Why Do We Eat Matzah on Passover?

Matzah is one of the most recognizable symbols of Passover. During the holiday of Pesach, Jews refrain from eating leavened bread and instead eat this simple, flat bread made only from flour and water.

But matzah is more than a dietary substitute. It carries layers of historical memory, spiritual meaning, and identity that connect modern Jewish life to the Exodus from Egypt.

The Historical Reason: Leaving Egypt in Haste

The Torah describes how the Israelites left Egypt quickly, without time for their dough to rise. As a result, they baked unleavened bread, which became known as matzah.

By eating matzah each year, Jewish families symbolically relive that moment of urgency and liberation. The simplicity of the bread reflects the immediacy of freedom.

Matzah as a Symbol of Humility

Leavened bread rises and expands. Matzah remains flat and modest. Because of this contrast, Jewish tradition often associates matzah with humility and self-restraint.

During Passover, removing chametz (leavened products) from the home encourages reflection. It becomes a reminder to reduce excess—physically and spiritually—and focus on essentials.

“Bread of Affliction” and “Bread of Freedom”

In the Passover Haggadah, matzah is called the “bread of affliction”—a reference to the hardship of slavery. At the same time, it also represents the bread of freedom, eaten as the Israelites began a new chapter of independence.

This dual meaning reflects the complexity of the Exodus story: suffering and liberation are closely connected. Matzah holds both memories at once.

How Matzah Is Prepared

Traditional matzah is made from flour and water mixed and baked within a short, carefully monitored time to prevent any fermentation. The simplicity of its ingredients reinforces the theme of restraint.

There are different types of matzah used throughout the holiday, including hand-baked and machine-made varieties, but all must meet specific Passover requirements.

Matzah at the Passover Seder

During the Passover Seder, matzah plays a central role. It is placed on the Seder plate and eaten at designated moments in the ritual.

The Seder is guided by the Haggadah, which explains the symbolism of matzah and its connection to the Exodus narrative.

Living With the Message of Matzah

By eating matzah for the duration of Passover, Jewish households transform an ancient memory into a lived experience. It shifts daily eating habits and creates awareness of the holiday’s themes.

Matzah reminds each generation that freedom can arrive suddenly, that humility matters, and that even simple acts—like eating a piece of flat bread—can carry deep meaning.

A Simple Food With Enduring Meaning

Matzah may appear plain, but its significance is anything but simple. Through it, Passover becomes tangible. History is tasted, not only remembered.

Each year, matzah reconnects Jewish life to the journey from oppression to freedom—one deliberate bite at a time.