Hands-On Matzah in Monsey

MonseyChabad

As part of the pre-Pesach teaching curriculum, the boys at Cheder Chabad of Monsey received a hands-on lesson on baking matzah.

Rabbi Moshe Grossbaum of the Living Legacy Program brought the Model Matzah Bakery to the Cheder.

The activity started with the children receiving stalks of wheat and separating the wheat kernels from the husks. The children learnt the different aspects of shmura as it applies to the wheat; cutting in a dry season and assuring that the actual wheat does not come into contact with water.

They then ground some wheat in a small mill and sifted the flour, learning of the importance of keeping everything nice and dry. After learning how shmura flour is made, they started with the process of making the dough. There were 2 booths set up; one for flour and another for water. Children poured water and flour from the booths into the mixing bowl where and expert “mixer” kneaded the dough.

The children learned of the importance of assuring that even the “dust” of flour does not mix with the water before the kneading process begins and the importance of making sure the dough is kneaded properly. These activities were also a very useful tool to review sidura d’pas – the melochos of Shabbos related to baking, as they were taught in Maseches Shabbos.

The children then each got their own piece of dough and rolled their own matzah that was then placed in an oven. The children then all received their own “model” matzah to enjoy.

This program was a phenomenal tool in bringing to life all the halochos connected with matzoh.