Upcoming Events

Join Borscht Belt Museum archivist Allen Frishman for a classic bagels-and-lox breakfast and private tour of his home, a veritable museum chockablock with ephemera saved from oblivion. An author, preservationist and former building inspector for the town of Fallsburg, Frishman rescued countless objects—telephone switchboards, bungalow kitchens, swizzle sticks and hotel signs—before the bulldozers arrived. Many of them make up the Borscht Belt Museum's core collection.

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This panel focuses on the music that "Progressive" Jews in The Mountains played, sang, and listened to from the 1930s onward—union songs, Spanish Civil War songs, peace songs, lullabies, songs of love, songs of protest, songs for a hopeful future, songs in English, Yiddish, Russian and Spanish. We'll listen, and we'll talk about this music as part of the larger cultural project—for every set of social movements needs a soundtrack. 

Daniel Moses, Lita Slutsky, & Eve Sicular

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Step back into the golden age of the Catskills for an unforgettable, high-energy afternoon of history, culture, and rhythm. Borscht Belt Rhythm and Beats is a dynamic multimedia panel and presentation exploring the eclectic soundtrack that defined the region. This special event brings together expert discussion, archival visuals, and live musical elements designed to illustrate the vibrant history of the area and get the crowd up and dancing.

Our panel will trace the incredible evolution of sounds that filled the grand resort ballrooms, showcasing a true American cultural legacy. Attendees will experience a fascinating sonic journey as the presentation dives into the variety of rhythms that shaped the era, moving from the soulful strains of Yiddish theater and traditional prayer to the infectious, high-energy fusion of Swing, R&B, and Latin mambo. This is an immersive educational and musical experience. Through a captivating mix of rare photos, historical storytelling, and live musical demonstrations, the program brings the rich cultural history of the Catskills to life while keeping the energy high.

Meet the Artists:

Eve Sicular: A renowned cinema scholar and musician, Eve is a leading expert on Yiddish film history. As a bandleader and drummer based in NYC, she brings a deep academic and performative passion for preserving Jewish musical heritage.

Paul Shapiro: The acclaimed reedist, vocalist, and "improvisor of heart and mind," Paul is the mastermind behind the Ribs and Brisket Revue. He expertly blends klezmer with swing and R&B, adding a "potent Yiddish tinge" to every note.

Rabbi Dr. Cantor Sam Josephson: A true Renaissance man, "Cantor Sam" is a professional actor, singer, and pulpit rabbi. A former mainstay of the Folksbiene Yiddish Theatre, his credits range from leading roles in Les Misérables and Carousel to his moving liturgical work featured by the Orthodox Union.

Scott Wilson: (Multi instrumentalist, historian, and Son of Borscht Belt Belly Dancer Serena) and Leni Cohen Historian of Belly Dancing.

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There is a direct line from the Catskills stage to the satirical traditions that shape American political comedy today. This provocative and timely panel will trace how Borscht Belt humor—rooted in powerlessness, resilience, and the subversive intelligence of outsiders—became the dominant language of American political satire. From Mort Sahl to Jon Stewart, from Henry Youngman's one-liners to John Oliver's monologues, panelists will examine how Jewish comic sensibility trained generations of Americans to question authority, laugh at absurdity, and demand accountability through the vehicle of the punchline. At a moment when democracy needs humor more than ever, this panel asks: what would the tummler say?

Gideon Evans is an American television producer and writer specializing in satirical, comedic, and unscripted programming. He is best known for his work on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and early Michael Moore projects like TV Nation. His extensive career spans influential late-night and documentary-style shows that blend humor with cultural commentary. 

Moderated by Joey Novick - Comedian, Political Activist, Recently launched a parody news website.  

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To kick off standup comedy at the fest, we’ve got a variety pack of emerging comedians who are making waves both locally and nationally.

Featuring comedy from Kayley Strafford, Calvin Cato, Jonah Nigh, and Eitan Levine.

Hosted by Ellenville’s own Alejandro Morales.

The Nevele may have closed its doors, but the spirit of the Catskills is alive and well. Join us for a special showcase hosted by everyone’s favorite retired Nevele bellhop, Alejandro Morales, as he welcomes a new roster of "guests" to the festival stage.Forget the luggage—Alejandro is bringing out the heavy hitters of the modern comedy circuit.  These rising stars are carrying the torch of the Borscht Belt's sharp wit and fearless energy into the future. Come see the comedians that everyone will be talking about tomorrow, today!

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Tickets and Contestant Submission Form are HERE.

A live Jewish comedy dating show in NYC (and beyond!) for singles, couples, and allies.

Got Chutzpah?

