I am a member of a quarterly Gotham breakfast group (pictured).  Members are Corey, Bruce Swicker, Robert Intelisano, David Oralevich, Craig Shink, Alan Kreit and David Abeshouse.  At our most recent breakfast we discussed the sad news of the passing of David's beloved younger brother Adam and resolved to attend the Shiva together at David's house.  

A Shiva is a Jewish tradition of mourning the death of a family member that involves a seven day period of formalized observance.  

We (Corey, Robert, Bruce, me and my wife Joanne) car pooled from Christopher Morley Park and, at the suggestion of Insurance Doctor (and Pizza Crawl Impresario) Intelisano, enjoyed a pre Shiva lunch at Dario's in West Hempstead where we all agreed we experienced the best pizza ever.  Focaccia crust was one of the succulent key ingredients. 

Suffice it to say, it was a delicious start on the way to fabulous deserts and other catered food at the best Shiva we ever attended.  

Calling it the best Shiva is not meant to be disrespectful or counter intuitive, but it just was, the best!  From the well balanced mix of people, to the fellowship, the conversation, the food, the ambiance, the exclamations of condolences to the down right positive humanity!

In a way, it was networking in its broadest, finest, best and most loving manifestation.  

Rest in peace Adam!