World War II left many scars on the face of Europe and left its ugly mark on the Jewish people. More than five decades later, an abundance of Jewish institutions and cultural activities still endure in a world that goes back more than 2,000 years,Jewish Europe.
“A Travel Guide to Jewish Europe” introduces readers to areas that survived the devastating effects of the war, and guides first-time and experienced European travelers to local Jewish neighborhoods and historical sites. Kosher restaurants, historic synagogues, and ancient monuments are detailed. New chapters on the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland allow this updated book to combine practical travel information, intriguing stories, and an enlightening investigation into Jewish contributions to European history. It is a perfect companion for those seeking their roots in Europe or for those searching for places where relatives and friends lived.
Customer Review: Entertaining background, poor resource
I have now traveled extensively through Europe and toted Frank’s guide with me everywhere. Whenever I reach a new country I enjoy reading his account of the history of Jews there, as well as what he has to say on major Jewish sites, architecture and the other facts he offers. However, as a listing of useful reference information such as telephone numbers, addresses, etc., it is woefully short.
Too many of his facts are simply out of date. He frequently gives the home phone number of rabbis and others connected with various synagogues rather than those of the shuls themselves. This can make it extremely difficult if not impossible to contact anyone on a Friday morning or afternoon before Shabbos. On the other hand, there are no personalized contacts - he never gives the information for a community liason, for instance, or anyone else who could be of assistance. He has no maps or other means of indicating how close or far things are from a central point or each other; just try and make it around Dublin with this guide and you’ll find yourself miles out of town with no easy way back.
It frequently becomes clear in his writing that Ben Frank is rather lenient in his halacha. He recommends kosher-style restaurants without valid hashkachah while failing to mention many of those which do. Paris and London are endowed with fabulous Jewish communities and consequently dozens of kosher establishments, but one would never know it from his guide.
Customer Review: Excellent Resource
This book is filled with a wealth of information that every Jew traveling to Europe should have. It is an excellent resource guide with addresses, phone numbers and email addresses to help you plan your itinerary and get more information from European sources prior to your trip. I highly recommend this book.