Essential Guide to the Feast of Unleavened Bread: What You Need to Know
The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a seven-day biblical festival observed in spring (March/April), following Passover. It begins on the 15th day of Nisan and continues through the 21st day.
This festival requires participants to:
- Remove all leavened products from their homes
- Eat unleavened bread for seven days
- Attend holy convocations on the first and seventh days
- Avoid regular work on these two holy days
The spiritual significance includes:
- Leaven symbolizes sin and corruption
- Unleavened bread represents righteousness and truth
- Removing leaven pictures purging sin from our lives
- Eating unleavened bread symbolizes taking in God's righteousness
Key Biblical References:
- First mentioned in Exodus 12:15-17
- Commanded as an "everlasting ordinance"
- Listed among God's festivals in Leviticus 23:6-8
- Reinforced in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 5:6-8)
Unleavened bread questions and answers graphic
Modern Observance:
- Remove all leavening agents (yeast, baking powder, baking soda) from homes
- Clean thoroughly to remove traces of leaven
- Eat unleavened bread throughout the seven days
- Attend church services on the first and last days
Matzo crackers on dark background
Practical Tips:
- Begin removing leaven weeks before the festival
- Use this time for spiritual self-examination
- Find or make unleavened bread (matzos, crispbread)
- Always check ingredients to ensure no leavening agents
Discarding bread for Unleavened Bread feast
Photo credits: iStock.com/vladi79 iStock.com/choja
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