What is Matzah?
by A general idea of what matzah (matzo) is, how it is made, and why.
Image via Wikipedia
Early Jewish tradition called for three items to be included in the Passover meal. The first was a lamb that is to be roasted and not boiled. This is to be eaten in its entirety. The second ingredient is bitter herbs. The final item on the list is unleavened bread. Today, this is better known of as Matzah.
Matzah is the simplest bread that can be made.
Theoretically, Matzah or Matzo is made of only white wheat flour and water. Some have ventured to add other seasonings to the mix to adjust the taste to keep it from being bland. However, biblically, this is not the way it is to happen. It is to be a pure bread without yeast or other seasonings.
On the night of the first Passover, the tradition of Matzah or unleavened bread was instituted by God through Moses.
Israel was instructed to make unleavened bread because of the haste needed to prepare for the Exodus. In the New Testament, Christ expands on this idea. He makes it clear that leaven or yeast is representative of sin in a life or a nation. Using unleavened bread then can be considered a form of purity. This is why many strict Jewish believers are so picky about the Matzah being pure and uncorrupted.
Matzah is easy to make.
You can make Matzah by using about 3 to 4 cups of flour mixed with 3 cups of water. The dough should be the consistency of regular bread dough. When it is mixed and ready, roll it out flat and poke a few holes into with a fork. This is to keep it from rising. Bake until it is golden brown and crispy. A variation of this recipe does not bake it but presents it like a tortilla. Either way, it is still the unleavened bread and can be eaten with the Passover meal. If you prefer, it can be cut into serving size pieces before baking.
Use of Matzah by Christians.
It was Matzah that was probably served to His disciples by Christ. They were having their Passove meal just prior to Christ being arrested. It was no doubt unleavened bread that was broken to represent the body of Christ. Today, many Christians use Matzah when they celebrate the Lords Supper. It is broken into small pieces and served as the bread during communion.
Matzah can be made at home or purchased.
Some Rabbis frown on the practice of purchasing already prepared matzah. There is concern that during the process of making the dough in an automated setting, the purity code for the unleavened bread might become broken. Because of this, the majority of Matzah is made in an oven at home.
Liked it
