Immutable

There have been certain immutables in my life; my mother asking if I had enough to eat, my love affair with the Yankees, my support for the Democratic party.

And, oh yes, one more: an invitation to break the fast at the home of my friends.

For what must be at least a quarter of a century, as sure as the sun rises, there was this feast. My friends, as generous of appetite as they are of heart, with their motto excess is best displayed in a kitchen that is the epicenter of their universe, hosting a hungry horde of friends, relatives and assorted countrymen. The lox my perpetual favorite, but devouring whatever was within arm's reach.

It mattered not that I long ago stopped the practice of fasting, my mind and stomach triggered merely by the thought of the gastronomic treat that awaited.

And even as life changed, a child married and our family was pulled in different directions, even as this year an invitation to another home was accepted, the possibility of not receiving that wonderful note requesting our presence at the home of our friends seemed as remote as a trip to Mars.

So it was with more than a touch of bewilderment that I read, multiple times, the announcement: there would be a one year hiatus in the tradition, as my friend's family was heading to other environs to celebrate this year. It was an email promising this was but a hiccup, but it was like suggesting that the sun would be on vacation until further notice, or that my mom was telling me that I had eaten too much already.

Or  like waking up one morning to find the Yankees no longer in pinstripes, names now prominently displayed on the back of their uniforms. Oh, you say that's exactly what occurred this weekend.

My friend's thoughts appeared to be part apology, part lament, for he understood that it was not just his pleasure, but his duty to open his arms and his kitchen to the huddled masses on this day each year. To not do so would be akin to Lady Liberty turning her back on those at her doorstep yearning to be free.

 

Oh, this is a most unusual and unsettling time.