Film screening, 1 hour, 26 minutes; In English; Followed by discussion

Prepare yourself for a dollop of nostalgia as thick and as satisfying as full-fat sour cream.

The Catskills is a voyage through the iconic Borscht Belt, drawing on archival footage, home movies, photos and contemporary interviews with former guests and employees of the Jewish resorts that once thrived along Highway 17 in New York State.

Created at a time when Jews eager to escape the sweltering heat of the city were barred from entering Christian hotels, they built their own summer retreats, modest to extravagant. While they were at it, these summer resorts gave birth to stand-up comedy, launching the careers of Henny Youngman, Danny Kaye, Buddy Hackett, Phil Silvers, Jacky Mason, Milton Berle and others. From lavish buffets (“I’ll have one of everything.”) to dance lessons, swimming and schmoozing, the Catskills held every promise of America. 

Director Les Gillespie (The Mamboniks) chronicles the rise and fall of this storied world. Enjoy the film and noshes then be prepared to share your own memories with our cinema mavens at The Catskills, our final offering of the season.

If you would like to receive a reminder prior to each of our films, please email Lauren to be added to the list.

The Shabbat Jewish Film Series is made possible by the Aptekar Family Endowment Fund for Film.