In Parshat Bo, we reach the dramatic climax of the Exodus story, as God brings the final plagues upon Egypt and commands the Israelites to prepare for their liberation. Among the mitzvot introduced in this parshah is the commandment to eat matzah during the festival of Passover: “And they shall eat the meat that night, roasted over the fire, with unleavened bread and bitter herbs” (Exodus 12:8). This simple food, matzah, carries profound significance, embodying themes of haste, freedom, and faith that define the Exodus experience.
When we recite the blessing “Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al achilat matzah” during the Passover Seder, we affirm not only our participation in this ancient mitzvah but also our connection to its deeper spiritual lessons.
Matzah is known as the “bread of affliction” (Deuteronomy 16:3), a reminder of the suffering endured by the Israelites in Egypt. Simultaneously, it’s the “bread of freedom,” eaten in haste as they departed slavery. This dual identity reflects the tension of transformation: leaving behind the familiar, even if it is painful, for the uncertainty of redemption requires courage and faith.
The haste with which the Israelites prepared their matzah mirrors the urgency of faith. They had no time to let the dough rise, yet they trusted that God’s promise of redemption would sustain them. This trust in God urges us to act with conviction even when the path ahead feels unclear.
It’s matzah’s simplicity that we contrast with rich leavened breads we might associate with luxury. By eating matzah, we strip away excess and remember that liberation is not about material abundance but about spiritual purpose. The blessing over matzah reminds us to sanctify moments of simplicity and embrace the things that truly matter. Through this simple Passover blessing, we connect not only with our Israelite ancestors, but with the generations of contemporary Jews who came before us who’ve said the same words, affirming that their story is our story—a story of courage, trust, and redemption.
As we read Parshat Bo, think about the “matzah” in your life. What are the moments that require us to act with both haste and faith? How can we find meaning in simplicity, even on the complicated journey toward freedom?
– Rabbi Eve Posen
Source: A Taste of Haste