"Bagelling" has been a "habit" of mine for years. "The Bagelling Habit", for me, is connecting with fellow Jews by a "sort of code" that identifies us. Most Jews seem to have a very strong need to connect with one another and identify their fellow Jews. The more our world becomes assimilated, the more I feel the need to connect with my "MOTs"- "members of the tribe". Therefore, I am always looking for ways to "bagel".
According to Jessica Levine Kupferberg, "there are two ways to bagel. The brave or simply unimaginative will tell you straight out that they are Jewish (a plain bagel). But the more creative will concoct subtler and even sublime ways to let you know that they, too, are in the know. (These bagels are often the best; like their doughy counterparts, cultural bagels are more flavorful when there is more to chew on.)"
I really think that Jews have been "bagelling" since the time of Abraham ( well before real bagels were even invented).
In college at Ohio State, I used to sit in the Student Union & pick out those I thought were Jewish & those who couldn't be (or could they)? You often need to speak with someone to really find out the "emmes" (truth). Start with a comment like, "Have you visited Hillel lately?" If they don't have a clue what Hillel is.... chances are they aren't an MOT.
So, tell me YOUR favorite "bagelling" story. Share. It's good for you:)
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