By Annie Groer and Ann Gerhart - The Washington Post

Friday, April 18 1997 -- You got your Seders with Hispanics that focus on farm workers, and your Seders with Baptists focusing on civil rights. But this year's really trendy Seder is for Tibetan unity. Hundreds have been organized all over the country, and the Dalai Lama himself will be attending one right here at Dupont Circle.

"He is thrilled," said Rabbi David Saperstein, the Jewish Reform leader who organized Thursday's Passover meal for some 60 people. The holiday ritual, to which gentiles are frequently invited, retells the story of Jews enslaved in Egypt, "and it is a compelling analogy for a religious leader in exile dreaming for a day of religious and political freedom. The Jewish community as a whole has had an implicit sympathy with the Tibetans in exile, and he has been fascinated with how the Jews have maintained their cohesiveness even while dispersed."

The Dalai Lama, who lives in Dharamsala, India, meets privately next week with congressional leaders and addresses parliamentarians on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Thursday's Seder, with its powerful rituals, is his first.

"We are hoping to learn how the Jews overcame their danger and preserved their identity," said Bhuchung Tsering, communications director for the International Campaign for Tibet.

To that end, Saperstein is incorporating a "bunch of singing" along with the traditional readings and foods at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. Turkey breast and vegetables will be served along with the bitter