Who should show me the important Jewish sites, when I journey to Budapest & Prague this August?

Answer 1

There are tours in Budapest specializing on this aspect of the city and its history. (It's quite amazing, it should be quite an experience!)

Here are a couple:
http://www.budapesthotelreservation.hu/programs/jewish_quarter.EN.php
http://www.zsido.hu/english/travel/guided.htm
http://www.city-discovery.com/budapest/tour.php?id=691

Alternatively, if you just want to visit some of the sites, you could do that. Guide books will point out the major synagogue. Be sure to go around it and see the cemetary next to it and the beautiful silver tree that's a memorial.

I don't know if any tours would include this, but ask about the Holocaust memorial on the bank of the Danube (Pest side) that is made up of steel shoes. It is incredibly moving.

Answer 2

A local Hebrew person who speaks your language is best. If you are with a regular tour they usually get the on site expert to talk with the group. I visited the Check Republic and East Berlin and found these sites fascinating. The graves of the Jews in their tiny grave yard were so close together they were practically stacked. People would leave stones on the rocks there to show their respects. These folks have a rich history; you should enjoy it immensely.

I wish I could go with you.