The Fifth Question: Why is This Passover Different?

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Shirin Raban  

"The Fifth Question: Why is this Passover different?" ethnographic documentary is a reflection on the intergenerational continuity of the Iranian-American Jewish community in Los Angeles, within the context of Passover. For 2700 years, Jews in Iran have celebrated Passover to commemorate the Exodus of their ancestors from Egypt. After the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran, many Jewish families embarked on another exodus, leaving Iran for more hospitable lands. A large number of this group settled in Los Angeles. In Iran, Passover is intertwined with the tapestry of Nowruz, the celebration of Persian New Year and the rebirth of spring. In postmodern globalized Los Angeles, traditional rituals that stem from authoritarian roots are not being followed as strictly as in the old country by the younger generation of diasporic immigrants. To illustrate this multifaceted evolving tapestry of her own Iranian-American Jewish community in Los Angeles, the filmmaker presents the interactions and engagement of various generations in preparation of symbolic foods, cleaning of the home, singing prayers and playing games at the Seder. Individuals from different generations share contrasting insights and interpretations of the concepts of “freedom” and “ritual” as they explain the history and meaning of Passover and their personal relationship to the tradition. This dynamic journey through the eight days of Passover creates an organic context for the cross-cultural exploration of memories, the embodiment of rituals, relationships between generations and gaining a more in-depth insight into the concepts of heritage preservation, acculturation, hybridity and cultural identity issues of first-generation immigrants.