The New York Jewish Travel Guide (NYJTG) recently had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Asher. In this exclusive conversation, Ms. Asher enthusiastically shares her deep passion for French Jewish history and culture, which she brings to life for the many visitors on her company’s tours.

NYJTG: Can you introduce yourself to our readers? Tell us a bit about your background, your journey to becoming a certified French tour guide, and your connection to Paris.

Valeria Asher: My name is Valeria, and I am a Jewish tour guide in Paris. I was born in Kyiv in the early 1980s and grew up in the United States. After graduating with a degree in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, my husband and I moved to Vienna, Austria, where our two daughters were born. In 2015, we relocated to Paris as a family of four.

With my husband frequently traveling, raising two young girls in a foreign country was challenging. I decided to stay home, and with some free time, I indulged in reading. In France, preschoolers and elementary school children have Wednesdays off, so I used this time to explore museums and exhibits with my daughters. This experience ignited a passion for sharing my discoveries with others.

NYJTG: What sparked your interest in Jewish history in France, and how did this passion lead you to focus on creating Jewish French history tours? You recently went back to school to become a certified French tour guide. How has this additional education enriched your understanding of the history and culture you share on your tours?

Valeria Asher: During COVID, my husband and I had to homeschool our daughters, who attend a French school. Since their curriculum didn’t cover much American history, we decided to use this opportunity to enrich their education. After the confinement rules eased, we took them to the Normandy D-Day beaches and discussed WWII extensively. It was then that I realized how little I knew about the history of French Jews, especially during the occupation.

This realization led me on a year-long journey of reading, attending conferences, and speaking with members of the Jewish community who had family in France during the war. The Holocaust memorial in France provided a wealth of information, sparking my curiosity about the broader history of French Jews. My home library nearly doubled as I delved into their 2000-year history in France. I am now bursting with pride at their accomplishments and eager to share their story with anyone who will listen.

As a student at the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers, I learned to approach art and history not just as an avid reader but as a tour guide. I learned how to weave the myriad stories I had absorbed into a cohesive and captivating narrative, presented in a condensed format to an audience of strangers. My studies encouraged me to ask deeper questions in my research, ones I might have overlooked on my own. While I didn’t have specific classes on the Jewish history of Paris, I gained a solid foundation in the history of art, French patrimony, and the critical importance of factual accuracy.

NYJTG: Do you tailor your tours to engage families, and what aspects of Jewish history do you find resonate most with younger audiences? Do you have a favorite historical site or a hidden gem in Paris that you love to share with your tour participants? What makes it special to you? Can you describe some of your tours?

Valeria Asher: Absolutely! On all my family tours, I provide an interactive booklet to keep young children engaged. The tour feels like story time, with each story being completely accurate but told in a “once upon a time” style. For teenagers, I engage them in conversation, asking questions to hear their opinions, thoughts, and ideas. I cover all aspects of history, presenting topics in an age-appropriate manner. For instance, when discussing the Holocaust with young children, I focus on the thousands of French people who helped Jews during those difficult times.

One street in Paris that always gives me goosebumps is la rue des Immeubles-Industriels. This street was home to many Jewish artisans between the two world wars. They lived, worked, raised families, and integrated into French society. When the Nazis arrived, many residents joined the resistance, bravely fighting for their new homeland. Most did not survive WWII, but their stories deserve to be remembered. During my tours, I introduce the neighborhood and its unique architecture before sharing stories about the residents—their professions, families, and fates. To honor their memory, we then stroll down a quintessential French boulevard filled with Jewish shops and kosher restaurants, highlighting the vibrant present-day life of French Jews. If clients wish, we can stop at a kosher wine and cheese shop, where I help select delicious French products.

Once, a French Jewish woman took this tour and later discovered that her grandfather had lived a block away from la rue des Immeubles-Industriels and had a woodworking studio there. He survived the war and later moved to Israel. Stories like these, which I include at the end of my tours, remind us of the remarkable resilience of the Jewish people.

I also enjoy sharing the history of the Parisian Jewish bourgeoisie and their influence on city life. Highlights include the Albert Kahn Museum in Boulogne, the Nissim de Camondo art collection and museum, the Cohen d’Anvers family and their mansions, their patriotism, and the story of a particular painting.

