The Seemingly Humble Bagel

Good morning.
A popular food for many is the seemingly humble bagel, which originated in Eastern European Jewish communities of the thirteenth century. Back then, local laws limited the trades in which Jews could engage, to segregate them from Christians. Bakers were given more leeway, and the Gentiles bought bagels, especially during Lent, when richer foods were avoided. These single-serving rings of dough, which were boiled then baked, gained in popularity. Their chewy centres and crusty exteriors maintained freshness longer than loaves of bread. When European Jews emigrated to Western Europe and North America, they brought their bagel knowhow with them, and transformed this largely ethnic foodstuff into a cross-cultural staple.
In this country there are Jewish religious customs associated with bagels. They’re often found at circumcisions and baby-naming ceremonies, and in houses of mourning. Because they have no beginning or end, bagels symbolise the cycle of life. For the more superstitious, bagels ward off the evil eye. Some even view the hole as a necessary space in a perfect circle, illustrating that God left room in creation for humanity to exercise free will, with the aim of improving themselves and the world.
O God Who provides sustenance for all, we give thanks to you for the food we eat. Bless the people and cultures that have provided such a rich variety of textures and tastes for us to enjoy. We pray for the hungry, in the hope that they too will soon be satisfied, and will share in Your immense bounty. AMEN.