Hosted by comedian and matchmaker Linnea Sage, The Jewish Dating Game is a live comedy matchmaking show that brings the Borscht Belt back to the Lower East Side, and cities throughout the country, one awkward flirt and dramatic reveal at a time. Singles sign up to compete, the audience plays along, and winning couples walk away with a fully comped date at one of NYC’s best Jewish or Israeli restaurants. Everyone else? Gets a damn good show.

Looking to meet Jewish singles in NYC without relying on dating apps? You’re in the right place.

Tickets and Contestant Submission Form are HERE.

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The latest and greatest in the grand tradition of standup comedy returns with a big heaving ladle full of Catskills style standup to satisfy comedy appetites of every generation. 

Hosted by Scott Blakeman

Featuring Robby Slowik, Joey Novick, Andrew Steiner, and Ethan Herschenfeld. 

Viral star and Kimmel Show favorite Ariel Elias headlines the first night of the festival. 

Ariel Elias is a comedian living in New York City. Growing up, this Kentucky Jew made everyone laugh at her bat mitzvah, and the rest is history. Today, her comedy is a fun mesh of unique, personal stories mixed with witty and wry observations. 

Most recently, Ariel released her debut stand-up special A Jewish Star through 800 Pound Gorilla, which can be seen on their YouTube channel. 

Described as “a sly young comic from Kentucky” by the New York Times, Ariel has also been featured in Rolling Stone, the Washington Post, and on Good Morning America. As a traveling stand up comedian, she has performed on the set of the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, was named a “New Face” at the 2021 Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, and most recently performed stand-up on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

After catching Jimmy Kimmel’s attention with a viral stand up clip that displayed her cool, calm, and hilarious composure, he invited Ariel to make her late night television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! In the same week she also appeared for an interview on the daytime talk show, Sherri.

The Comedy Lab: A Borscht Belt Crash Course in Joke Writing

An Interactive Workshop for Ages 10 -100

From the 1920s through the 1970s, the "Jewish Alps" of the Catskills weren’t just a vacation spot—they were a high-speed factory for American humor. Legends like Mel Brooks, Joan Rivers, and Jerry Seinfeld didn’t just get lucky; they mastered a specific set of tools to make people laugh until their sides ached.

Now, it’s your turn. This isn't a boring history lecture. It’s a fast-paced, one-hour "writers' room" where families go behind the scenes to learn the secret mechanics of the perfect joke.

The Workshop Syllabus

In this session, we break down the three pillars of Catskills comedy:

The Anatomy of a One-Liner: Master the structural mechanics behind the perfectly constructed "quick-hit." We’ll explore the Rule of Three, the pivot, and the misdirect—learning how performers like Henny Youngman could turn a handful of words into comedy gold.

The Story Joke (Narrative Comedy): Comedy is often about the journey. We’ll look at how to build a hilarious narrative, focusing on character, pacing, and the "slow burn" that leads to a massive payoff.

The Room & The Tummler (Audience Dynamics): In the Catskills, the "Tummler" (the social director/instigator) had to keep the energy high. Learn how the physical architecture of a resort room influenced timing and how to build a relationship with an audience that lasts an entire summer season.

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While the massive grand hotels of the Catskills often stole the headlines, the heart and soul of summer life resided in the Bungalow Colony. This program offers an intimate look at the families who built, managed, and nurtured these "other resorts"—the close-knit communities where generations of families returned every summer to forge lifelong bonds.

Join us for a panel discussion featuring the legendary owners and keepers of the Borscht Belt’s bungalow legacy. We’ll dive into the daily grit and summer glamour of running these colonies, from the "macho" weekend arrivals to the mid-week tranquility of the "colony" lifestyle.

The Panelists

Phylis Kaufman (Kaufman’s Bungalow Colony, Monticello): Representing one of the staple colonies of Monticello, Phylis brings firsthand insight into the dedication required to keep a family-run colony thriving decade after decade.

Alan Friedberg (Nob Hill, Kiamesha Lake): As the owner of Nob Hill, Alan offers a perspective on the Kiamesha Lake scene, sharing stories of the unique social dynamics and the evolution of bungalow culture.

Sheldon Dishner (Dishner’s, South Fallsburg): From the heart of South Fallsburg, Sheldon provides a look at the operational side of the business and the deep-rooted community spirit that defined Dishner’s.

Allen Frishman (Archival Officer, Borscht Belt Museum): A true steward of Catskills history, Allen brings both a professional and personal lens to the stage. As a family member of the Sadownicks (Monticello) and Hemlock Grove (Mountain Dale), he connects the dots between personal memory and the broader historical preservation of the Borscht Belt.

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FREE EVENT, No tickets are required.

Come share your favorite Catskill memories at a Borscht Belt-themed "Story Slam." Sign up for a chance to tell a true, personal 5-minute story about your time in the Catskills. Inspired by The Moth Story Hour, story-teller names will be drawn at random for a chance to pay tribute to those wonderful bygone days and nights. Whether your story is funny, poignant, or wistful, we're sure the audience will love our story-slam trip through time as they vote for the best story. The winning storyteller will receive a prize. 

