How Do You Spell MATZAH?

Pronunciation: [mˈatsə] (IPA)

Matzah is a traditional Jewish unleavened bread, consumed during the Passover holiday. The spelling of the word 'matzah' reflects its pronunciation, with the use of the IPA symbol 'ts' to represent the 'tz' sound at the end of the word. The first 'a' sound is represented by the IPA symbol 'æ' and the 'h' is silent. In Hebrew, matzah is spelled מַצָּה‎ which is transliterated to 'matzah' in English. This word is an important part of the Jewish culture and is enjoyed by families during Passover.

MATZAH Meaning and Definition

  1. Matzah is a noun that refers to an unleavened bread traditionally eaten by Jewish people during the observance of the Passover holiday. Also spelled as Matzo or Matzoh, it holds significant religious and cultural importance within the context of the Passover Seder and Jewish dietary laws.

    This cracker-like bread is made by mixing flour and water without any leavening agents such as yeast or baking soda. The dough is then rolled out and quickly baked to prevent any fermentation, resulting in a flat, thin, and crisp texture. Matzah is typically perforated with small holes or marks to prevent it from puffing up during the baking process.

    Within Jewish tradition, matzah carries historical symbolism. It represents the hasty departure of the Israelites from Egypt, as they did not have enough time to wait for their bread to rise, and instead had to eat unleavened bread during their journey. Matzah is thus regarded as a symbol of humility, freedom, and remembrance of Jewish ancestors' struggle for liberation.

    During the Passover Seder, participants recite specific blessings and rituals while consuming matzah, including eating it alongside bitter herbs and with the traditional sauces of haroset and maror. It is also used in various dishes like matzah ball soup or matzah brei, prepared as a savory or sweet dish, highlighting the versatility of the bread beyond its symbolic importance.

Common Misspellings for MATZAH

Etymology of MATZAH

The word "matzah" has its origin in Hebrew. It is derived from the Hebrew root word "m-tz-h", which means "to drain out" or "to drain away". This root word refers to the process of letting the dough of the matzah drain and dry, resulting in a flat, unleavened bread. Matzah is a central element of the Jewish holiday of Passover, symbolizing the unleavened bread the Israelites prepared in haste when they left Egypt, as described in the biblical narrative.

Similar spelling words for MATZAH

Plural form of MATZAH is MATZAHS

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