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So I was in Manhattan on Friday afternoon, walking along West 47th, when I was given a copy of this week's The Scroll by a couple of nice Lubavitchim. They also kindly gave me the usual Shabbos candles for the evening, which came in handy because I was staying overnight.
This week's edition of The Scroll had an article by Chana Weisberg on the Jewish phenomenon of "bageling" -- the custom of providing verbal or visual cues to a stranger whom you think might be Jewish, in order to let that person know that you are a fellow Jew. These cues can be anything from casually inserting a Jewish word or expression into your conversation with someone whom you think might be Jewish, to wearing some article of clothing that identifies you as Jewish. I admit that my own bageling takes the form of me wearing a gold Shema Israel pendant. Plus, I'm socially extroverted, so I'm always talking to people.
I think it's okay if I quote here just a little bit of Chana's thoughts about bageling: "Jews have a powerful urge to connect with one another... What makes us feel the need to bagel? There are many theories. Here is mine. When we see another Jewish soul – irrespective of how religious or affiliated we may be – a strong, inexplicable, perhaps mystical urge awakens our desire to connect with another part of our own Divine core. It makes no difference if we are different ages, from different countries or at different levels of observance. We feel that intrinsic connection."
So my question here (to both Jews and friends of Jews) is this: Do you ever feel the desire to make that "intrinsic connection" with another Jewish soul? In other words: Have you ever bagled? Have you ever been bagled?
I'm a bagler too ! I wear a small Star of David on my hat. And I am always listening, and looking for signs in people. Chana Weisberg is a terrific person, and a great speaker. I have all her videos.
So I was in Manhattan on Friday afternoon, walking along West 47th, when I was given a copy of this week's The Scroll by a couple of nice Lubavitchim. They also kindly gave me the usual Shabbos candles for the evening, which came in handy because I was staying overnight.
This week's edition of The Scroll had an article by Chana Weisberg on the Jewish phenomenon of "bageling" -- the custom of providing verbal or visual cues to a stranger whom you think might be Jewish, in order to let that person know that you are a fellow Jew. These cues can be anything from casually inserting a Jewish word or expression into your conversation with someone whom you think might be Jewish, to wearing some article of clothing that identifies you as Jewish. I admit that my own bageling takes the form of me wearing a gold Shema Israel pendant. Plus, I'm socially extroverted, so I'm always talking to people.
I think it's okay if I quote here just a little bit of Chana's thoughts about bageling: "Jews have a powerful urge to connect with one another... What makes us feel the need to bagel? There are many theories. Here is mine. When we see another Jewish soul – irrespective of how religious or affiliated we may be – a strong, inexplicable, perhaps mystical urge awakens our desire to connect with another part of our own Divine core. It makes no difference if we are different ages, from different countries or at different levels of observance. We feel that intrinsic connection."
So my question here (to both Jews and friends of Jews) is this: Do you ever feel the desire to make that "intrinsic connection" with another Jewish soul? In other words: Have you ever bagled? Have you ever been bagled?
It's all I ever think about for decades, to connect with Jewish souls, and I am not Jewish, I am stuck in between as a single person not connected to anyone. I am thinking that they must make bagels different up north because every time I have tried one, it is always the worst piece of bread I ever had. I like to biscuit, but then I was raised by cur dogs.
Thre is a desire there, an unfulfilled desire except for Richard but he throws rocks at me everytime I throw him a kiss.
I'm a bagler too ! I wear a small Star of David on my hat. And I am always listening, and looking for signs in people. Chana Weisberg is a terrific person, and a great speaker. I have all her videos.
I've seen Chana's videos, too, Jacob! She's very insightful.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JB from NC
My kippa tends to eliminate the need, which is good since I'm usually oblivious to subtle hints.
I definitely agree, JB, that wearing a kippa is pretty obvious! But have you ever wanted to reach out to someone whom you suspect might also be Jewish, if not frum?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hannibal Flavius
It's all I ever think about for decades, to connect with Jewish souls, and I am not Jewish, I am stuck in between as a single person not connected to anyone. I am thinking that they must make bagels different up north because every time I have tried one, it is always the worst piece of bread I ever had. I like to biscuit, but then I was raised by cur dogs.
Thre is a desire there, an unfulfilled desire except for Richard but he throws rocks at me everytime I throw him a kiss.
Hannibal, maybe you need to try a bagel with a little shmear on it. Come to New York and see.
As Passover is coming soon. . . Just a reminder to not Bagel people during this time, and also to get rid of your cookies on your computer. You really can't be too observant.
I definitely agree, JB, that wearing a kippa is pretty obvious! But have you ever wanted to reach out to someone whom you suspect might also be Jewish, if not frum?
The kippa works both ways; if I'm talking to someone who is Jewish but wears no outward signs, they usually bring it up because they already know I am.
As Passover is coming soon. . . Just a reminder to not Bagel people during this time, and also to get rid of your cookies on your computer. You really can't be too observant.
LOL! For Passover, you matzah!
Quote:
Originally Posted by JB from NC
The kippa works both ways; if I'm talking to someone who is Jewish but wears no outward signs, they usually bring it up because they already know I am.
Ah, of course! My little Shema Israel pendant isn't so noticeable, unfortunately. So I have to make up for it with more talkativeness!
It's all I ever think about for decades, to connect with Jewish souls, and I am not Jewish, I am stuck in between as a single person not connected to anyone. I am thinking that they must make bagels different up north because every time I have tried one, it is always the worst piece of bread I ever had. I like to biscuit, but then I was raised by cur dogs.
Thre is a desire there, an unfulfilled desire except for Richard but he throws rocks at me everytime I throw him a kiss.
I got written up at work once (was working for a French company) for asking a new peer if she or her mother plays mahjong. So I’m pretty careful now. But like JB, as a yarmulke wearing Yid, it’s more frequent that I’m being bagled.
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