President Obama Celebrates Passover Seder at the White House

President Barack Obama marked Monday night's start of Passover with a private Seder at the White House making it the fifth consecutive year the Obamas have celebrated the Jewish holiday.
Obama began the Seder tradition with members of his staff and some friends during his first presidential campaign in 2008. The feast, which marks the starting of Passover, is a celebration of the Jewish liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt.

"This has been a very, very powerful event for the President," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Monday.
President Obama earlier, while on his historic trip to Isreal touched upon the upcoming Passover holiday, the powerful symbols that it represents, and the inspiration it provides to him and to all people seeking a more just and peaceful future.
This year, the first family planned to use a Seder plate Obama picked up on his visit. The plate was a gift to first lady Michelle Obama from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife, Sara.

The Seder is the feast starting the Passover, when Jewish people celebrate liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt.