope.

The Rabbi, recognizing my father’s favorable environment for the children, gifted him with a Tallis bag inscribed with ‘Der Beste Candy Man’ (Yiddish for The Best Candy Man). This recognition was not just a title but a testament to the profound impact of the Candy Man’s small but significant act of kindness on the entire community. 

My son occasionally spends Shabbos with his grandparents and loves assisting his Zaidy in distributing the candies. He enjoys seeing the kids line up patiently and choose their treat carefully.  My father ties the candies to the parsha or upcoming holidays, such as a gragger treat for Purim or a Torah candy theme for Shavous. He takes immense pleasure in selecting the finest candies and witnessing the smiles they bring. He even expressed concern about who would take on his beloved job when he decided to be away for the winter this coming year, showing how much he values his role as the Candy Man.

Lessons from the Candy Man: 

Politeness: My father noticed which children said “please” and “thank you,” reflecting the values they had been taught at home. Even those who initially forgot to express their gratitude eventually began thanking him, showing how kindness can be encouraged.

Appreciation and Acknowledgement: Parents often approached my father after davening to share their joy at seeing their children’s happy faces. This expression of appreciation reinforces the value of gratitude. It serves as a meaningful example for the children, encouraging them to do the same.

Friendship and Generosity: Inviting friends to shul to get a treat from the Candy Man fosters friendship by encouraging children to share moments of joy. It even brings kids from other shuls together in a fun, inclusive experience. Taking only one candy teaches children essential lessons about self-control and fairness.

Making a Difference: One small act can profoundly change and impact the world; every mitzvah is valuable. This small initiative became a weekly mission, creating a ripple through the community. It inspired other members to start their small acts of kindness, from helping older people to organizing community events. The Candy Man’s actions showed that even the most minor acts of kindness can significantly impact us, and we can all make a difference in our communities.

Let’s carry the Candy Man’s lessons as we approach Rosh Hashanah. May we inspire others to experience the sweetness of Torah and community in the coming year. Let’s carry forward the invaluable teachings and illuminate the lives of those around us, making the world a better place. I encourage you to find your own ‘Candy Man’ moment and spread joy and kindness in your community.

May we all be blessed with a year brimming with joy, deep connections, and meaningful mitzvot.