My late mother was an endless source of fireside philosophy. Of her many homilies and sayings, my favourite was always her observation about Reform Judaism – the movement which displaces strict observance of Jewish law with easy-does-it progressive thinking. As she would wryly remark with her tea-towel wisdom: "Why does Judaism need a reform movement? Every Jew does their own reforming."

It's so true. Ask two Jews a question and you'll get five opinions. And no more so on than on the subject of religious practice. Like the chap I once worked with who loved eating bacon yet fasted on the Day of Atonement (though sometimes he'd move the date if it coincided with a business meeting or important golf game).