The Seder is the centerpiece of Passover. For some who observe and celebrate this holiday, it is particularly meaningful to replace factory-made matzo, the unleavened bread so essential for the Seder meal, with shmura -- or shmurah -- matzo. Shmura means watched from the harvest, which signifies that every step of the process of making this matzo, from harvesting the grain to the final baking, has been supervised by a rabbi. It also means that when the bread is being made in its small batches, the flour and water are kept in separated cubicles as extra insurance that there is no premature contact between them until the last possible moment, thus preventing any leavening.
There is said to be only 6 shmura matzo bakeries in New York City, all of which are in Brooklyn (there are also 3 bakeries in upstate New York, one in New Jersey, and one in Chicago). With limited supply and a big demand, production can sell out early. Plus this matzo costs much more than the factory-made kind sold in supermarkets but remember that this is artisanal.
If you're interested in buying from these bakeries and want to be sure of getting what you want, call first and place your order and do so soon. All close early on Friday and are closed on Saturday. Prices may be subject to change.
Shmura matzo both from Israel and also from a Brooklyn matzo bakery is on sale at Zabar's in both regular and whole wheat at about $20/pound.
- Chareidim Shmurah Matzoh Bakery
4312 New Utecht Avenue, Borough Park
718-854-0597
$21.00/pound Open 10 AM -10 PM
- D&T Shmura Bakery
460 Albany Avenue, Crown Heights
718-778-7914
$18.50/pound if whole; $13.50 for broken pieces Open 8 AM - 5 PM
- Satmar Shmura Hand-Matzoh Bakery
427 Broadway, Williamsburg
718-388-4008
$20/pound; $23/pound for a special heimieshe mayleh variety Open 8 AM - 7 PM
- Kehilath Yakov Matzo Bakery
346 Broadway, Williamsburg
718-384-4899
$21/pound Open 8 AM - 8 PM
Not a Brooklyn Passover bakery, but a New York City treasure is Russ & Daughters located on Manhattan's Lower East Side at 179 East Houston Street. They have Shmura matzoh for $22.00 a box.
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