Matzah baking provides a lesson in faith

Written by SUZANNE MARINO Monday, April 09, 2012 02:03 pm

MARGATE – The tradition of baking and eating matzah was reenacted again and again in Margate Sunday as Chabad Synagogue of Ventnor brought its model matzah bakery to the Katz JCC to remind Jews and those in attendance of the significance of the traditional unleavened bread.

Four-year-old Jordan Rosenberg of Mays Landing gives the matzah dough a good squeeze.

Because they were fleeing persecution in Egypt, the Jews, led by Moses, needed to leave quickly, but they needed to have some food with them.

It would take too long for the bread to rise, so they made matzah, which is bread made without yeast that does not need to rise. It was made quickly 2,000 years ago and is still made quickly today to remind Jews and those in attendance of the significance of matzah.

“The eating of matzah also has deeper symbolism,” said Rabbi Avrohom Rappoport of Chabad. “Matzah remains flat and does not rise or become leaven; spiritually it represents the quality of humility. Leavened bread is symbolic of the ego which rises. Eating matzah should be an exercise of bringing more humility into our lives.”

As the children attending the model matzah bakery learned, the wheat is ground into flour, and water is then added to the flour to make the matzah dough. It is rolled out flat and baked quickly in the oven.

Some enjoyed it plain while others added jelly, peanut butter and even chocolate to make a delicious treat that nourishes and preserves the history of Passover.

Rabbi Rappoport said they will take the bakery to many locations over the next few days to give children of all ages a chance to make the matzah and learn about its significance in their faith.

Ella Rappoport, 3, of Ventnor enjoys the matzah she just helped make at the Chabad model matzah bakery at the Katz JCC Sunday. Four-year-old Sam Goldstein of Linwood likes his matzah with peanut butter and chocolate. He made the traditional Passover food at the Chabad model matzah bakery Sunday afternoon at the Katz JCC. Mattea Brozyna and Isabella Shobe, both 6 years old and neighbors from Egg Harbor Township, like jelly on their matzah and they like it plain as well.