The Esrog

The Esrog compiles claymation versions of two edifying stories associated with Baal Shem Tov, the 18th-century mystical rabbi who founded the Hasidic movement in Judaism. The titular piece revolves around Dovid, a poor but pious farmer whose great dream has been to someday purchase the most beautiful esrog (a kind of citrus) in the village market for his family's celebration of the harvest festival Succos. One year, Dovid secretly saves enough money to buy a magnificent fruit; but when he brings it home, his wife's reaction teaches him a lesson about what's really important. The second tale, “Yaakov and Eliyahu,” concerns a man named Yaakov, who prays to see Elijah (believed to have mentored Baal Shem). Yaakov ultimately learns that true religion is based on kindness and generosity to others, not conversation with a prophet. Although director Tawd B. Dorenfeld clearly wishes to make these traditional narratives available in a form that will appeal to youngsters, the execution here is amateurish—with stop-motion work reminiscent of Gumby—and the pacing is lethargic. DVD extras include a “making-of” featurette, four music videos, and an interactive tool for teaching the Hebrew alphabet. Although well intentioned, this is not recommended. Aud: P. (F. Swietek)