Question: Do you miss the old “Borscht Belt” Jewish Catskills?

 

 


Yes, I recall good experiences in the Catskills. My family owned a farm in Ulster County for many years. The two memories that stand out most in my mind are the swimming pool and the ice cream truck. We enjoyed the Catskills the entire year, not just in the summer. I wouldn’t mind going back; I haven’t been there in over ten years.


– Dovid Yachnes, shamas



 


No, I only miss Eretz Yisrael. I go there every summer with my husband, who takes groups of boys to camp. I used to visit the Catskills and I enjoyed it, but it pales in comparison with Eretz Yisrael.


– Shoshana Sheiner, hospital volunteer

 



It used to be more exciting than it is today. People went to the Catskills to get away from city life, but today we can’t escape from our computers – some people don’t go to the Catskills because it’s difficult to get clear reception. I plan on going back this summer at the very least for the weekends.


– Avigdor Bond, music technician


 


No. I used to go upstate for work. It’s nice to get out of New York City for a while, but I didn’t enjoy it that much since you cannot really get around. You also have to be part of the Catskills community to really have fun. I wouldn’t go back; it just doesn’t interest me. I would much rather go to Florida for the summer.


– Chedva Yachnes, student



 

 




Yes, I went to the Catskills often for camp. It’s good to get out of the rush of urban life. I recall the fresh morning breeze and the bonfires. The Catskills are great because the mornings are warm and the evenings are cool. I look forward to going back.


– Nissim Yachnes, baker

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Ita Yankovich is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in various Jewish and secular publications. She also teaches English and Literature at Kingsborough College and Touro College. She can be reached at [email protected].