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Matzo Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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matzo

[หˆmรฆtsษ™สŠ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

food, Jewish

Matzo, also spelled matzah, is a type of unleavened bread traditionally eaten during the Jewish festival of Passover. It is made from just two ingredients: flour and water, and it is baked quickly to prevent fermentation. Because it does not contain yeast, matzo has a flat, crisp texture and is often used to represent the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt. It is commonly served with a variety of toppings, such as butter or spreads, and can also be used to make matzo ball soup.

Synonyms

matzah, unleavened bread.

Examples of usage

  • We enjoyed matzo during our Passover Seder meal.
  • My grandmother always makes homemade matzo for the holiday.
  • During Passover, matzo is a staple at the dinner table.
  • Matzo crumbs can be used as a coating for fried foods.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In Jewish tradition, matzo is eaten during Passover to remember when the Israelites left Egypt in a hurry and had no time to let their bread rise.
  • The eating of matzo is central to the Passover Seder meal, where it is called 'Matzah' and used for symbolic rituals.

Production

  • To be considered kosher for Passover, matzo must be made without any leavening and must be baked within 18 minutes to prevent fermentation.
  • Different types of matzo exist, including whole wheat, egg matzo, and gluten-free versions, catering to various dietary needs.

Nutrition

  • Matzo is typically lower in fat than many breads, but it is higher in carbohydrates, which can affect energy levels.
  • Some people use matzo as a substitute for bread in various recipes, such as matzo ball soup or matzo brei.

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, matzo has been a symbol of freedom and redemption for Jewish people, particularly during the Holocaust.
  • During the medieval period, matzo baking techniques evolved in Europe, leading to various regional styles and flavors.

Origin of 'matzo'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'matzo' comes from the Hebrew word 'maแบ“แบ“ah,' meaning 'unleavened bread.'
  • The term has been used since ancient times, reflecting the bread's historical roots in Jewish culture.

The word 'matzo' comes from the Hebrew word 'ืžึทืฆึธึผื”' (matza), which means 'unleavened bread'. The tradition of eating matzo dates back to ancient times, specifically to the Exodus story in the Hebrew Bible, when the Israelites fled Egypt in such haste that they did not have time to let their bread rise. As a result, they baked unleavened bread. Matzo has been a significant part of Jewish culture and religion ever since, symbolizing both the hardship of slavery and the swift liberation. Over the years, different cultures have adopted variations of matzo, particularly in Ashkenazi Jewish communities, where it is commonly associated with the observance of Passover. The process for making matzo has remained largely unchanged, with a focus on ensuring that the bread does not ferment. Today, matzo is enjoyed not only for its traditional significance but also for its unique taste and texture.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,664, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.