A
t live and online Anglo-Jewish community events since the end of Lockdown 2, one has not heard much wailing about the severe tier restrictions on public houses. There are doubtless some property owners who have pubs among their tenants, but it has not been a particularly vocal group.
Jews generally don’t do booze. There are among us Kiddush whisky connoisseurs and fine wine mavens still looking for other choices than Palwin. And I know the late great Chazan Kalman Fausner – my Hebrew mentor – was partial to half a pint of bitter at the Freemasons on Western Road in Hove after a morning teaching impudent barmitzvah boys. He also enjoyed a modest brandy on Shabbat. It was, he would joyfully declare, good for the voice.