Pronunciation: [mˈatsə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "matzoh" can be a bit tricky due to its pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it can be written as /ˈmɑːtsə/. This represents the sound of "m" followed by the "a" sound as in "car," then the "t" sound, the short "o" sound as in "hot," and finally the "s" sound and a neutral vowel sound. The word "matzoh" is a type of unleavened bread that is traditionally eaten during the Jewish holiday of Passover.
Matzoh is a noun that refers to an unleavened flatbread, traditionally consumed by Jewish people during the Passover holiday. This bread is typically made from a mixture of flour and water, which is baked quickly to prevent it from rising. Matzoh serves as a reminder of the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt, as they did not have enough time to wait for their bread to rise.
There are various types of matzoh available, including machine-made and handmade versions. Machine-made matzoh is produced using automated processes and requires less time to prepare. On the other hand, handmade matzoh is kneaded and rolled by hand, following strict guidelines and often performed under specific rabbinical supervision. Handmade matzoh is highly regarded for its meticulous execution and is deemed kosher for consumption during Passover.
In terms of appearance, matzoh is characterized by its flat and crisp texture, similar to a cracker. The surface of the bread is typically marked with small punctures or indentations, which help prevent the dough from rising during the baking process. Matzoh can be eaten plain or used as a base for various dishes, such as matzoh ball soup or matzoh brei.
Overall, matzoh holds significant cultural and religious significance for Jewish individuals during the Passover celebration, representing both the historical Exodus story and the dietary restrictions observed during this holiday.
The word "matzoh" or "matzo" has its roots in Hebrew. It is derived from the Hebrew word מַצָּה (maṣṣāh) which means "unleavened bread". The Hebrew word itself is derived from the verb נָצָה (nāṣâ) meaning "to drain out, suck out", suggesting that the bread is drained or sucked out of leavening agents. This term has been borrowed into various other languages with similar meanings and pronunciations, such as "matzah" in Yiddish and "matzo" in English.
