The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot)
symbolizes the removal of sin, as leaven represents sin in the Bible. It also commemorates the Israelites’ hurried departure from Egypt, during which they didn’t have time to let their bread rise.
Preparation Timeline:
1. One week before the Feast:
- Start removing all leavened products from your home.
- Plan your meals for the seven days of the feast. All meals should be made without leaven (yeast, baking powder, and baking soda are common leavening agents).
2. A few days before the Feast:
- Complete the removal of leavened products. This includes thoroughly cleaning areas where you usually prepare and eat food to ensure no crumbs remain.
- Shop for all the ingredients needed for your unleavened meals.
3. Day before the Feast:
- Prepare some meals in advance. Many unleavened recipes can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
During the Feast of Unleavened Bread:
Every meal during this seven-day period should be prepared without leaven. This is a time of remembrance and reflection on the Israelites’ flight from Egypt and the removal of sin from our lives.
Meal Ideas and Recipes:
- Unleavened Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of water
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Mix the flour, water, and salt together until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
- Roll the dough as thin as possible.
- Cut into squares or circles.
- Prick the dough with a fork to prevent rising.
- Bake for about 2-3 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Allow to cool before serving.
- Unleavened Vegetable Lasagna
Ingredients:
- Unleavened pasta sheets
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups chopped vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper, spinach, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
- Place a layer of pasta sheets over the sauce, then a layer of ricotta cheese, a layer of vegetables, and a layer of mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers until the dish is filled, ending with a layer of mozzarella on top.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Unleavened Fruit Tart
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 1/4 cup honey
- Fresh fruit for topping (berries, sliced peaches, kiwi, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the ground almonds and honey to form a dough.
- Press the dough into a tart pan.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Let it cool, then top with fresh fruit.
During this feast, engage in Bible study, prayer, and reflection. This is a good time to discuss the story of the Exodus and the symbolism of leaven as sin.
Next in our series, we will explore the Feast of Firstfruits and provide a guide for its observance. Stay tuned!
