What is it?
"For seven days no leaven is to be found in your houses. If anyone eats what is leavened, that person will be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is a sojourner or a native of the land. You shall eat nothing leavened; in all your dwelling places you shall eat unleavened bread." (Exodus 12:19-20)
Interesting that God makes it clear there is no distinction between "Jew" or "Greek"... These Holy Days are for anyone who wants to follow God.
On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall not do any ordinary work. But you shall present a food offering to the LORD for seven days. On the seventh day is a holy convocation; you shall not do any ordinary work.” (Leviticus 23:7-8)
In simplest compliance, we are commanded to NOT eat anything leavened, and at the same time make sure to eat bread specifically made without leavening. We also hold services and don't work.
Interesting that God makes it clear there is no distinction between "Jew" or "Greek"... These Holy Days are for anyone who wants to follow God.
On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall not do any ordinary work. But you shall present a food offering to the LORD for seven days. On the seventh day is a holy convocation; you shall not do any ordinary work.” (Leviticus 23:7-8)
In simplest compliance, we are commanded to NOT eat anything leavened, and at the same time make sure to eat bread specifically made without leavening. We also hold services and don't work.
When is it?
"In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight, is the LORD’s Passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD; for seven days you shall eat unleavened bread." (Leviticus 23: 5-6)
*Remember for context, these "months" are according to the Jewish calendar, or a lunar calendar. These months are not our January, February, etc.*
Passover is immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread. On the Jewish calendar, the new "day" actually starts once the sun has set the night before. Passover is held at twilight. Once the sun has set, the next day (Nisan 15) is officially started. Since we cannot have leavening in our dwelling places on this day, that is why we have to eat the Passover meal with unleavened bread.
*Remember for context, these "months" are according to the Jewish calendar, or a lunar calendar. These months are not our January, February, etc.*
Passover is immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread. On the Jewish calendar, the new "day" actually starts once the sun has set the night before. Passover is held at twilight. Once the sun has set, the next day (Nisan 15) is officially started. Since we cannot have leavening in our dwelling places on this day, that is why we have to eat the Passover meal with unleavened bread.
Lots o' motzo
Since we're eating this stuff for over a week, let's spruce it up a little!
Where to find unleavened bread
Most of your chain grocery stores will have some boxed matzo ready to go. Yehuda or Manischewitz are brands that are easy to find. If your store doesn't have an ethnic aisle, you might find them on display in the center or even the end caps, especially during the Passover season. In any case, Amazon always delivers, but I would worry about the matzo breaking during shipping.
The gluten free boxed matzo is actually a favorite for taste, but note that it breaks easier, and some of the matzo might be crumbly. You can save these crumbs later to use as you would any other bread crumbs, like in meatloaf. With this in mind, grab an extra box or two to make sure you have enough for matzo pizzas, and be gentle when handling!
The gluten free boxed matzo is actually a favorite for taste, but note that it breaks easier, and some of the matzo might be crumbly. You can save these crumbs later to use as you would any other bread crumbs, like in meatloaf. With this in mind, grab an extra box or two to make sure you have enough for matzo pizzas, and be gentle when handling!
