Chabad of NW Metro Denver will feature an Ukrainian hand baked Matzah at this year’s April 15 and 16 Passover Seders.
Rabbi Benjy Brackman said he has used the Matzah in the past, but noted the importance of this year’s ceremony.
“I’ve been using it forever, I like the taste of it but I think this year it obviously has a greater significance because of what’s going on in Ukraine,” he said.
The Matzah was baked and shipped before Russia invaded Ukraine, and Brackman noted the irony of the situation.
“It’s strange we are eating matzah made by people who unfortunately are anything but free today,” he said.
He related it to the Jewish faith, where historically has been persecuted for 1,000s of years, and Passover celebrates their liberation. He said it’s a critical time for reflection, having gratitude for freedom and wondering if Americans are using their freedom correctly.
Brackman is no stranger to Ukraine. In the 1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union, he spent 10 months in Ukraine as a rabbinical student.
He explained how during his time in the country, religions started to flourish due to the new freedom to practice after over 70 years under the Soviet Union.
As well, he said the wheat from Ukraine is a good wanted globally.
“Ukraine is known as the breadbasket of the world, so the matzah tastes great,” he said.
He also mentioned that the yellow on the Ukrainian flag represents wheat.
Everyone — regardless of Jewish faith — is invited to join the community seders. They will take place on April 15 and 16 from 6:30 – 9:30 at Chabad NW Metro Denver. To learn more, visit http://www.COJewish.com