Kenton members were delighted to welcome Alan Kleinman on Sunday 4 January for his talk. This was held on Zoom because of the inclement weather. It was somewhat reminiscent of those times during Covid when regular Zoom programmes were taking place. Alan was born and brought up in Willesden. When he married, he and his wife lived for ten years in Kenton before moving to Pinner. He is a member of Pinner United synagogue where he served on the Synagogue Council. His professional career was as a senior partner in a West End and City firm of Surveyors. Alan talked about the historical importance of Whitechapel and Golders Green where there were many restaurants and entertainment was provided. Blooms of course were mentioned with the wide choice of menu served by self employed waiters who worked extremely quickly but were not always customer friendly!
Alan spoke of the plethora of Jewish run Hotels on the South Coast. The number of meals consumed in one day. He mentioned the live music that was provided with a weekly dance, which was extremely popular. The Hotels were also booked for Simchas and for Yom Tov and the Chagim. Following a full Dinner, cigarettes, cigars and brandy were always served.
Alan then went on to speak of the foods that we eat for the various Festivals and the differences between Ashkenazi, Sephardic and family customs. Throughout the talk there was plenty of opportunity for interaction with the audience who readily gave input into the old traditions of eating for Friday nights, Shabbat and the Chagim.
There was plenty to reminisce about as several attendees grew up in Willesden and shared their experiences with Alan. Speaking about the two venues in Willesden for Simchas and the Kosher shops engendered a lively and amusing discussion. To round off the evening the audience was left to make their own refreshments for a change.
Rachelle Goldberg