Funny anectodes but it is hard work so I am reading one at a time!
The people in Odessa ARE funny! I liked them a lot.

They were both tough/cool and warm. I thought Odessa would be dangerous but it didn't feel dangerous at all.
Apparently the world's largest outdoor market is in Odessa but I did not see it and forgot about this fact when I was there.

And on the Jewish aspect - there are actually some religious Jews there - I could see them getting ready for shabat etc on a Friday, not unlike Israel, and they were even wearing Hasidic clothes.