View source for Matzah

==Religious significance==
There are numerous explanations behind the symbolism of matzah:

* Passover is a commemoration of the exodus from Egypt. The biblical narrative relates that the [[Israelites]] left Egypt in such haste they could not wait for their bread dough to rise; the bread, when baked, was matzah.<ref>{{Bibleverse|Exodus|12:39|HE}}</ref> 

* Matzah symbolizes redemption and freedom, but it is also called ''lechem oni'', "poor man's bread".<ref>{{Bibleverse|Deuteronomy|16:3|HE}}</ref> Thus it serves as a reminder to be humble, and to not forget what life was like in servitude. Also, leaven symbolizes corruption and pride as leaven "puffs up". Eating the "bread of affliction" is both a lesson in humility and an act that enhances the appreciation of freedom.{{Citation needed|date=February 2026}}

* The [[Passover sacrifice]] was once required to be eaten together with matzah (and [[maror]]).<ref>{{Bibleverse|Exodus|12:8|HE}}</ref> Since the destruction of the [[Temple in Jerusalem|Temple]] this sacrifice is not offered, but the final matzah eaten at the seder is considered a reminder of the Passover sacrifice.<ref>In the [[Sephardi Jews|Sephardic]] rite,  the third time the matzah is eaten it is preceded with the recitation ''zekher l'korban pesach hane'ekhal al hasova'' ("A remembrance of the Passover offering, eaten while full").</ref> This matzah is called [[afikoman]], and many explain it as a symbol of salvation in the future. The Passover Seder meal is full of symbols of salvation, including the closing line, "[[Next year in Jerusalem]]", but the use of matzah is the oldest symbol of salvation in the Seder.<ref>Bradshaw, Paul F., and Hoffman, Lawrence A. ''Passover and Easter: The Symbolic Structuring of Sacred Seasons''. Notre Dame, Indiana: [[University of Notre Dame Press]], 1999.</ref>

* Ancient Egypt was the first culture to produce leavened bread, and leavened bread was a symbol of Egyptian culture. Thus, the prohibition on eating leaven served as a rejection of ancient Egyptian culture.<ref>[https://forward.com/news/10411/leavened-or-unleavened-a-history/ Leavened or Unleavened: A History]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160417020348/http://www.neot-kedumim.org.il/?CategoryID=268&ArticleID=232 A new look at Hametz, Matza and everything in between]</ref>

* In ancient Israel, the barley harvest took place around Passover, while the wheat harvest took place several weeks later. Thus, poor people would eat barley around Passover (since that was the only food they possessed), while rich people would eat stored-up wheat. Since barley does not ferment well, the food of the poor would typically be unleavened. The requirement for everyone to eat unleavened bread at Passover promotes social equality, by forcing the rich and poor to eat the same kind of food as they celebrate the holiday together.<ref>[https://asif.co.il/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1-5-91.pdf אלישע אנצ'לוביץ': חירות, שוויון, אחווה]</ref>