Matzah: Difference between revisions
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== Method of Baking == | == Method of Baking == | ||
The Torah does not provide details about preparing matzah, but according to most halachic authorities, matzah should be made by hand rather than machine, and in a round shape rather than square. The preparation and baking of matzah is done in a special bakery, with extreme care to ensure the dough does not become chametz (leavened) and cause one to transgress by eating chametz. | The Torah does not provide details about preparing matzah, but according to most halachic authorities, matzah should be made by hand rather than machine, and in a round shape rather than square. The preparation and baking of matzah is done in a special bakery, with extreme care to ensure the dough does not become chametz (leavened) and cause one to transgress by eating chametz. | ||
[[File:מים שלנו.jpg|thumb]] | [[File:מים שלנו.jpg|thumb|The Rebbe preforming Mayim Shelonu]] | ||
Matzah is also called "lechem oni" (bread of poverty/affliction), from which the Sages learned that its ingredients should be "poor" - just flour and water. Only with this matzah can one fulfill the mitzvah. Matzah with added liquids besides water is called "matzah ashirah" (enriched matzah), which cannot be used to fulfill the obligation. However, if it is properly made and protected from becoming chametz, it is permitted to be eaten during the holiday. Nevertheless, the custom is not to eat matzah ashirah at all. | Matzah is also called "lechem oni" (bread of poverty/affliction), from which the Sages learned that its ingredients should be "poor" - just flour and water. Only with this matzah can one fulfill the mitzvah. Matzah with added liquids besides water is called "matzah ashirah" (enriched matzah), which cannot be used to fulfill the obligation. However, if it is properly made and protected from becoming chametz, it is permitted to be eaten during the holiday. Nevertheless, the custom is not to eat matzah ashirah at all. | ||
[[File:אפיית מצות.jpg|thumb]] | [[File:אפיית מצות.jpg|thumb|Baking Matzos]] | ||
== Types of Matzah == | == Types of Matzah == | ||
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In the Zohar, matzah is called "meichlah d'meheimanuta" - the food of faith, because eating matzah is a segulah (spiritually beneficial action) for increasing faith. In Chassidut, this is explained based on the saying of our Sages: "A baby does not know how to call 'Abba' until it tastes grain." Similarly, matzah works on the one who eats it so that they will know to call upon Hashem's name and know and recognize His existence. | In the Zohar, matzah is called "meichlah d'meheimanuta" - the food of faith, because eating matzah is a segulah (spiritually beneficial action) for increasing faith. In Chassidut, this is explained based on the saying of our Sages: "A baby does not know how to call 'Abba' until it tastes grain." Similarly, matzah works on the one who eats it so that they will know to call upon Hashem's name and know and recognize His existence. | ||
[[File:מצות מכונה.jpg|thumb]] | [[File:מצות מכונה.jpg|thumb|Machine Matzah]] | ||
Another name for matzah in the Zohar is "meichlah d'asvata" - the food of healing. Matzah has a special segulah for healing the sick. A chassid of the Alter Rebbe who was a doctor would receive matzot from the Rebbe during Passover, grind them, and prepare medicines from them. | Another name for matzah in the Zohar is "meichlah d'asvata" - the food of healing. Matzah has a special segulah for healing the sick. A chassid of the Alter Rebbe who was a doctor would receive matzot from the Rebbe during Passover, grind them, and prepare medicines from them. | ||
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This difference is evident in several ways: | This difference is evident in several ways: | ||
[[File:הרבי משלוח מצות.jpg|thumb]] | [[File:הרבי משלוח מצות.jpg|thumb|The Rebbe at the entrance of the Chabad Library building, accompanying the shipment of matzos distributed on his behalf in the Holy Land]] | ||
* In their form: Chametz is puffed up, coarse and elevated, while matzah is low and humble. | * In their form: Chametz is puffed up, coarse and elevated, while matzah is low and humble. | ||
* In their taste: Chametz has a pronounced taste, while matzah doesn't have much taste. | * In their taste: Chametz has a pronounced taste, while matzah doesn't have much taste. | ||