One of my favorite hidden gems in Paris is Chana Orloff, a woman sculptor who lived in Paris between the two wars and succeeded against all odds.  Her sculptures, like a mother cuddling her child, evoke deep emotions, while a bust of Bialik transports you to the streets of Tel Aviv, reciting one of his poems. From Amazon riders to kibbutzniks and forgotten Jewish celebrities of her time, her works tell numerous stories. Her studio can be visited in Paris, and I would be delighted to introduce you to this incredible woman and her art.

Valeria Asher, Tours with Valeria, New York Jewish Travel Guide

NYJTG: How do you engage with the local Jewish community in Paris, and has their input influenced the content or structure of your tours? In your experience, what are some common misconceptions people have about Jewish history in France, and how do you address them on your tours?

Valeria Asher: The Jewish community of Paris is my life. While we don’t attend synagogue every Shabbat, I regularly enjoy meals at Jewish restaurants, browse Jewish bookshops, attend cultural events at synagogues, memorials, and museums, and participate in cooking classes—you name it! Many tourists don’t realize how vibrant and diverse the Jewish community in Paris truly is. The city boasts nearly one hundred synagogues, numerous Jewish restaurants, and a rich Jewish legacy.

Visitors often expect a Holocaust-centric tour and are surprised to learn that the Jewish history in Paris extends much further back and continues to thrive today. With a smile, I share story after story, watching tourists’ eyes light up with fascination. It’s a joy to recount the tales of Jewish resilience and success!

NYJTG: Could you share a particularly memorable or touching moment you’ve had while guiding a tour focused on Jewish history in Paris? And how do you incorporate storytelling into your tours to make the historical narrative come alive for your participants?

Valeria Asher: One day, I was giving a tour about the Camondo family and explaining how many French Jews during WWII believed they would be protected by their government, only to be tragically betrayed. During my explanation, a woman on my tour looked me straight in the eyes and said, “In 1940, my parents left all their belongings, walked out of their apartment in Paris, and never returned. They started from scratch in the United States, where I was born.” Hearing her personal story brought history to life in a profound way. This revelation caught me off guard, as I hadn’t known her parents had lived in Paris. I was overwhelmed with emotions.

Reading biographies and articles about Jews in Paris deeply enriches my stories. I share anecdotes from books and documentaries and sometimes add a French joke or expression for amusement. People sign up for history tours not just for a three-hour lecture on Parisian Jewish history but also to have an enjoyable experience. I strive to provide both.

NYJTG: Can you discuss any challenges you’ve faced while conducting Jewish history tours in Paris and how you’ve overcome them? How do you keep your tours fresh and engaging for repeat visitors or locals who may already be familiar with some aspects of Jewish history in Paris?

Valeria Asher: The biggest challenge this year has been the rain. According to local meteorologists, it’s been the rainiest year in recent memory, and many of my tours are outdoors. However, my clients have shown great resilience. When the weather gets bad, we take refuge in a café or bistro, and I continue the tour over a cup of hot chocolate or tea, using my iPad with photos to help bring the stories to life.

Once, we got caught in a downpour next to the oldest oratory in Paris. The family had young kids, so we ran inside, and I continued the tour there. This oratory is the same synagogue where the Schneerson Rebbe used to pray when he lived in Paris. It was an exciting moment for all of us.

I have given my tour to many French Jewish families and expats living in Paris. Jewish Parisian history isn’t taught in schools, and many residents are unaware of the city’s rich Jewish heritage. They are always pleasantly surprised by what they learn. Interestingly, it’s often my Parisian clients who introduce me to the best restaurants, butchers, and bakeries in the city.

How do I keep it engaging? Fortunately, Paris is steeped in centuries of history. I could offer a new tour every week for an entire year and still have more stories to tell.

NYJTG: How do you stay updated on new research and discoveries related to Jewish history in Paris, and do you integrate these findings into your tours? What motivated you to combine your passion for French history with your interest in Jewish heritage, and how do these two aspects complement each other in your tours?

Valeria Asher: I stay updated by listening to podcasts, tuning into the radio, following multiple historical Instagram accounts, and, of course, reading. I often find a book, discover something that piques my interest, check the bibliography, head to the library, find that book, and then follow the trail of references to yet another book. You get the idea.

