Matzah is the unleavened bread eaten during the Jewish festival of Passover. It is made from flour and water and is prepared so the dough does not rise.
Passover commemorates the Israelites’ exodus from slavery in Egypt. In the biblical story, the departure happened so quickly that the dough for their bread could not rise. Matzah therefore serves as a reminder of both haste and hardship, and it is a central food at the Passover seder.
Jewish law prohibits chametz, or leavened grain products made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that have fermented. Families often clean their homes and use specially prepared Passover foods. Practices differ among Jewish communities, especially regarding kitniyot, such as rice and legumes.
Matzah is sometimes called the “bread of affliction” and the “bread of faith.” It is not the same as ordinary crispbread: Passover matzah must meet specific preparation and supervision requirements.