Here’s a fascinating (and entertaining) podcast recalling London’s key old Jewish district, the East End. It’s on the “Sounds Jewish” series by Jason Solomons, posted on The Guardian’s web site and created in association with the Jewish Community Center of London.
The Guardian lists highlights on this podcast as:
1. The Bagel. Self-styled bagel poet Ben Mandelson, creator of the “baiku” – part bagel, part haiku – and the night-time clientele of Beigel Bake on Brick Lane.
2. Sandra’s Story. Sandra Saintus was born in Jamaica, raised as a Pentecostal Christian and now runs the Stepney Jewish Day Centre.
3. Giving Life to the Dead. Susie Clapham is a young architect living in Bethnal Green who’s become obsessed with the long-abandoned Jewish cemetery on Bancroft Road, Mile End.
4. Memories of Water. Two East Enders remember how they used to bathe, in the kitchen – and in public.
5. In Search of Mike Stern. Once a legend of Petticoat Lane, the market trader even had a cigarette card dedicated to him. Now his voice lives on only in the archives – and in the memories of those who saw him sell.