In Parshat Tzav, we learn something fascinating about matzah and chametz, leavened bread. After Aharon and his sons give a korban, depending on the korban, they get “Hashem’s leftovers.” They are told that whatever is leftover and doesn’t burn on the mincha (meal) korban, they will receive it. In addition, Hashem says that it should not be chametz, it needs to be like matzot. Why?

While the Torah doesn’t seem to explain the reason, from the next few words in the pesukim, I think it explains all we need to know. The pasuk says, “Do not bake it as leavened bread. I gave them part of my portion, לֹ֤א תֵֽאָפֶה֙ חָמֵ֔ץ חֶלְקָ֛ם נָתַ֥תִּי אֹתָ֖ה.” This shows us that matzah is a bread that symbolizes humbling oneself. It is a bread that shows a person that it is all up to Hashem, whereas chametz can symbolize the power of ourselves and our selfishness. Chametz is rich man’s bread while matzah is poor man’s bread (despite today’s prices). When we have matzah we must remember it is Hashem who took us out, is taking us out and will take us out. We are all in Hashem’s hands and we must realize that there is nothing we can’t do without our creator.

Lastly, the next few words of the pasuk say that this portion is like the holy of holies where we can give korban for atonement. Why is this? When you eat this and humble yourself like the matzah, you will look at events, people and objects in a different way. Once you realize that everything is from Hashem, you will be a person who can truly forgive, and when you forgive God forgives. When you realize your wealth is from Hashem, you give and God gives. Humble yourself like the matzah and recognize Hashem in your lives!

By Shira Sedek