It’s interesting that the two words are spelled in Hebrew using almost identical letters, with one slight difference. Matzah is spelled mem-tzaddi-hei, while chametz is spelled chet-mem-tzaddi. The two letters which are different, hei and chet , are actually very similar in appearance; the only difference is that the left leg of the chet rises all the way to the top, while the hei ’s leg remains low.Lowly matzah represents humility.

We sometimes need a reminder to remain humble. Whether it’s in our family life, social circles, or even at work, allowing our egos to get the better of us is never a good thing. A healthy self-esteem is one that occasionally gets out of the way.

So this year, when you eat your matzah at the Seder, take a moment to reflect on its meaning, and how its humble message can be applied to your own life. ( Contributed from Chabad )

Hamotzi lechem min haaretz,
We give thanks to God for MATZAH.
Our voices rise in joyful chorus as our prayer is humbly said,

ברוך אתהה'א‑לוהינו, מלך העולם, המוציא לחם מן הארץ.‏

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל אֲכִילַת מַצָּה.

Baaaaaaaaaaaaaruch ata adonai eloheinu melech ha olam, ha motzi lechem min haaretz, Baruch ata adonai eloheinu melech haolam asher kidshanu b mitzvotav v tzivanu al achilat matzah.

Blessed is the maker of bread. Blessed is God who commanded us to eat Matzah!

Viagra is banned during Pesach, along with all other agents causing things to rise.

If you want to avoid an unwelcome Passover invitation, you can say you can't go because I/my wife has a yeast infection.

Q: What do you call someone who derives pleasure from the bread of affliction? A: A matzochist.


haggadah Section: Motzi-Matzah