Tag: Exodus

According to Jewish law, the five forbidden grains for Passover are wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye. During the holiday, these grains become 'chametz' if they come into contact with water for more than 18 minutes, making them leavened and therefore forbidden. The prohibition extends to anything made from these specific grains, with careful supervision ensuring that even products like matzah are baked quickly to prevent leavening.

For over 14 million Jewish people worldwide, a specific religious food takes center stage during the holiday of Passover: matzah. This unleavened bread is a powerful symbol of freedom and remembrance, deeply connected to the story of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt.

According to the biblical account in Exodus 12:8, the Israelites were commanded to eat the Passover meal with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. However, the Bible does not explicitly name the specific bitter herbs used, leading to scholarly and traditional interpretations over centuries.

According to Jewish law, there are five specific grains—wheat, barley, rye, spelt, and oats—that are forbidden during the eight days of Passover if they become leavened. This prohibition is why Jews cannot eat oatmeal during the holiday, as the cooking process causes the oats to become $chametz$.

According to Jewish law, observant Jews are forbidden from consuming or possessing leavened grain products, known as *chametz*, for the duration of the Passover holiday. This prohibition is the root of the question, 'Why can't Jews eat wheat?', though it only applies for a specific time, not the entire year.