Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships Blog

Why Is This Night Different from All Other Nights? Recipes for Passover

Tonight and tomorrow night, Jewish families and friends in the United States and around the world will gather for Seders to commemorate the Exodus from Egypt and the triumph of hope and perseverance over injustice and oppression. For most Jewish families, the Passover meal is full traditions passed down through the generations like the maror, or bitter herbs, which symbolize the bitterness of slavery in Egypt or the matzoh, unleavened bread, which recalls the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt – giving them no time to allow their bread to rise.

While some families hold the secret to the fluffiest matzoh balls in town, others have created new traditions to share with their families and friends.

Here at the White House tonight, President and Mrs. Obama will again host a small Seder, complete with recipes provided by friends and family.  It’s a tradition that started in Pennsylvania in 2008, when after a long day on the campaign trail then-Senator Obama gathered a group of staffers – Jewish and non-Jewish alike – for an impromptu Seder.  Each year since, the same group, along with a few close friends and family, have come together to carry on the tradition at the White House.  Among the family recipes on the menu this year are a traditional chicken soup with matzoh balls, braised beef brisket, potato kugel, carrot soufflé, and matzoh chocolate cake.

One Million Volunteer Mentors and Tutors

CNN’s Soledad O’Brien, White House Domestic Policy Council Melody Barnes, United Way Worldwide President CEO Brian Gallagher, and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at the United Way Town Hall. Photo by Max Taylor.

Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships staff from the U.S. Department of Education and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) participated in the United Way Education Town Hall on March 31, 2011 in Washington, D.C. The event was held at Trinity University, and brought together students, teachers, nonprofit and business leaders, and education advocates, and representatives from government. 

United Way Worldwide President and CEO Brian Gallagher announced United Way’s commitment to recruit one million readers, tutors and mentors to enhance the education and lives of young people.

CNCS CEO Patrick Corvington talked about how education is a central priority for national service. “More than half of our funding goes to education,” said Corvington.  “We make it possible for great nonprofits across the country to support tutors and mentors and school volunteers that reach three million disadvantaged youth each year.” 

The event moderator, CNN’s Soledad O’Brien, interviewed Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council Melody Barnes and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.  Duncan praised the United Way’s commitment saying that when community organizations and schools work together our young people from the toughest of backgrounds can do extraordinarily well.

Barnes highlighted the role that CNCS serves in helping to channel the energies and good intentions of everyday Americans into volunteer opportunities that support students and schools.

Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council Melody Barnes with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at the United Way Education Town Hall. Photo by Max Taylor.