For 2700 years, Jews in Iran have celebrated Passover to commemorate the Exodus of their ancestors from Egypt. Iranian Jews residing in Los Angeles have experienced another exodus in their lifetimes, leaving Iran after the Islamic revolution in 1979. The Fifth Question examines the Persian Passover tradition in the Iranian-American Jewish community in Los Angeles, reflecting on continuity through the eyes of three generations. Parents and grandparents born and raised in Iran and college-age youth born and raised in Los Angeles share memories and experiences through candid interviews and intimate moments preparing symbolic foods and participating in the Seder ritual. This cross-cultural exploration of relationships between generations addresses issues of cultural identity and first generation immigrants.
Running time: 30 minutes
The Fifth Question: Why is this Passover Different?
by Shirin Raban, MVA 2014