Matzo

Matzo (also spelled Matzah or Matza) is an unleavened bread traditionally eaten by Jews during the week-long Passover holiday, when eating chametz—bread and other food which is leavened with yeast—is forbidden according to Jewish law. Matzo is a flat, cracker-like product, which is made from flour and water, and is traditionally made by hand to ensure that it meets all Jewish laws and customs.

History

The origins of matzo come from the Jewish holiday of Passover, which commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. According to the Bible, the Israelites left Egypt in such haste that they could not wait for their bread dough to rise; the bread, when baked, became matzo.

Production

Matzo is made from flour and water. The flour may be whole grain or refined grain, but it must be either wheat, spelt, barley, rye, or oat. Some handmade matzo is made from water that has been left to stand overnight (mayim shelanu) to ensure that it does not start fermenting.

Religious significance

Matzo is used in the Jewish ritual of the Seder. Matzo that is kosher for Passover is limited in Ashkenazi tradition to plain matzo made from flour and water. The flour must be ground from one of the five grains specified in Jewish law for Passover matzo. These grains are wheat, barley, rye, spelt, and oats.

See also

• Passover
• Seder
• Chametz
• Jewish cuisine

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