The Stage as the Star: Architecture, Comedy, and the Borscht Belt Space

The casino at Grossinger’s. The legendary nightclub at the Concord. The makeshift stage tucked behind a boathouse. In the Catskills, place mattered.

The physical architecture of the mountains did more than just house an audience; it shaped the very soul of American comedy. From the timing of a punchline to the intimate, high-stakes energy of a crowded room, the "spatial genius" of the resort era was a critical ingredient in the Borscht Belt experience.

Join us for a deep-dive panel discussion featuring historians, architects, and performing artists as we explore the rooms that built the legends.

Featuring:

Alex Prizgintas (Historian & Musician): A powerhouse of Hudson Valley preservation, Alex is the President of the Woodbury Historical Society and the Town Historian of both Woodbury and Tuxedo. A Marist College alumnus and board member of the Association of Public Historians of NYS, Alex brings an academic and archival passion to the history of regional landscape architecture and community identity.

Moderated by Barry Lewis

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You’re invited to join the Borscht Belt Museum’s Archival Officer, Allen Frishman, for an afternoon of stories, memories, and unexpected treasures as we explore the objects that shaped our personal histories. Please bring one cherished Borscht Belt item—sentimental, quirky, historic, or surprising—that tells a story. It might be a photograph, a recipe card, a letter, a souvenir, a piece of clothing, or a tiny treasure tucked away for years. Don’t have an object? Everyone has a story! Let's share them. Hey, you might get into Allen’s next book, you never know! Together, we’ll share memories, laughter, and a little Catskills magic.

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The Classic is back for the sequel!

Settle into a new day of uproarious standup with festival favorites Bob Greenberg and Linda Belt, joined by Canada’s Benji Rothman.

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Prof. Rocco Marinaccio & Liz Aperin

New York City didn’t just adopt Jewish food—it was transformed by it. From the pushcarts of Orchard Street to the overstuffed booths of the Stage Deli and the legendary dining rooms of the Catskills, the story of the "Golden Medina" (the Golden Land) is written in schmaltz and brine.

Join us for a high-energy panel featuring chefs, scholars, and "appetizing" icons as we trace the journey of Jewish cuisine from a survival tactic on the Lower East Side to the very DNA of New York’s global food identity.

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Inspired by the classic improv form, the Living Room, The Schmooze brings folks together for an afternoon of unfiltered kibitzing, kvetching, and improv comedy. With a charismatic cast of experienced comedians, ages 70+, you'll be hooked by their chutzpah.

Featuring Lily Friedman, Richard Gould, Janet Klein, Barbara Newman, Merle Rubine, and Robert Wolfson

Directed by Elana Fishbein

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Olga Namer is a New York based stand-up comedian and actress. 

Born in Brooklyn and raised in an orthodox Jewish home, Olga was married by 17 and divorced by 20 (it’s a long story - come see my set!). Inspired by Sarah Silverman and Larry David, Olga brings her unique point of view of life to her comedy that has been described as “funny, honest, authentic, and sarcastic.”

Olga performs regularly in clubs around New York including Gotham, Stand Up NY, Governor's Comedy Club, The Stand and The Comic Strip. Olga is the 2018 winner of the Ladies of Laughter competition and has toured with Chelsea Handler.  

In 2019, Olga starred in a short film called the “$100 Bill Trick” which has been written about in Vulture and was accepted into the Chelsea Film Festival, Golden Door International Film Festival and New York Short Film Festival. Olga has been featured in several articles including Newsday, L’Etage Magazine and The Interrobang. Olga was also featured in the book Mastering Stand-Up. 

Olga is currently working on her comedy hour about her life and will be starring in an upcoming documentary about comedy during Covid-19.

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Harrison Greenbaum is one of the most in-demand comedic performers in the world, described as "the hardest-working man in comedy" by both Time Out New York and the NY Daily News.

On television, Harrison has been seen by millions on shows such as America's Got Talent, Last Comic Standing, Conan, Sherri, Comedy Central's This Week at the Comedy Cellar, National Geographic Channel's Brain Games, and more.  He's also been a regular guest co-host on StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson, as well as the warm-up comic for The Daily Show on Comedy Central.

For nearly two years, Harrison starred in Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple in Las Vegas as the first (and only) stand-up comedian to ever headline a Cirque du Soleil show, performing a record-setting 650 shows at the NY-NY Hotel & Casino.  Now back in NYC, Harrison recently debuted his solo Off-Broadway show to much critical acclaim, with amNewYork declaring Harrison "either the world's funniest comedian or the world's most magical comedian; either way, his show is a gut-busting, jaw-dropping theatrical rollercoaster ride you don't want to miss!"

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