News Video – Chabad of Rochester Model Matzah Bakery

ROCHESTER, NY [YNN] — It is two weeks until the Jewish holiday Passover begins. Already, dozens of kids and families got a jump-start on the Passover tradition by learning how to bake Matzah.

But this baking tradition goes beyond the bread. Rabbi Nechemia Vogel has been passing over the Matzah baking tradition for the past 28 years at the Model Matzah Bakery.

“We’re going to learn all about Matzah, how we make it, why we make Matzah,” he said to a group of young children.

Vogel said there are two ingredients that go into making the unleavened bread.

“You need flour and water,” said 6-year-old Sara Malek.

But Rabbi Vogel makes sure the kids add meaning to their mixture.

“Did everyone see what we put into this bowl,” Vogel explained as he mixed ingredients.

The holiday represents freedom in the Jewish community.

”Remember how we left Egypt in such a big rush,” said Vogel to the children.

“They wanted to go so badly, they didn’t let the bread rise. So that’s why you can’t eat bread on Passover,” said Rachel Malek, a fifth grader in the class.

“I think it’s important they know the meaning behind it. They know the story of Passover and at the Passover Seder, the first and second night of Passover, we’ll tell that story,” said parent Rebecca Malek.

Rabbi Vogel said the yearly class has become a tradition at the Jewish Community Center and has become more popular in recent years.

“In fact, what I have are parents who were here as children, now they are bringing their children. Makes me feel old, but it’s great. It’s nice to see the tradition carrying on,” said Vogel.

And it’s not just about baking instructions, but the knowledge these kids ingest and continue to pass on.

“We can successfully inspire the next generation that is our future,” said Vogel

To learn more about Passover, call 585-271-0330 or visit the link provided.