"Zoom out. What’s the big picture here? Sponsored by Florida International University and run through the Jewish Museum of Florida, the The South Beach Jewish Walking Tour, a short look at the history of the Jewish people and Jewish culture in Miami, begins at the museum itself, a historic former synagogue. The ten or so people in a group are first shown a short video presentation and then some of the main artifacts (if you're interested in the museum itself, you can return later). Then begins a two-hour walk around a 10-block radius, with stops at various significant buildings such as the Lord Balfour Hotel. Tourees learn about Jewish immigrants to the area and the various trials they faced. Tell us about your fellow tourees. When I went the crowd was a mix of general Miami visitors with an interest in its history and Jewish people from other cities learning more about their own culture. The walk doesn’t stretch that far from the museum, and the guide, very aware of some of the energy limitations on a hot Miami day, kept things at an easy pace. How are the guides, then? Lively, informative, knowledgeable, and humorous at just the right times, the guide was a consummate professional. Every observation and story felt fresh and unrehearsed, and the use of old photos at various points—to give a sense of how things looked at whatever period was being referenced—was a great touch. What will we remember weeks, months or years from now? The stories of segregation and prejudice really stay with you, as does the sincerity and integrity of the guide. There are also curiosities, such as a stained-glass window in the museum that's dedicated to Meyer Lansky, the infamous Jewish mobster. So: What is this tour best for? The tour is a great palate cleanser for the decadence and glitz of Miami Beach. It’s a humbling, grounding experience in the best way, and gives some much-needed cultural context to this part of the city. History buffs, people with an interest in comparative religion, and anyone looking to scratch beneath Miami's surface will get a lot out of it." - Paul Oswell
