Matzo Ball Soup: The History and Symbolism of this Passover Essential

Jewish holidays are chock-full of symbolism and Passover, or Pesach, in Hebrew, is no exception.

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Passover, which begins on the evening of April 5, commemorates the story of Moses leading the enslaved Israelites out of ancient Egypt, and the journey they experienced over 40 years until they reached their homeland of Israel.

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We are going to focus on one specific, symbolic part of the Passover holiday: The Matzo.

Matzo (also called matzah or matzoh) is an unleavened bread, more like a giant cracker or crunchy flatbread.

Matzo ball soup is more than just a meal-it’s an expression of Jewish culture and heritage. For centuries, it has been a symbol of the Exodus from Egypt, as well as the struggle for freedom and independence.

When the Jews had to flee Egypt in a hurry, they did not have time to let the bread rise, and therefore, they left their homes with unleavened bread to eat.

Traditionally, Jews avoid eating leavened foods made from grains during Passover, known in Hebrew as “chametz.”

Matzo is served at the Passover seder, and essentially replaces other bread-like foods throughout the eight-day holiday.

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