IN PERSON: The borscht belt was the name given to an area in the Catskill Mountains that consisted primarily of Jewish resorts and was where dozens of entertainers became famous. This lecture-based course will provide a 200-year historical overview of this area, ending with the golden age of the borscht belt from 1940 into the 1970s. Students will learn how the "Jewish Alps" became so popular, and we will reminisce together and share our personal memories about those times and that place that once featured over 500 hotels and 50,000 bungalows. Participants will learn about the singers and comedians who kicked off their careers in the borscht belt. We will watch some video footage from this era. Finally, students will learn what has become of this magical place. | Lecture + Q&A.
Max enrollment: 30.
Location: Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham NC 27705
