Jewish police chief's mezuzah captivated a Mississippi town

In the summer of 1979, Efraim O’Sullivan, a former New Orleans police officer, made history as the first and, to date, only Jewish police chief in Mississippi. He took the helm in Ocean Springs, a small town nestled on a bluff overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

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How do you like your eggs in the morning?

O’Sullivan, whose father was also a police officer, was known for his wit. When locals struggled with his Irish surname, he’d playfully ask how they liked their eggs, responding, “Ah fry’em,” when they said “fried,” to explain the pronunciation of his name.

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Well then, that’s my name.

The American South, often misunderstood, is described as a state of mind rather than a mere geographical direction. It evokes a complex tapestry of images, from Southern charm to its troubled history.

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Why, we’re all going to make a point to be there when you christen your little home. We don’t want anybody accusing us of being anti-symmetrical, you know.

O’Sullivan’s appointment in Ocean Springs, a town divided between Catholics and Protestants, meant his Jewish faith placed him in a neutral position regarding local religious disputes. This unique standing became a focal point when he decided to affix a mezuzah to the doorpost of his new home. The event, intended as a private ceremony, drew unexpected attention from the community, including the mayor, and word quickly spread through the town.

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The police chief’s hanging some kind of lucky Jew charm on his house!