Hillel Ontario

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Give Your Matzah a Makeover!

by | Apr 10, 2019 | Hillel Ontario, Jewish Holiday | 0 comments

Spring has sprung (sort of), exams are in session, and Passover has arrived! Matzah, eaten on its own, is very dry and a bit flavourless, but it doesn’t have to be. Check out our favourite ways to eat matzah for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert!

Breakfast Ideas

Avocado Matzah


Your favourite breakfast doesn’t need to stop when it’s Passover. Avocado on matzah is a popular breakfast item for the Hillel Ontario staff. There are many variations to this simple recipe, whether it be adding egg on top, or tomatos, there are many ways to make this dish delicious!
Recipe here.

Matzah and Cream Cheese

Figuring out what to have for breakfast in the morning during Passover can be a struggle. Cream cheese on matzah is an easy go to, and surprisingly it tastes delicious. Add some lox, tomato and cucumber, and you’re good to go!
Recipe Here

Lunch Ideas

Matzah Pizza


Matzah Pizza is a childhood classic. It has all the great toppings you put on a normal pizza with a nice added crunch from the matzah. Pile on the toppings and you won’t even realize you are eating matzah. You can have this meal more than once during Passover by simply switching the toppings.

Recipe Here

Matzah Nachos

This is recipe is super easy to make. All you need to do is swap your tortilla chips for Matzah and you’re all set! Pile on the cheese, add your favourite veggies and you will want to eat this dish every day of Passover.

Recipe Here

Dinner Ideas

Matzah Crusted Chicken Cutlets

While this might seem like a weird combination, the texture of the matzah really adds to the flavour of the chicken. It is crunchy and filled with flavour. Many of us at Hillel Ontario have made this and strongly suggest you give it a try!

Recipe Here

Matzah Lasagna

While it’s doesn’t taste like noodle lasagna, this matzah lasagna is cheesy, crispy and delicious. Hillel Ontario staff definitely recommend this dish, and it’s their go-to meal to make during Passover. If you are in a rush and looking for an easy simple dinner, try this out!

Recipe Here

Dessert Ideas

Chocolate Caramel Matzah

The absolute best thing about Passover is matzah covered in chocolate caramel. Surprisingly, not everyone at Hillel Ontario has even tried this Passover treat! Chocolate matzah is a must have in my house during Passover, and it should be in yours! The only problem about chocolate matzah is that it is insanely addictive–it’s hard not eating an entire tray in just one sitting!
Recipe Here

Matzah S’mores

Martha Stewart has a unique approach to matzah that is simple to make. This is a new recipe for the Hillel Ontario staff, but we all agree it’s worth a try this year!
Recipe Here

We hope some of these recipes have inspired you to try something new with matzah this Passover! Let us know if you try any of these recipes by tagging us on Instagram (@HillelOntario) so we can see what you create! If you are looking for other great Passover recipes check out these Jewish blogs: What Jew Wanna Eat, Jewlish, and The Nosher.

This Passover, help Hillel fortify Jewish students’ identities

This Passover, help Hillel fortify Jewish students’ identities

by | Apr 3, 2023

The night before the Children of Israel’s departure from Egypt is referred to as leil shimurim, often translated as a “night of vigil.”  Rav Nahman and subsequent scholars interpret this phrase, which appears nowhere else in the Tanakh, as a time of divine protection. These scholars conclude the night when Passover begins is one of safety – one on which no harm can come to the Jewish people.

In the face of rising antisemitism, isolation, extremism, and other threats to Jews individually and collectively, we are fortunate that there are additional ways and times for seeking security and comfort.  Building and sustaining strong, inclusive, and welcoming Jewish communities on campus enables Jewish students to experience a sense of belonging with their peers, bolster their leadership skills, advocate for themselves, and chart their own Jewish journeys.  Indeed,  Hillel Ontario is on track for a record-breaking year, in which we will engage more than 3,500 Jewish students. Leil shimurim might be just one night, but together, we can fortify emerging adults’ Jewish identities and provide spaces in which they prepare to take on leadership roles after graduation.

As we head into Passover, we are grateful for all of the contributions you’ve made in support of Jewish student life in Ontario.  Your generosity allows us to confront antisemitism, instill a sense of joy, pride, and resilience in Jewish students, and empower the next generation of Jewish leaders.  

While we’re proud of our success, more work remains to provide for our universities’ 10,000 Jewish students who remain unengaged with Jewish campus life in Ontario.  In conjunction with your observance of the upcoming holiday, please consider a gift to Hillel Ontario so we can continue our work and provide additional openings for connection with Jewish life, learning, and Israel.

Chag sameach,

Seth Goren
CEO, Hillel Ontario

Weekly D’var: Tzav

Weekly D’var: Tzav

by | Mar 31, 2023

In this week’s parasha, Tzav, focuses on the laws of sacrifices and priestly duties. The emphasis is on the instructions given to the priests regarding the burnt offerings, the meal offerings, the sin offerings, and the guilt offerings. These offerings were an essential part of the religious practices of the Israelites, and they were intended to symbolize the people’s devotion to God.

As I reflect on this chapter, I am struck by the idea of sacrifice. In today’s world, sacrifice is often viewed negatively. We are taught to prioritize our own needs and desires, and sacrificing them for the sake of others or for a greater cause is often seen as a burden. However, the concept of sacrifice in this chapter of the Torah is different. It is not seen as a burden or a punishment, but rather as a means of expressing devotion and gratitude.

In Tzav, the burnt offering is described as a “pleasing aroma to the Lord”. The idea of a pleasing aroma suggests that the sacrifice is not just a physical act, but also a spiritual one. It is an offering of the heart, a way of expressing love and gratitude to God. As I look around the world today, I see many examples of sacrifice that are motivated by love and gratitude. Healthcare workers, for example, have been sacrificing their own safety and well-being to care for those who are sick during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are not doing this because they are being forced to, but because they feel a sense of duty and devotion to their patients. Similarly, many people have been sacrificing their own comfort and convenience to protect the environment. They are making changes to their lifestyles, such as reducing their energy consumption or using public transportation instead of driving, because they recognize the importance of preserving the planet for future generations. Making sacrifices to show devotion and gratitude is also a way of showing appreciation for the things that we have been given, and a way of giving back to the world.\

As I read this chapter, I am also intrigued by the idea of atonement. The sin offering and the guilt offering were both intended to provide a way for the people to seek forgiveness for their sins. In our modern world, forgiveness and atonement are often difficult to come by. We live in a culture that values punishment and retribution over forgiveness and reconciliation. However, the idea of atonement in this text suggests that forgiveness is possible, even for the most serious of offenses. It requires a willingness to acknowledge our mistakes, to take responsibility for our actions, and to make amends.

In today’s Jewish community, the lessons of Tzav continue to be relevant. The act of sacrifice, whether it be in the form of volunteering, making charitable donations, or participating in community service, is still seen as a way to connect with God and express gratitude for the blessings of life. Similarly, seeking forgiveness and atonement remains a central tenet of Jewish faith and practice. Finally, the concept of sacrifice is particularly relevant during Jewish holidays and festivals, such as Passover and Yom Kippur. During these occasions, we make offerings and engage in rituals that are intended to demonstrate our devotion to God and their commitment to living a righteous life

As I reflect on this parasha, the concepts of sacrifice and atonement may seem outdated or irrelevant in our modern world, but they still have a powerful message to teach us. By sacrificing for others and seeking forgiveness for our mistakes, we can show our love and devotion to the world around us and ultimately make the world a better place to live.

Emily Green
Student, Western Hillel

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