For a full month during the lead-up to Passover, a travelling bakery gave Australians of all ages across Sydney the chance to learn how to bake the special unleavened bread known as matzah.

With some 50 shows scheduled between March 7 and 26, the travelling bakery and associated Exodus-themed production educated and entertained an estimated 1,500 children, adults and senior citizens.

Run by the Yeshiva Centre, the regional Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters in New South Wales, the project came as part of its Chabad Youth NSW banner. Past programs have included a travelling shofar factory in advance of Rosh Hashanah, holiday camps, festival guides and a giant Chanukah menorah lighting.

“It’s about creating a fun and friendly environment with a message of education and unity,” said Rabbi Elimelech Levy, who since the end of Passover on April 6, has turned his attention to a giant Lag B’Omer parade and carnival set to take place next month.


A participant in Chabad Youth NSW’s travelling model matzah bakery peeks out from a booth used as a water station. Flour is the only other ingredient of the special unleavened bread.


Each bakery demonstration included a skit dramatizing the events of the Exodus.


Stops on the tour included retirement homes as well as nursery schools.


Participants got to bake their own matzah.


All in all, an estimated 1,500 people of all ages took part in the program.


“It’s about creating a fun and friendly environment,” said program director Rabbi Elimelech Levy.


The mess was part of the fun.