Barack Obama achieved many things in his times of presidency.

For many people, he was one of the most influential people to ever come into power - especially considering the controversial failings of his successor. Barack Obama was known for many things - in the Jewish community, he's known as the president who shared Passover celebrations with the Whitehouse and the rest of America. Below, we'll look at how he did it and what it meant for the Jewish community in America.

The Passover Celebrations In The Whitehouse

Barack Obama once claimed to be the closest thing to a Jewish person that had ever been in power. Despite his claims, many politicians battled against Obama's ties to the Jewish community. Still, he ploughed on and held the first Passover celebration at the Whitehouse. 

Obama initiated the Passover celebrations in 2009, which became a yearly occurrence. Every staff member at the Whitehouse had an invite, along with their family, to join in the Passover gathering. Everyone sat down at a Seder table and enjoyed the Seder meal, drank wine from Kiddush Cups, and recited from the Haggadah.

It was a milestone moment for the Jewish communities across America that had their traditions and values shared with the world. 

Current Whitehouse Celebrations

After Obama came Donald Trump who - despite having a Jewish wife - wasn't prepared to bring the celebration of Passover to the Whitehouse. But, in 2021, Passover celebrations returned once more, thanks to the vice president's husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. He hosted a virtual Seder meal with thousands of people in attendance. 

At the time, in-person mixing was still banned, meaning Jewish communities across America had to find new ways to celebrate Passover. Doug Emhoff managed to bring thousands of people together while maintaining Passover traditions. He declared it a moment of many firsts. Doug Emhoff is the first Jewish Second Gentleman, his wife is the first Asian African American to be a vice president, and it was the first virtual Seder meal hosted by the Whitehouse.

It was a truly iconic celebration that represented the wider Jewish community and brought awareness to the celebration of Passover. Anyone in America was free to join the live event by clicking on a link shared online.

How Celebrations Influenced Jewish Communities Across America

Barack Obama might have started the tradition of Passover at the Whitehouse, but it was Doug Emhoff who revolutionized the idea by making it an event anyone could join. It shed light on Judaism in America, empowered Jewish communities, and the fact that Doug Emhoff is the first Jewish man in his position was hugely influential for the Jewish community. 

The celebrations came at a time when everyone felt far away from each other thanks to the pandemic-induced restrictions - but somehow, his celebrations made everyone feel together. Barack Obama had a similar influence by showing his respect and unison with the Jewish communities across America.

America has the second-largest Jewish community, second to Israel. Now that Doug Emhoff is such an integral part of the office, Passover may not be the only Jewish celebration hosted by the Whitehouse this year. That means that Jewish history, culture, and religion could continue to spread across America's society.