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The White House didn't always celebrate Passover - here's how the tradition began
The White House didn't always celebrate Passover - here's how the tradition began
Talia LakritzMar 30, 2021, 23:51 IST
President Obama hosts a Seder in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House in 2009.Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
President Bill Clinton's staffers held the first-ever White House Passover Seder in 1993, though Clinton didn't attend.
President Barack Obama became the first sitting president to host a Passover Seder at the White House in 2009.
Second gentleman Doug Emhoff hosted the first-ever virtual White House Seder and spoke about celebrating Passover as a child.
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April 1993: President Bill Clinton's staffers held the first-ever White House Passover Seder in the Indian Treaty Room, though the president himself didn't attend.
President Bill Clinton speaks in the Indian Treaty Room at the White House.
PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP via Getty Images
April 2008: As a candidate, President Barack Obama attended an impromptu Seder held by three staffers during his first campaign.
Barack Obama campaigns in Pennsylvania in 2008.
Jeff Swensen/Getty Images
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April 2009: Obama became the first sitting president to attend and host a Seder at the White House.
President Obama hosts a Seder in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House in 2009.
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
March 2010: Obama hosted another Seder the following year, and he continued to do so every year of his presidency.
President Barack Obama hosts a Passover Seder in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House in 2010.
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
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April 2016: Obama held his last White House Passover Seder.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama host a Passover Seder in 2016.
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
April 2017: President Donald Trump did not continue Obama's Passover Seder tradition, though some aides hosted their own celebration.
President Donald Trump, with Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner in 2019.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images
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March 2021: Second gentleman Doug Emhoff hosted the first-ever virtual White House Seder.
Vice President Kamala Harris participates in the White House's Virtual Passover Celebration with second gentleman Douglas Emhoff in 2021.
JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images