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WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama held a Passover Seder on Monday, continuing a tradition which began during the 2008 election race.
As a presidential candidate, Obama had learned that Jewish staff members in his campaign were planning to hold the Seder in a Pennsylvania hotel. He then decided to arrange a last-minute holiday dinner with both Jews and non-Jews alike.
The president has since been holding the traditional Passover feast at the White House with a small group of friends and Jewish members of staff.
The White House released a photo from Monday's event showing the president and guests around the Seder table.
Obama and guest at Seder table
It was stressed that the Seder was not "mehadrin" kosher but in kosher style. While the White House kitchen provided most of the food served, some of the guests also brought with them traditional dishes.
The meal included chicken soup with matzah balls, pot roast, kugel, and chocolate cake with matzot.
A total of 16 people were in attendance, including White House staff members as well as personal friends of Obama.
On Tuesday, the president marked Easter in a big ceremony open to the press. Christian leaders from across the US attended a prayer at the White House's eastern wing.
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