Chabad Jewish Centre of Barrie
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What is Shmurah Matzah?

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Shmurah means “watched,” and it is an apt description of this matzah, the ingredients of which (the flour and water) are watched from the moment of harvesting and drawing.

The day chosen for the harvesting of the wheat is a clear, dry day. The moment it is harvested, the wheat is inspected to ensure that there is absolutely no moisture. From then on, careful watch is kept upon the grains as they are transported to the mill. The mill is meticulously inspected by rabbis and supervision professionals to ensure that every piece of equipment is absolutely clean and dry. After the wheat is milled, the flour is again guarded in its transportation to the bakery. Thus, from the moment of harvesting through the actual baking of the matzah, the flour is carefully watched to ensure against any contact with water.

The water, too, is carefully guarded to prevent any contact with wheat or other grain. It is drawn the night before the baking, and kept pure until the moment it is mixed with the flour to bake the shmurah matzah.

Also in the bakery itself, shmurah matzot are under strict supervision to avoid any possibility of leavening during the baking process. This intensive process and careful guarding gives the shmurah matzah an added infusion of faith and sanctity—in fact, as the matzah is being made, all those involved constantly repeat, “L’shem matzot mitzvah”—“We are doing this for the sake of the mitzvah of matzah.”

When our forefathers left Egypt, they were in such a hurry that there was no time to wait for the dough to rise. They therefore ate matzah, unleavened bread. With only this food (but with great faith), our ancestors relied on the Almighty to provide sustenance for the entire Jewish nation—men, women and children. Each year, to remember this, we eat matzah on the first two nights of Pesach, thereby fulfilling the Torah’s commandment, “Matzot shall you eat . . .”

Matzah symbolizes faith. In contrast to leavened bread, matzah is not enriched with oil, honey or other substances. It consists only of flour and water, and is not allowed to rise. Similarly, the only “ingredients” for faith are humility and submission to G‑d, which come from recognizing our “nothingness” when compared with the infinite wisdom of the Creator.

One of the holiday’s primary obligations is to eat matzah during the Seder. It is strongly recommended to use shmurah matzah to fulfill this commandment. Click here to order Shmurah Matzah 

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • The Organization
    • The Rabbi
    • Jewish Area
    • Photo Gallery
    • Support plans
  • Programs
    • CKids After School
    • Mom and Tot
    • Hebrew School
    • Summer Camp >
      • About
      • Testimonials
      • Photo Gallery
      • Dates & Rates
      • Registration
      • Faq's
    • March Break Camp
    • Winter Camp
    • Adult Education >
      • Torah and Tea Women's Weekly Class
      • One on One Torah study
      • Torah of Life
      • Articles & Insights
      • Questions & Answers
    • Inspirational Evening
    • Community Shabbat Dinner
    • Gan Chabad Jewish Preschool - About
    • JTeens
    • Jewish Lending Library
    • Jewish Holidays >
      • High Holidays >
        • Rosh Hashana Community Dinner
      • Sukkot
      • Simchat Torah
      • Chanukah >
        • Menorah Lighting & Chanukah Fest
        • Chanukah Menorah & Candles
        • Chanukah Sufganiyot Making
      • Purim >
        • Purim Kids
      • Passover >
        • Passover Seder
        • Order Shmurah Matzah
        • Matzah Balls recipe
        • What is Shmurah Matzah?
        • Selling Chametz
      • Lag Ba'omer
      • Shavuot >
        • Letter in the Torah
    • Challah Bake
  • Jewish Practice
    • Bar/Bat Mitzvah
    • Jewish Calendar >
      • Request a Holiday package
    • Mezuzah
    • How to light the Menorah
    • Shabbat Candle Lighting >
      • How to
      • Shabbat Times for Barrie
      • Shabbat SMS Reminder
      • Holiday Candle Lighting
    • Kosher Beverages
    • Kosher Poultry and Meat
    • Kosher Products
    • Mikvah
  • Contact
    • Join our email list
    • Ask the Rabbi
  • Donate
    • Support plans