hametz

or cha·metz

[ Sephardic Hebrew khah-mets; Ashkenazic Hebrew khaw-mits ]

noun

, Hebrew.

1. a food forbidden for use by Jews during the festival of Passover, especially a baked food, as bread or cake, made with leaven or a leavening agent.
2. a dish, kitchen utensil, or the like used in preparing or serving such food and similarly forbidden for use during Passover.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hametz¹

ḥāmēṣ literally, that which is leavened

Example Sentences

The hametz example may also enhance our understanding of the debate on the conscription of haredi men to the IDF.

From The Daily Beast

A generation after the hametz law was legislated as a dead letter it was resurrected in 2007.

From The Daily Beast

A feeble attempt to fine business owners for selling hametz prompted them to sue the state.

From The Daily Beast

So today hametz is as available as ever on Passover, with some changes due to the development of the economy.

From The Daily Beast