Jewish Rabbi Dislikes Bagels

Rabbi Kessler shocks New Yorkers with
admission of bagel aversion

Brooklyn, NY

This week, Orthodox Rabbi Isaac Kessler went public with his dislike for bagels, leaving the Jewish community in New York shocked and scandalized. The well-known Rabbi walked into Katz's Deli in Prospect Heights on Monday morning and ordered a cup of coffee with milk and sugar.  Behind the counter, Chava Biali recognized Rabbi Kessler from her family's synagogue, B'nai Shloime.

Ms. Biali, 23, reports, "Rabbi Kessler is very well-loved in Brooklyn.  He attends every baby naming, Bar Mitzvah celebration, wedding, and funeral in the Jewish community, even when specifically uninvited.  He's always there for people, especially when they least need him.  Out of gratitude and respect,  I decided to make him a bagel stuffed with cream cheese, lox, and pickles, on the house!"

 Ms. Biali delivered her offering to the Rabbi's table personally, only to be turned away with a raised hand and a displeased expression.  "I was beside myself, " said Biali.  "The deli got so quiet you could hear a matzoh ball drop.   No one could believe what had just transpired."


Rabbi Kessler claims he was caught off guard.  He had no intention to go public with his rather disturbing and unnatural proclivities and had planned to take the secret to his grave.  Ms. Biali's actions, while well-intentioned, forced him "out of the bagel closet" before he was ready.

Under direct interrogation after the incident, Rabbi Kessler did not deny his orientation towards bagels.  "It's just that I don't like the chewy texture... Plus, they sit like big lumps in my stomach." More softly, he added, "I'm sorry.  I never meant to mislead anyone.  I guess I'm just not the man you all thought I was."

Kessler sent in his resignation at B'nai Shloime on Tuesday afternoon after 25 years of service. He plans to retire and spend time with his family.  His wife, Ruchel, has stood firmly by his side throughout the scandal.  "Frankly, I'm relieved," she reported.  "It's terribly oppressive to live with secrets and the constant fear of being discovered.  Now, we can finally just relax and take up rug hooking like all of our retired friends."






Written by Diana Shapiro

Image courtesy of www.vosizneias.com