Do the long side curls orthodox Jewish men have have a particular name?
They are called peyot and come about as men are forbidden from shaving below their cheekbones. They are long sideburns that naturally fall separate from their beards.
Do Orthodox Jewish men find it difficult to talk to women outside their community?
I can't speak for everyone but some very Orthodox men prefer to keep themselves to their communities. Conversely, others feel it is important to integrate and educate others about the faith so are more than happy to talk to others. It's an individual thing.
Wtih each generation is your family becoming less observant or has it levelled off do you think?
My family, yes that possible although we still keep the same core values. As for others, I think if you live in a very Jewish community it is easier to keep the faith. For example if you live outside these communities there are fewer places to get kosher meat.
Do you think customs that were appropriate in deserts for food safety etc reasons 2000 + years ago should really be modernised?
If you read my post above about Kashrush and food safety, actually no I think it is still relevant. As for your point about Jesus, that's why Christianity was developed - if you don't agree with the principles of Judaism you are free to make your own choices but that doesn't mean we should change thousands of years of tradition. As it stands, looking after your fellow man is highly important in Judiasm. A core principle is Tikkun Olum (saving the world) it dictates that you must do everything to save a life, including breaking every religious law. If you save a life, it is equivalent to saving the world. It's part of the reason why so many doctors are Jewish.
Considering the high levels of anti semitism we have experienced you can understand why people want to work with people you know and trust. It's not my place to decide whether it makes the faith "look bad" (it sounds as though you have made your mind up about that). It's a huge stereotype though, one that in my experience is not accurate. I've never seen or benefited from my friends or family in my career or otherwise. Everything I have and own is through my own hard work. No bank of mum and dad loan to get my mortgage either.
@scoopofchaff that's a lovely tradition but it may be a family one, I've not heard of that before. It sounds silly but Jewish families tend to be quite large so we would need a fair few tables eventually. All coffins are made from wood and have rope handles. It's all basic and all the same. Man should be equal in birth and death. Where the wood comes from, I guess could be flexible.
Why do you think there is not more practical interaction between faiths?
My community regularly work with other faith groups, and there are youth groups for Jewish kids that work with Church groups and even a specific interfaith NCS for teenagers. I think if you look for it, it is there but more community cohesion would always be a good thing. It's definitely all our responsibility to make this happen.