illustration of President Barack Obama at a White House Seder

Special Storytime: Richard Michelson

March 9, 2025 at 2 - 2:30 pm

Auditorium

Free with Museum admission

Join local award-winning author Richard Michelson at the launch storytime event for Next Year in the White House: Barack Obama’s First Presidential Seder. This new picture book tells the true story of how a small Seder dinner on the campaign trail inspired Barack Obama to bring the tradition into the White House and host the first ever Presidential Passover celebration. Former Massachusetts State Senator Eric Lesser, whose memories form the basis for the book, will join Rich for a Q&A after the storytime

Book signing to follow program. Can’t make the event? You may reserve signed books online.

Who You'll Meet

Richard Michelson

Richard Michelson is a poet, children’s book author, curator, speaker, and owner of R. Michelson Galleries located in Northampton, MA. His work has earned a Sydney Taylor Gold Medal and National Jewish Book Award recognition.

Author website

Eric Lesser

Eric Lesser is an attorney and former Massachusetts state senator from Longmeadow, and was a traveling aide on Obama’s first campaign and at the White House. Eric organized the Obama seders along with two friends, and his memories form the basis for this book.

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