Aging Gracefully

The Latkes Were Flying off the Shelves

The latkes were flying off the shelves. It was Hanukah Eve in Oakland, California, and not a creature was stirring or getting car-jacked (at this moment). And at the best gourmet market in town, the Jewish population had descended upon the prepared foods counter. Chaos ensued.

It was a competitive situation at the deli counter that despite the numerical system was building toward total anarchy. Deli counter numbers were showing up everywhere and people were accepting any number called that benefited them.

In this type of guerrilla warfare, the typical rules of engagement and advantages do not apply. The older, smaller and more frail are the more aggressive. And the younger people of strength and vigor stand in both fear and awe of the old ladies. The old ladies win with savvy and hutzpah. The men cower. And this war’s prize that was of particular value today, the holy grail of this unholy war, were the potato latkes.

Latkes are not really a symbol of Hanukah. They’re a potato pancake mad…