KosherBuzz

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman

A Must Watch!

Yes, confession here... we often binge-watch our favorite TV series. So when we were invited to preview The Dovekeepers, an upcoming four-hour mini-series from executive producers Roma Downey and multiple Emmy Award winner Mark Burnett, we were delighted. The focus of the film is Masada, Israel's 2nd most popular tourist destination after Jerusalem. We have been to Masada several times, and each time we climb the mountain we learn more, and are deeply moved by the story of faith and bravery.

Based on Alice Hoffman's international best seller historical novel about the siege of Masada, this two night, four-hour miniseries focuses on the courage and trials of four women whose lives intertwine as they fight for survival. Set in ancient Israel, The Dovekeepers, is based on the account of true events circa 70 C.E., as told to Roman scribe/historian Josephus. After being forced out of their homes in Jerusalem by the Romans, 900 Jews climbed to the top of the mountain and set up a stronghold in the Judean Desert, now known as the fortress of Masada,

For those who read Alice Hoffman's book, the film brings the characters to life; for those who have actually been to Israel and climbed the mountain, the spectacular scenery will evoke raw emotion; and,for those who want to learn more about the actual history of Masada, the film recounts the story. For months, a vast army of thousands of Roman soldiers besieged hundreds of Jews until the Jewish resistance could no longer avoid a tragic destiny-- atop their mountain fortress.

The Dovekeepers will be broadcast on CBS Tuesday, March 31 and Wednesday, April 1, 2015 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT). The film stars Cote de Pablo, Rachel Brosnahan and Kathryn Prescott in the title dovekeeper roles, Sam Neill as first-century Jewish scholar and historian Josephus, and Diego Boneta as a star warrior of the Jewish army at Masada.