Matza (also Matzah Hebrew מַצָּה, in Ashkenazi matzo or matzoh, and in Yiddish, matze, Greek - "Masa", or "Massa") is a cracker-like flatbread made of white plain flour, and water. The dough is pricked in several places and not allowed to rise before or during baking, thereby producing a hard, flat bread. It is similar in preparation to the central Asian lavash and the Indian chapati

Matza is the substitute for bread during the Jewish holiday of Passover, when eating chametz - bread and leavened products - is forbidden. Eating matza on the night of the seder is considered a positive mitzvah, i.e., a commandment.

There are numerous explanations behind the meaning of matza. One is historical: Passover is a commemoration of the exodus from Egypt. The biblical narrative relates that the Israelites left Egypt in such haste, they could not wait for their bread dough to rise. The resulting product was matza. (Exodus 12:39). The other reason for eating matza is symbolic: On the one hand, matza symbolizes redemption and freedom, but it is also (lechem oni), "poor man's bread." Thus it serves as a reminder to be humble, and to not forget what life was like in servitude. Eating the "bread of affliction" is both a lesson in humility and an act that enhances one's appreciation of freedom.

At the Passover seder, it is customary to eat matza made of flour and water only. Matza containing eggs, wine or fruit juice in addition to water is not acceptable as it is considered to become leaven. Matza made with these items without the use of water is acceptable during the remaining days of the holiday, although some strictly Orthodox Jews will not eat this kind of matza at all.