Pronunciation: [bˈɔːʃt bˈɛlt] (IPA) 
The phrase "borscht belt" refers to a region in New York that was a popular vacation spot for Jewish Americans in the mid-20th century. The first part of the word, "borscht," is a soup made from beets and is a popular dish in Eastern European cuisine. The second part, "belt," refers to a region or area. The word is spelled as "bɔːʃt bɛlt," with the "o" sound in "borscht" pronounced as "aw" and the "e" sound in "belt" as "ɛ."
The term "Borscht Belt" refers to a geographical area located in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York, known for its vibrant Jewish resort culture during the mid-20th century. It earned its name due to the significant number of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe who settled in this region and brought with them their culinary preferences, including the hearty beet soup, borscht. The term "Borscht Belt" is also used metaphorically to describe the entertainment industry and culture that thrived in this area.
The Borscht Belt emerged as a popular vacation destination for Jewish families seeking an escape from city life, particularly during the 1920s to 1970s. This region was dotted with numerous summer resorts, hotels, and bungalow colonies that catered predominantly to Jewish clientele. The Borscht Belt offered a wide range of entertainment options, including comedy shows, live music, theater performances, and recreational activities like swimming, boating, and golf. Many legendary comedians and entertainers, such as Mel Brooks, Jerry Lewis, and Joan Rivers, started their careers performing in the Borscht Belt clubs, also known as "Catskill resorts."
However, with changing times, the popularity of the Borscht Belt gradually declined. Evolving cultural and vacation preferences, as well as the advent of affordable air travel, led to a decline in these resorts' popularity. Today, the Borscht Belt remains significant for its historical and cultural contributions, particularly as a symbol of the Jewish American experience and the development of the American entertainment industry.
The term "Borscht Belt" is derived from the Yiddish word "borscht", which refers to a traditional Eastern European soup made from beets (also known as "borsch" or "borsht"). The word "belt" here is a colloquial term used to describe a geographic region or a cultural area, similar to the "Rust Belt" or the "Bible Belt".
The Borscht Belt specifically refers to the region in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York, which was a popular vacation destination for Jewish Americans from the 1920s to the 1970s. This area became known for its abundance of resorts, hotels, and entertainment venues that catered specifically to the Jewish community.
