A Unique Matzah Tray for Passover Seder

Matzah trays are used to hold the matzah during the Passover seder, because one shouldn’t touch the matzah directly with one’s hands during this holiday. It’s considered disrespectful of the mitzvah (commandment) to consume matzah without observing it properly, so people place the matzah on a special tray and use utensils to remove it from the tray and eat it. This process helps make sure that nobody accidentally breaks the rules, which are pretty strict regarding eating matzah.

The History of the Matzah Tray

The concept of a matzah tray is, according to most Judaic experts, over 2,000 years old. The Jewish holiday of Passover (also known as Pesach) commemorates God’s deliverance of ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt. During their time in captivity, they were not allowed to own anything that was made from flour. This included their bread! Instead, they ate matzo—or unleavened bread—during every meal to commemorate their exodus from bondage. With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that the matzah tray has been an important part of the seder table since antiquity. After all, without it, there would be no place to store the individual pieces of matzo during the course of the evening’s festivities. Traditionally, Jews place three pieces of matzo on top and then cover them with a fourth piece that is adorned with symbols representing family unity and an ancient Hebrew text meaning Next year we will all be free.

Where Did the Tradition Come From?

At a typical Jewish Passover seder, it’s customary to set out a matzah tray—it has been called one of the most important pieces of Judaica you can own, and with good reason. A seder wouldn’t be complete without some sort of tray to hold all of your food and beverages (or other items). But what is it exactly? Why do we need one?

And why should you have one specifically designated just for your Passover feast? Because this unique piece of Judaica was made exclusively for Passover celebrations! The matzah tray looks like an elegant place setting in itself, but it also serves an essential function during the meal.

What Does a Matzah Tray Do During Passover Seder?

Though the seder plate is probably more recognizable as a symbol of Passover, Judaica experts say that it may actually be accompanied by a matzah tray. Created to keep matzo in one place at during its ceremonial use, Jewish tradition recommends placing a hollowed-out stone on which four pieces of matzo can rest atop each other as part of a seder. The tray, traditionally made from wood, is an important addition to the table. The idea behind this is to have everything ready so you don’t have any last minute dishes, says Adina Levin, co-owner of Brooklyn’s Melange Judaica Store and Gifts.

Makes sense? Yes! The matzah tray keeps all the matzos in one place while they are being used during Passover seder!

Use of matzah tray during Passover Seder

When it comes to choosing what matzo to use during your seder, there are a few main things to consider. The first is how old your matzo is; if it’s too fresh, it might be soft enough that people won’t be able to break pieces off easily. This can also lead to an unbalanced meal in which some people eat more than others as they’re unable to break off as much at once. For an evenly-divided plate every time, aim for something between six months and one year old.

The next consideration is how thick the matzo should be; this will depend largely on personal preference. Some prefer thin, crispy squares while others want a nice, hearty piece that fills them up faster. Whatever you choose, make sure to buy extra matzos if you plan on having more than eight people over for dinner. There are also gluten-free versions available for those with dietary restrictions.

How Do I Choose The Best Matzah Tray For My Seder?

If you’re looking to add a little flair to your seder, consider using a matzah tray that is more than just a place to put your matzo. While it’s an important part of every seder, there are hundreds of unique options available, making it easy to really customize each seder around its own unique theme. With so many cool designs and styles available, some with their own storied history, you’ll be able to find something that matches both your personality and décor style. A matzah tray helps get everyone in on the fun – including guests who may not know as much about Jewish tradition. We recommend choosing one that has its own story or theme!

Serving a matzah tray is a traditional way to serve your guests during a passover seder. Instead of going through all of that hassle, consider using a matzah platter! It’s just as cute and allows you to spend more time with your family.