Chabad of Holmdel's Matzah Bakery Gives Kids a Hands-on Lesson about Passover

Over 35 children and their parents attended The Chabad Jewish Center of Holmdel's annual Matzah Bakery at Holmdel Fire House Hall on Apr. 10, where participants received a hands-on lesson about the role of matzah in the Passover Seder.

"We had flour girls pour the flour into the bowls and water boys then put the water in," said Rabbi Shmaya Galperin. "It has to be a very controlled environment, because from the minute the flour and water touch we have to roll out the dough and bake it within 18 minutes in order for it to be matzah."

The children put on their baker's hats and aprons and from beginning to end the children made their own handmade matzah while learning about the holiday in a fun way, he said.

Matzah is the unleavened bread that did not have time to rise when the Jews hastily left Egypt, but it has a spiritual significance as well, according to Galperin. The bread that rises is compared to a rising ego and the unleavened bread allows for reflection on what is truly important during this holiday season, family, friends, and community, he said.

Each child enjoyed a mini Seder with matzah and grape juice when the baking was done, and were sent home with their own matzah creations as well.

The Chabad will be hosting a Communal Passover Seder for anyone of any background on Mon., Apr. 18 at 7:30 at Fire House Hall on Main Street and on Tues., Apr. 19 at 8:15 at the Chabad at 65 Main Street.

Each family will sit at their own round table and be part of an interactive four-course Seder. For reservations: (732) 772-1998 or www.jewishholmdel.org.