The Festival of Unleavened Bread, known as Chag HaMatzot, is a significant religious observance with historical and cultural importance. It commemorates a pivotal moment: the hasty departure of the Israelites from Egypt. This festival is a time for reflection on liberation and humility, observed through practices connecting participants to their heritage.
Annual Timing and Duration
The Festival of Unleavened Bread begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, immediately following the Passover Seder. Because the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, the festival’s dates on the Gregorian calendar fluctuate annually, typically falling between late March and late April. Exact dates can be found by consulting a Jewish calendar.
The festival’s duration varies by geographical location and tradition. In Israel and for Reform Jews worldwide, it lasts seven days. However, in the Diaspora, referring to Jewish communities outside of Israel, Orthodox and Conservative Jews extend the festival to eight days.
The first and last days are full holidays, known as Yom Tov, with restrictions similar to the weekly Sabbath, including refraining from work. The intermediate days, called Chol HaMoed, are semi-holidays, allowing some necessary activities while maintaining a festive atmosphere. In the Diaspora, the second day is also observed as a full Yom Tov.
Relationship with Passover
The Festival of Unleavened Bread shares a close relationship with Passover. Passover is observed on the evening of Nisan 14th with the Seder meal, leading directly into Nisan 15th and the start of the Festival of Unleavened Bread. Though distinct, they are often referred to together, with “Passover” commonly encompassing the entire seven or eight-day period.
These festivals share a profound symbolic connection. Passover commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from Egyptian slavery, while the Festival of Unleavened Bread recalls their hasty exodus. Their rapid departure left no time for bread dough to rise, leading to the command to eat unleavened bread. The unleavened bread, matzah, is eaten from the Passover Seder throughout the festival.
Core Observances and Meaning
A central observance is the prohibition against eating or owning chametz (leavened grain products). During the festival, all foods made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that have risen are forbidden. Instead, matzah, a flat, cracker-like bread made only from flour and water, becomes the primary bread consumed.
The spiritual meaning of matzah and avoiding chametz is multifaceted. Matzah symbolizes humility, lacking the “puffiness” of leavened bread, which can represent pride. It also embodies the haste and urgency of the Exodus, reminding observers of the rapid departure from oppression to freedom. Before the festival, homes are thoroughly cleaned to remove all chametz, a practice symbolizing life’s purification. Special prayers and festive meals, centered on matzah and other unleavened foods, are also observed.