Supreme Court Justice Arthur and Dorothy Goldberg’s Legendary Passover Seders

Supreme Court Justice Arthur and Dorothy Goldberg’s legendary Passover seders are the focus of an evening of stories and historical memories at the Capital Jewish Museum. In 1960s Washington, the Goldbergs hosted annual seders that combined the Haggadah with the songs and history of the labor movement. As Arthur Goldberg’s career progressed from representing steelworkers to serving as President John F. Kennedy’s Secretary of Labor and later as a Supreme Court justice, the gatherings expanded from local Jewish families and labor leaders to prominent figures from Washington’s social and political circles.

Arthur and Dorothy Goldberg, an artist and activist, infused these civil-rights-themed seders with music and celebration. Guests who knew the Goldbergs and attended the gatherings will share their recollections. The program is presented in partnership with the Supreme Court Historical Society.

When: Thursday, November 12, 2026

Showtimes: 7–8:30 pm

Venue: Capital Jewish Museum, 575 3rd Street, NW, Washington, DC

Tickets: Members: $5; general admission: $10; Chai 💙: $18

Presented by: Capital Jewish Museum in partnership with the Supreme Court Historical Society

Featured history: Arthur and Dorothy Goldberg’s Passover seders, their connection to the labor movement and civil-rights activism, and memories from people who attended them

Image note: The event page features a 1961 photograph of Arthur and Dorothy Goldberg at home with their son, Robert, shortly after President Kennedy appointed Arthur Goldberg Secretary of Labor.