Archive Issue - Monthly Tidbits Article
April 2008

Passover Tidbit
by Jill Jackson

Historical events are major players in the creation of different foods. From the russet fields of the southern slaves in North America, to the deserts of the Middle East, the journey of a people can be clearly traced back through the trials they have endured and overcome. The elements of survival that best depict their encounters are the food that was born during a struggle.

Earlier this year, in the month of February, we covered the variety of culinary creations that marked Black History month. This week, I would like to discuss yet another symbol of survival, the Matzah. In honor of the Jewish holiday known as Passover, or ‘Pesach’, this unleavened bread is eaten still today and holds major historical importance, dating back 3000 years.

Have you wondered why this ‘flatbread’ is, so flat?

The Jewish people were enslaved in Egypt, enduring oppression under the Pharaoh’s rule. Moses, an orphaned Israelite raised by the Pharaoh’s daughter, discovered as an adult his heritage, and exchanged his freedom for slavery. He demanded the Pharaoh in the name of humanity to “Let my people go”. When the Pharaoh declined this request, Moses warned him of a punishment that would be sent in the form of famine, insect infestation and death.

The name “Passover” comes from the last of the threats named by G-d, which was the death of the first born son of every Egyptian in the land. G-d warned the Israelites to put a cross of animal’s blood on their front doors so the ‘Angel of Death’ would ‘Pass Over’ them, sparing them from this fate. Even though this threat was strong enough to release the Jews from slavery, they still followed Moses into the desert, fleeing from possible repercussions. Taking their dough with them, they baked it under the sun and because there was no leavening agent such as flour or yeast, it remained flat.

Today Jews still eat Matzah for seven days, the length of Passover, to commemorate their struggle. It reminds us that sacrifice and hardship existed and no one person should be forgotten. No matter their origin.