Passover Fable Explored in PBS Documentary by Pace Professor

A few years back Pace University in Pleasantville made news when a PBS documentary produced by Professor Allen Oren called "18 Voices Sing Kol Nidre," explored that sacred Jewish chant. A number of good things have happened to that film since, including two Emmy nominations, a major museum program, and PBS stations airing the documentary the past seven High Holiday seasons.

So, Oren decided to try a sequel of sorts. It premieres nationally on public television stations this month and you can watch it April 14 on New York's THIRTEEN and WLIW.

The 51-minute piece is called "THE FOUR SONS AND ALL THEIR SONS: A Passover Tale" and, like "18 Voices," it starts with one aspect of a Jewish holiday and draws from it more universal meaning.

More exactly, the Four Sons are the focus of one of the most beloved and intriguing stories in the Haggadah, the book read and sung at the Passover Seder. The story is beloved despite being just a short fable about four boys at the Seder table and how they’re treated by their father.

The fable has been revised relentlessly over the centuries, in art, in music, in words, and ranks among the most reinterpreted tales ever told. Why? Because Passover and its Seder are really about passing on heritage--or beliefs--to children. And The Four Sons story suggests how to do that, as many suggestions as there are versions.

The documentary moves constantly from an actual Seder to the Four Sons story (including 34 versions of the tale) to interviewees from ages 17 to 70…and back to the Seder.

The films's website, www.thefoursons.com, has more information about the piece, the full schedule of airings across the country and the DVD.

Watch a promo here.

Image via Vimeo

>From Pace University