Definition and Significance:
Unleavened bread, known as "matzah" in Hebrew, is bread made without any leavening agents such as yeast. In the biblical context, unleavened bread holds significant religious and historical importance, particularly in relation to the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It symbolizes purity, haste, and obedience to God's commands.

Biblical Origins:
The practice of baking unleavened bread is first mentioned in the Book of Exodus. During the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, God commanded them to prepare unleavened bread as part of the Passover meal. This was because they had to leave Egypt in haste and did not have time to let their dough rise. Exodus 12:39 states, "They baked unleavened cakes of the dough that they had brought out of Egypt, for it was without yeast; because they had been driven out of Egypt and could not delay, they had not prepared any provisions for themselves."

Religious Observance:
The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a seven-day festival that immediately follows the Passover. During this time, the Israelites were commanded to remove all leaven from their homes and eat only unleavened bread. This is detailed in Exodus 12:15 : "For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day, you are to remove the leaven from your houses. Whoever eats anything leavened from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel."

Symbolism:
Unleavened bread symbolizes several key theological concepts. Firstly, it represents the purity and holiness that God desires from His people. Leaven, often associated with sin and corruption, is removed to signify a break from the past and a commitment to a new life of righteousness. Secondly, it signifies the urgency and readiness to follow God's commands without delay, as demonstrated by the Israelites' swift departure from Egypt.

New Testament Context:
In the New Testament, unleavened bread takes on additional significance in the context of the Last Supper, which was a Passover meal. Jesus used unleavened bread as a symbol of His body, broken for the salvation of humanity. In 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 , Paul draws a parallel between leaven and sin, urging believers to "Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."

Cultural and Historical Practices:
Throughout history, the preparation of unleavened bread has been a meticulous process, often involving specific rituals and prayers. In Jewish tradition, the baking of matzah is done with great care to ensure that no leavening occurs. The dough is typically made from flour and water and must be baked within 18 minutes to prevent fermentation.

Contemporary Observance:
Today, the baking and consumption of unleavened bread remain integral to Jewish Passover celebrations and are also observed by some Christian communities during Holy Communion. The practice serves as a reminder of God's deliverance, the call to holiness, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the ultimate Passover Lamb.