For the first time in Illinois history, a Jewish governor hosted a model Passover Seder in the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield.

On Monday, some 100 people – Jewish lawmakers, rabbis and community leaders, Jewish members of the governor’s staff, and others – joined Gov. JB Pritzker and first lady MK for the event.

“Passover is a time for family and friends to come together to commemorate the history of our people and celebrate our faith,” the governor said. “In that spirit, MK and I were delighted to be surrounded by so many friends and leaders in our community for our first model Seder at the governor’s mansion. We’re looking forward to many more celebrations with the Jewish community in the years to come and we wish all who are celebrating a Chag Sameach.”

Among those attending were the Pritzker’s’ rabbi, Seth Limmer, from Temple Sinai in Chicago, who led the service; JUF Board Chair Andy Hochberg and his wife, Dr. Laurie Hochberg; Counsel General of Israel to the Midwest Aviv Ezra and his wife, Einat; Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro; Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton; and Deputy Gov. Jesse Ruiz and his wife, Michelle.

Hochberg thanked his friends the Pritzkers, saying “they brought together a fabulous group of Jewish and non-Jewish leaders from across the state and hosted a haimish and meaningful model Seder shortly before we celebrate the real thing. Amid all the major issues playing out in Springfield and on the eve of Israel’s elections, it was inspiring to gather together, to see the beautifully restored Governor’s Mansion – to which Pritzker and his predecessor, Bruce Rauner, both donated generously. As we revisited the ancient story of our people’s redemption, we did so with an eye to applying its many lessons for our national and communal dreams.”

JUF Executive Vice President Jay Tcath added that “it’s always an extra treat of these gubernatorial model Seders to visit with our Federation colleagues from Rockford, Springfield, Southern Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Peoria and the Quad Cities, as well as our friends in the General Assembly’s Jewish caucus: Sen. Laura Fine and Reps. Jonathan Carroll, Kelly Cassidy, Dan Didech, Sara Feigenholtz, Robyn Gabel, Will Guzzardi, Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, Rabbi Yehiel Kalish and Bob Morgan.”