Page 10 - My Memoirs - Max Kurz

disciplinarian, strict in terms of hygiene, hand washing, fingernails, table manners, use of words, and speech correction. He was a serious man, my recollection was of him either playing tennis, piano or in his study. To ensure that I did what I was told, or woe betide me, my mother would say “I will tell your father”. However, if I were to be punished by him, she would protect me. It is strange the things that you remember as a child.
I do not recollect any observance of Jewish traditions, holidays, teachings, or attendance at synagogues. In that instance I consider that we were deemed to be regarded as a secular family, notwithstanding that my mother’s family were traditionally an English/European Jewish family. However, my father’s influence and religious beliefs was the main influence. Unfortunately, my father’s family history remains unknown.
The only association I had with a Jewish organisation was the JLB - Jewish Lads Brigade. I remember playing the bugle as part of their band and the blind bandmaster Morris who orchestrated us. I remember the marches, and a camping trip to the white cliffs of Dover in Southern England.
I do remember the Jewish area of Manchester, Heywood Street where the Synagogue was located. Jewish shops and people congregated in the area. My very first memory of ever attending a Synagogue was when my father died. It was not a good experience; nobody was interested in me or my feelings other than that I remain obedient at the ceremony; for me it was totally surreal.
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