Rabbi Stiefel's Monthly Article

Current April 2025

Rabbi Sharon Stiefel

In Praise of Matzah

                  Matzah takes center stage for Pesach. We know that our ancestors left Egypt in such haste there was not time for the dough to rise. We are instructed in Exodus 12:20 not to eat anything leavened during our holiday. This commandment evolved such that, prior to the start of the holiday, our homes are to be cleansed of chametz, any food that contains leaven. Great care is taken to get rid of all chametz. There is a tradition of searching for chametz the night prior to the seder, gathering it together and burning it the next day. 

                  The rabbis placed great importance on the distinction between matzah and chametz. Matzah and its flat composition is praised and chametz, with its puffiness, is denigrated. 

The Ba’al Hatanya explains that matzah symbolizes humility, being simple flour and water without rising. Chametz represents arrogance, puffing up and becoming inflated. (Sefat Emet, Leviticus, Passover 1:6)

Prior to Pesach we are encouraged to contemplate all the ways that we might have become self-centered and haughty – in other words, full of ourselves. Our ego needs to return to its humble origins by flattening itself. Just as we physically seek out every corner of our house to get rid of the chametz, we are to do a parallel search for the spiritual chametz that no longer serves us. This course correction can transform us and keep our egos in check. 

                  If chametz is arrogance, why should it be allowed at all, even when the holiday is over? Shouldn’t we live without it all year long? (Am I advocating for an all-year matzah diet?!) After all, chametz is vilified and matzah is exalted. But the truth of the matter is we do not live all year in the ideal state. Think about our practice around the High Holidays of examining our lives, making amends, confessing our sins and seeking to do better. Regardless of the progress we make, Yom Kippur returns every year for us to repeat the inner self-examination. 

                  Similarly, we attempt to carry with us the inspiration of becoming like matzah after Pesach ends. And as hard we try to keep our kitchens clean, inevitably the crumbs begin to find their way to the places they often hide.  But year after year we recommit to be our best selves. 

                  What chametz do you want to rid yourself of this year? What puffery needs to be flattened? 

                  The preparations in the kitchen can be visible to all. Our inner chametz is up to each of us to seek out and burn up. 

                  Hag Sameach! Wishing everyone a meaningful Pesach!