Passover, also known as Pesach, is recognized as a Memorial Meal rather than merely a day of observance. Its purpose is to serve as a reminder of the events of the Exodus, during which God liberated the Children of Israel from slavery in Egypt (Ex. 13:3; Lev. 23:4-5; Deut. 7:18, 16:3). This meal is also considered a covenant meal, one of only two feasts, alongside Purim, referred to as “the feasts of the Jews” in the New Testament (Jn. 2:13, 6:4). Consequently, participation in this meal is restricted. Who is eligible to partake? Those who have undergone physical and spiritual circumcision, as well as individuals who do not invoke the names of other deities, such as Ishtar (Easter), are permitted to join (Ex. 12:43-49).
Passover commences on the evening of the 14th day of the first month in the Biblical Calendar, a day also designated as “Preparation Day.” This is the occasion when the Passover Lamb is sacrificed and readied for the subsequent day, during which the Passover Meal is consumed at twilight, marking the conclusion of the 14th day and the onset of the 15th day, coinciding with the first night of Unleavened Bread (Ex. 29:38-41; Num. 28). Notably, the Passover Meal is unique among all the Feasts or Holy Days, as it provides a second opportunity for observance for those unable to participate in the first month, particularly for individuals who have become ceremonially unclean due to contact with a deceased person or who have been traveling (Num. 9:6-8). The Second Passover is commemorated at the conclusion of the 14th day of the second month (Num. 9:9-12).
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Matza, akin to bread, serves as a fundamental component of daily meals. Approximately 250 years ago, it resembled and possessed the texture of a large pita. Nevertheless, in contrast to the bread we commonly know, it has not undergone the process of leavening.
Leavening refers to the transformation that dough undergoes when influenced by yeast, a microscopic living organism. Under optimal conditions of warmth and moisture, yeast interacts with the dough, consuming it, multiplying, and generating several by-products, such as alcohol and carbon dioxide gas.
Chamets refers to dough that has undergone the process of fermentation, resulting in leavening.
Yeast, during its metabolic process, generates carbon dioxide gas, which is the same gas responsible for the effervescence in soft drinks. In a liquid medium, this gas can easily escape; however, in dough, which is dense and adhesive due to its gluten content, the gas becomes confined. Consequently, the dough contains numerous tiny bubbles of trapped gas. This phenomenon causes the dough to expand and contributes to the characteristic sponge-like texture of bread.
Simply because God instructed us to do so Exodus 12:18-20, Num. 28:16-25.
Matza has consistently been characterized in our traditions and Halachic discussions as a soft, chewy bread resembling pita. There is no reference within our traditions that depicts Matza as a hard, dry cracker. The Gemara and Halacha specify that Matza should be approximately 8 cm thick, which would necessitate the use of a hammer if it were to be baked to a hard consistency.
Passover Prepping & Planning Guide, basics, tips, and more.
Passover Seder Checklists to help you stay on top on top everything.
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