Imagine a world where matzah is smuggled each spring like a sacred, forbidden treat. Not medieval Spain, but as recently as the 1980s in the Soviet Union.
Each year, while our friends dyed eggs and baked Easter cakes, our grandparents would slip into an unmarked house carrying a pillowcase and a suitcase. Inside — brittle, crumbly, toasty pieces of our heritage and identity. Rationed among the Jews of Bryansk, Russia, where we were born and raised, this was our small, secret taste of Passover. A far cry from a Seder, or any real Passover ritual, but at least something Soviet Jews could savor in private.
Now, decades later, we celebrate Passover in abundance — with friends, family, children, colleagues, and even strangers. But every year, as we retell the story of our Exodus, from Egypt AND from Russia, we also tell the story of the plaid suitcase and the pillowcase full of matzah. It has become our personal Passover tradition. These days, we skip the stealth and go straight to Costco — no suitcase required.
While most of our friends can’t stand matzah (“It’s dry! It’s carb-y! It’s flavorless!”) and eat the bare minimum, in our house, two boxes are rarely enough. Unlike many, we don’t dress it up — no matzah brei, no matzah crack, no matzah cake, no matzah-pizza, not even matzah arayes.
We wait all year for the simple pleasure of matzah as it is — crisp, plain, perfect. Our favorite way to eat it? With a little salted butter, alongside a strong, dark tea with lemon. If we’re feeling fancy, we’ll add a soft-boiled egg for breakfast or even swap the English muffin in eggs Benedict. Eggs Moshe, perhaps?
Another family favorite is “Matzah Cereal” — crumbled matzah, cold milk of choice, and fresh fruit. The crunch, the flavor, the taste of freedom. This year in South Florida, next year in Jerusalem!
Yum.
Olga Zelzburg Alterman is a dedicated Jewish nonprofit professional with nearly two decades of experience in Jewish education, institutional advancement, and major gifts fundraising. She has worked with diverse communities to build relationships, develop impactful programs, and inspire meaningful giving. Passionate about Jewish education and social justice, Olga strives to connect individuals and communities with opportunities to make a difference and support the sustainability of Jewish nonprofits.
Igor Alterman was appointed President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County in Feb. 2025 where he leads a dynamic organization that serves as the central address for Jewish life in the greater Boca Raton, Florida area.
Originally Published: