The Complete Jewish Guide to France

Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Resource
Review: As a frequent traveller to France I have been looking for a book like this for years. The history section is wonderfully written and is just the information the traveller needs to appreciate France's Jewish places. The listings include things that most travellers, let alone Jewish travellers, would never think of such as anti-Jewish statuary on churches. The resource sections are also very useful especially if you are orthodox and keep kosher.

Rating:
Summary: C'est magnifique!
Review: As a regular traveler to France, I can't wait to use this book on my next trip. It is thoroughly informative and very easy to use, with clear walking tours and lively descriptions of Jewish historical and cultural landmarks. It made me see France in a whole new way--a Jewish way. I especially intend to use it when I take my kids over there, because they will benefit from this book.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing !
Review: Despite what the title may suggest, this book is far from complete ! Many places and important synagogues have been omited. So don't expect information on little-known (but sometimes gem-like) synagogues or former synagogues. This guide is handy for tourists on a two-week tour of France who want to visit a few Jewish sights while there. This is certainly not an in-depth study of France's Jewish monuments but it gives a good overview of the main places to visit. Of the places Mrs Kamins describes, a plus are the contact addresses and/or telephone numbers, so you can plan your visit and thus avoid standing in front of closed doors.

Rating:
Summary: Fun and you learn something, too
Review: I heard the author speak at our local jewish community center and decided to buy the book after her very entertaining talk. Her overview of the Jews in French history and culture was instructive and to the point, and she told us many insightful and even amusing anecdotes to make her point. I like to travel, but I was never much of a history fan. This author makes history as entertaining as traveling.

Rating:
Summary: Packed with information!
Review: I heartily disagree with the Belgian reviewer who found the book lacking in little-known synagogues and other sites. (Which ones did he or she mean?) I'm an American Jew who lived in France for years and who visits regularly. I have used other supposedly complete Jewish guides and found them lacking because they usually just list kosher restaurants and synagogues currently open for prayer without offering any historical or social context. Miss Kamins's book does offer that context, plus fuller and more up to date listings than the other books have. And, if you want the small gems, you'll find them. She discusses the nooks and corners of Paris, plus she pays more attention to the glories of the Jewish life in the provinces than any of the other guides I've seen. If you want a full and lively guide to the rich history of Jewish places in France, buy this book!