Matz is a Yiddish term that refers to a traditional Jewish unleavened bread that is consumed during the Passover holiday. The word "matz" itself means "unleavened bread" in Hebrew. Matzah is an integral part of the Passover Seder, a festive meal that commemorates the Jewish people's liberation from slavery in Egypt.
The main characteristic of matz is its unique texture. It is flat, crisp, and unleavened, unlike regular bread that rises due to the presence of yeast. Matz is made from a simple mixture of flour and water, and it is meticulously prepared to ensure that it does not come into contact with any leavening agents, as any wheat, barley, rye, spelt, or oats that have been exposed to moisture for longer than 18 minutes will begin to leaven. This process symbolizes the haste with which the Israelites departed Egypt and the avoidance of leavened bread that they had no time to let rise during their hurried escape.
The making of matz involves the careful mixing of flour and water, followed by thorough rolling and pricking of the dough to prevent any leavening. The dough is then quickly baked at a high temperature, resulting in the distinctive crisp and cracker-like texture that characterizes matz.
Matz serves as a fundamental component of various Passover rituals and symbolic practices, such as the breaking of the middle matzah during the Seder, which symbolizes the division of historic Jewish experiences - oppression and liberation. Additionally, matz is also commonly used in the preparation of various Passover dishes, such as matzah ball soup and matzah brei (a dish made by soaking and frying the matzah in eggs).
