With the approach of Passover beginning at sundown Monday, April 22 and concluding at nightfall Tuesday, April 30, children and teens will play a special role in ushering in the holiday with the Model Matzah Bakery held Sunday, April 14, at 10:30 a.m. at the Chabad Edelman Jewish Center, 16830 E. Avenue of the Fountains.

This unique, free event brings children and teens together for a hands-on, educational journey exploring the history and significance of Passover and Matzah, a press release said.

Children and teens will manufacture their own Matzah, from grinding the flour to kneading the dough, to baking the Matzahs in an oven, all within 18 minutes, the time limit in which Matzah must be made, the release said.

The eating of the Matzah is one of the most fundamental observances of this holiday, according to the press release, adding that the Matzah commemorates the haste in which the Israelites left Egypt, not allowing enough time for their dough to rise resulting in the unleavened Matzah.

“The Matzah Bakery provides children with a fun and memorable experience and also helps develop a profound appreciation for the holiday,” said Rabbi Mendy Lipskier, who directs the Chabad Lubavitch of Fountain Hills. “Today, more than ever, parents appreciate opportunities like this to share their Jewish heritage and tradition with the next generation.”

To register children and teens for this hands-on experience, call the Chabad of Fountain Hills office at 480-795-6292 or email office@JewishFountainHills.com.

Additional information about the Passover holiday is available at Chabad.org/Passover and more information about local events and initiatives is available at JewishFountainHills.com.