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Hametz refers to leaven or leavened food that is forbidden during the Jewish holiday of Passover. This prohibition includes any food made from grains like wheat, rye, oats, barley, and spelt that has come into contact with water and fermented. During Passover, which commemorates the liberation of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt, observant Jews consume only unleavened bread, known as matzo. This practice symbolizes both the suffering of the Israelites in bondage and the haste with which they left Egypt. The removal of hametz from homes is a significant part of the Passover preparations, often involving a thorough spring cleaning.12

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  1. hametz
  2. Passover
  3. chametz

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