The Great Matzah Hunt: A Seder Reflection
Passover is a season of deep remembrance, and nothing sits more at the heart of the Seder than the Matzah. This "bread of affliction," thin and pierced, serves as a powerful physical symbol of the nature of the Messiah’s death—broken for us, yet pure and without leaven.
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| The search is on! As the 2026 Passover season approaches, the "Matzah Hunt" becomes a digital and physical marathon for many families. |
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Most people equate the weeks leading up to Passover with the "Great Chametz Hunt"—the mission to rid every corner of leavened bread. But this year, my preparations were side-tracked by the Great Matzah Hunt. This is the first year I have actively tried to get Matzah for Passover and really desired to celebrate properly. I never realized just how difficult it might be!
I started by calling every store in town. "Any Matzah?" I’d ask. The answer was always the same: none to be found. Then I thought—Amazon! I even had a free gift card. Surely there would be plenty. I almost bought what I thought was Matzah, but on closer inspection, it was a lovely set of a Matzah box cover and Afikomen bag. I found Matzah napkins, and Seder plates, but only one choice for actual matzo bread: a massive box for nearly $40. Too much for one little old lady and definitely out of my budget.
Why Matzah is Special
To be "Kosher for Passover," Matzah must be made with extreme care. From the moment water touches the flour, the baker has exactly 18 minutes to mix, roll, and bake it. This haste reminds us of how the Israelites fled Egypt so quickly their bread had no time to rise. Just as the Matzah is striped and pierced, so was the Messiah.
A Lament for the Missing Matzah
The table is set and the candles are straight,
But a shadow is falling across my Seder plate.
I’ve searched every shop and I’ve walked every aisle,
But the shelves for the Matzah stay empty for miles.
I turned to the Forest of Amazon’s gold,
Where millions of trinkets are bought and are sold.
I found Matzah napkins and Matzah-themed socks,
And beautiful covers to hide the blue box.
I found Seder plates made of silver and glass,
But the bread that I needed? They'd all let it pass.
Except for one offer—a mountain of grain,
Too much for one lady, and priced to cause pain.
Forty dollars for matzah! My heart gave a sigh,
As the "bread of the poor" became far too high.
So here I sit waiting, with gift card in hand,
A stranger to Matzah in my own quiet land.
Though my Seder plate sits nearly bare,
I know that the Messiah is already there.
He’s the Bread that was broken, the Life and the Way,
Even if I have only my spirit to lay.
Lord, look on this "little old lady" tonight,
And fill up my heart with Your Passover light.
If the Matzah is missing, then let my soul be
Unleavened and humble—and resting in Thee.
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| Traditional Pesach Judaic Seder Plate by Ner Mitzvah - Available Here |
If you have the Matzah hunt blues,
Here’s a recipe you might choose to use:
Ingredients: 1 cup flour, 1/3 cup water, pinch of salt (optional).
- Preheat oven to 475°F.
- Set a timer for 18 minutes.
- Mix flour and water into a ball and knead for 2 minutes.
- Roll dough into very thin circles.
- Prick all over with a fork.
- Bake for 2-3 minutes per side until golden spots appear.
Have you ever struggled to find traditional items for your holidays? I'd love to hear about your "Matzah hunt" experiences or any creative pivots you've had to make in the comments below!
Thanks for popping into my blog today. ~ Su
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