Passover is a Jewish celebration and one of the religion’s most sacred and widely observed holidays. Passover commemorates the Biblical story of the Israelites’ escape from 400 years of slavery in Egypt. In 2026, Passover takes place at sundown on Wednesday, Apr 1, 2026 – Thursday, Apr 9, 2026.
Pesach, as Passover is known in Hebrew, includes all kinds of ceremonial foods. The Passover seder plate features items that symbolize both the suffering and the emancipation of the Jewish people. Throughout Passover, the faithful abstain from any leavened bread products. According to Exodus 12:8: “They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat.” Jews are also to remove all leaven (hametz) from their homes and eat unleavened bread for an additional seven days. Apart from being commanded by God, it is believed that unleavened bread became the traditional Passover food because the Jewish people departed Egypt in haste, without time for the dough to rise. Furthermore, some say God also associated leavened bread with sin.
If there is one ingredient Passover celebrants may find challenging to work with during the holiday, it could be unleavened bread. Typically, matzoh/matzah is substituted for other yeasted breads this time of year. One place matzoh really shines, though, is in matzoh balls for use in soups or side dishes. A dumpling of sorts, matzoh balls are tasty and filling, and ideal for meals throughout Passover. Try this recipe for “Perfect Matzah Balls (Kneidlach)” courtesy of Chabad.org’s Kosher Cooking.
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