My Jewish roots

Brought up as an orthodox Jew in Sedgley Park, Prestwich, North Manchester was difficult. My father from German Latvia died in a factory accident when I was 11 years old, and my mother a Polish jewish refugee, with little knowledge of English (we generally conversed in Yiddish) and I struggled with compensation from the factory and assistance from the local Jewish Board of Deputies.

The fact that I was able to go to a grammar school still astounds me, as we were so poor, but to Stand Grammar I went, and learnt more about life in general. Hebrew studies at weekends prepared me for my barmitzvah which I successful took at 13.

I joined the army at 17, and I suppose left my jewish background behind. Twelve years in the army then 20+ years with cricket, I never lost my faith, but never attended either, nor did I ever attempt to hide the fact either.

At the turn of the millenium, and age creeping up on me, I really felt that I would like to return to my jewish roots, not the orthodox way but the more Liberal/Reform community. I made enquiries and found this wonderful group called the South Hampshire Reform Jewish Community, they made me so welcome, I felt I had never been away. Needless to say as had been my wont, it was not long before I was on their council, became treasurer and started their web site shrjc.com.

With my move up North back to my Manchester rootes imminent, I have been looking at Reform and Liberal communities in the area.

My search is over as I have now become a fully ensconsed member of the Manchester Liberal Jewish Community a fairly new body, and joined it's council. Having returned to Southampton, I am now back with the SHRJC.