Matzah

Matzah is a primitive form of bread made very quickly with only flour and water, to prevent any fermentation.

Such pure, unleavened bread was offered as a sacrifice in the ancient Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. Matzah is the only bread permitted during the festival of Passover, recalling the biblical story when the Israelites fled in haste from slavery in Egypt and did not have time to allow their bread dough to rise. Matzah is a symbolic reminder of both slavery and freedom.

Heppner Matzah

On November 9, 1938 under threat of Nazi attack, Isidor Heppner closed his factory for the last time, taking a package of five small matzot with him.

Isidor remained in Germany and was later murdered under the Nazi regime, but his sons and this matzah survived.