The Borscht Belt resorts were abandoned long ago. These signs point to a brighter future.

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Our culture reporter Irene Katz Connelly traveled to Mountain Dale, New York – once a thriving Borscht Belt hotspot – to see how a new trail of historical markers are paying tribute to a Jewish vacation hub and aiming to spur Catskills tourism.

Rise and fall: Borscht Belt resorts launched the careers of comedians including Lenny Bruce and Joan Rivers, dominated the regional economy and shaped the rhythm of life for locals: many grew up valeting cars for tourists and spotting celebrities at the hotels. But in the later part of the 20th century, as antisemitic discrimination eased and airplane travel got cheaper, the resorts shuttered. 

‘Permanent map of our history’: Marisa Scheinfeld, whose grandparents vacationed in the Catskills for decades, grew up witnessing that decline. In 2016, she compiled a photo book of decrepit dining rooms, overgrown pools, and rotting Adirondack chairs. Now she’s launched the Borscht Belt Marker Project.

Tourist boom: Locals are already anticipating how new interest in Borscht Belt history could boost the economy. Dara Manzi, who grew up in the area and started a bus transportation company during the pandemic, hopes to offer tours as more markers are installed — and bring customers to local businesses along the way. “They’re gonna have to eat, they’re gonna have to drink, they’re gonna have to sleep somewhere,” she said of prospective tourists.

Meanwhile: A new Borscht Belt museum in Ellenville, New York, had its inaugural festival last month and is open with special summer pop-up exhibits on resort culture and artist Morris Katz. “We’re tapping into this zeitgeist moment,” the museum’s Andrew Jacobs told our colleagues at the New York Jewish Week, pointing to the popularity of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Dept of corrections: In Wednesday’s newsletter, we misstated what security experts are suggesting synagogues do amid a wake of fake bomb threats. They have not suggested shuls stop live streaming services. 

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

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Thanks to Irene Katz Connelly, Rebecca Salzhauer and Talya Zax for contributing to today’s newsletter. You can reach the “Forwarding” team at [email protected].