Matzo (also spelled matzah) is the central food eaten at the Seder, the ritual-rich meal held on the first two nights of Passover (only the first night in Israel).

Matzo is made of just two ingredients—flour and water—which are quickly mixed together and baked before the dough can rise and become chametz (“leaven”), which is strictly forbidden on Passover.

The matzo recalls how when our ancestors left Egyptian slavery they were in such a hurry that there was no time to allow their dough to rise.

Only matzo that is marked as “kosher for Passover” may be consumed on Passover. It is especially recommended to use handmade, round shmurah matzo during the Seder nights.

Three matzos are placed on the Seder Plate, and matzo is eaten at three points during the Seder meal: Once on its own, once together with maror (bitter herbs), and once again as the afikoman (dessert).