I believe Jewish heritage and French history are deeply intertwined. In 2016, Manuel Valls, the Prime Minister of France at the time, said, “Sans les Juifs de France, la France ne serait pas la France”—without French Jews, France wouldn’t be France. While I’m not a politician like Valls, I wholeheartedly agree with him. The first mention of Jews in France dates to 6 CE, while the first king of the French, Clovis, lived in the 6th century. Technically, Jews have lived in France longer than the country has existed, contributing significantly to the development of the France we know today. There is no French history without the Jews.

NYJTG: What strategies do you employ to make your tours accessible to individuals with varying levels of prior knowledge or familiarity with Jewish history? Beyond traditional tourist attractions, do you incorporate visits to local Jewish businesses, synagogues, or cultural institutions into your tours to provide a more immersive experience?

Valeria Asher: I pay close attention to my clients’ reactions as I speak and encourage them to participate and contribute. I assess their level of knowledge based on their comments, understanding that there’s no shame in not knowing—that’s why they’ve joined the tour: to learn! Once, I gave a tour to an Israeli family who were very well-read and knowledgeable. When they asked questions, I wasn’t entirely certain about them. I researched and, a few days later, emailed them the answers. The experience turned out to be incredibly rewarding for both of us, as reflected in their positive TripAdvisor reviews. We each came away having learned something new!

In addition to offering tours, I provide trip planning services and assist tourists in organizing their time in Paris. I help them find kosher restaurants, arrange visits to synagogues, and suggest exhibits or museums to visit. I want my clients to have the best possible experience in Paris, and if they’re interested in including Jewish activities in their itinerary, I go above and beyond to ensure they have a memorable and immersive experience.

NYJTG: How do you navigate the complexities of language and translation when guiding tours for participants who may not be fluent in French or English? As a tour guide, how do you balance the need for factual accuracy with storytelling? and interpretive elements that make the history come alive for your audience? In what ways do you collaborate with other professionals or organizations in the tourism and heritage sectors to promote awareness of Jewish history in Paris?

Valeria Asher: As a fluent Russian speaker, I often give tours to Russian-speaking immigrants. I had a funny experience with a small group of Israelis and Americans of Russian origin. We ended the tour at a kosher restaurant in the Marais. When the owner heard us, he joked that the only other place he’d heard Russian, English, and Hebrew spoken in the same sentence was Israel. For me, the important part is ensuring my clients understand me and have a good time.

Tour guide storytelling should be rooted in factual accuracy. I base my tours on history books, biographies, medieval tax records, tombstones, and academic articles. After compiling all that information, I create a summary and present it on the tour. Occasionally, I allow myself to interpret the facts, but I always inform my clients when it is my personal conjecture.

NYJTG: Finally, what inspired you to dedicate your career to sharing the rich and diverse tapestry of Jewish heritage in Paris, and how do you envision the future of Jewish heritage tourism in the city? What do you hope participants take away from your tours, and how do you measure the success of your educational efforts in preserving and promoting Jewish history in Paris?

Valeria Asher: Jews are the original storytellers. Just look at the Torah; it’s brimming with detailed accounts of events and happenings. Every year, we recount stories of Jews leaving Egypt, Esther’s courage, the victories of the Maccabees, and the miraculous events of Hanukkah. This is where I draw my inspiration from. The Jews who have lived in Paris deserve recognition for their contributions because they are an integral part of history. We can learn from them or simply learn about them. I hope my tourists leave with a newfound sense of optimism. Jewish people have endured tough times, but each time, we emerge stronger. I want my tours to instill a sense of pride, optimism, and encouragement, inspiring young tourists to persevere in their pursuits and lead successful lives.

I gauged my success through the reviews left on TripAdvisor and referrals from past tour participants. It’s a tremendous compliment and a great honor that fuels my motivation to continue sharing these stories!

NYJTG: Thank you for your valuable time and for all the information you shared with us. I appreciated it, as will our readers.

For more information:

Story by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide.com, and New York Jewish Guide.com

For all the details and to organize your guided tour, visit https://tourswithvaleria.com/