Difference Between Matzah Bread & Sacrament
On the surface, matzah and sacramental bread appear to be much the same. Both are unleavened loaves made from simple ingredients, and both are part of religious practices. However, matzah is specific to Judaism and the celebration of Passover, while the sacrament forms an essential part of Catholic and many Christian church services. Though essentially the same thing in ingredients and form, matzah and the sacrament have very different uses and symbolize different things.
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Matzah
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Eating matzah is one of the most important rituals observed during the celebration of Passover, as it symbolizes faith in God. Matzah represents the story of the Israelites leaving Egypt with such haste that their dough had no time to rise, forcing them to eat unleavened bread. The simple ingredients of matzah -- flour and water -- represent the simple characteristics required for faith: humility and submission. Matzah is eaten three times during Seder, the first two days of Passover.
The Sacrament
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The sacrament in Catholicism, and other Christian denominations, is eaten as part of holy communion and represents the body of Jesus Christ. In Catholicism the sacrament, once blessed, is said to become transformed into the actual body of Christ, though other Christian groups have varying beliefs n this issue. Like matzah, the sacrament is typically unleavened but there are stricter rules regarding its ingredients.
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Differences: Ingredients
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Matzah bread is made only of flour and water that is baked and not allowed to rise. There are no special ingredients, although there is a type of matzah called "shmura". Shmura matza is made from flour and water that have been carefully watched from the time of harvest to the end of baking to ensure the purity of the ingredients. Catholic doctrine teaches that sacramental bread must only be made from wheat, water and salt. The use of any other grains or ingredients make it ineligible to be used for the sacrament.
Differences: Consumption
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The sacrament is usually consumed as a part of Sunday church services every week during holy communion. The consumption of the sacramental bread and wine is a way for the congregation to remember and give thanks for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Matzah is eaten only during Seder, a feast that takes place over the first two nights of Passover where the Jewish family must follow fifteen ritual observances, three of which involve consuming matzah.
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References
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