Borscht Belt: Revisiting the Remains of America’s Jewish Vacationland with Marisa Scheinfeld

Marisa Scheinfeld discusses the rise and fall of the Jewish hotels of the Catskill Mountains via Zoom on October 11, 2021, sharing photographs from her book The Borscht Belt: Revisiting the Remains of America’s Jewish Vacationland, published by Cornell University Press.

[@Cookefan59]

I am not Jewish but I do have a passion for entertainment and this approach to photography. I love the then and now comparisons no matter what they are. She has done an incredible job documenting these very historic properties. The pool shots and that elevator shot were haunting. She also has a lovely speaking voice.

[@jewishcommunitylibrary3884]

Thank you for writing. So glad that her work and presentation spoke to you!

[@user-dn5bi4si5w]

Great video, with lots of in-depth information. I have some relatives who were farmers on the Catskills. They sold their land to either Grossingers or the Concord. I very much want the Catskills to make a comeback.

[@wnulman]

This is an outstanding documentary that encapsulates the mystique and the grandeur of this area during those years. Thank you for all of the work to compile these images and the related stories.

[@edwardspencer3906]

Thank You so much, Noah! I just Love this..I worked at the Maplecrest Resort near Hensonville in the mid-70s..BTW before I forget, it was just inside Greene Co. I'm a former baptist from w.fl and had never even heard of the "Jewish Alps"! But I fell in love with the resorts and the People.. I've found the remains of the resort Google maps and Google Earth.. like I said "remains" was kinda surprised anything was there.. anyway I subscribed cuz this was one of the Best parts of my entire life! Thank You for your Time Effort and the Love you have for your subject matter, Shalom, Noah!

[@jewishcommunitylibrary3884]

Thanks so much. So glad you had the opportunity to experience the area before that era ended. Just so you know, subscribing won't likely get many other presentations like this one, but perhaps something else will be of interest.

[@edwardspencer3906]

@@jewishcommunitylibrary3884 love the Culture so much that I am Sure I will find something else of interest! Thank You very much for replying!

[@nakdad]

Excellent