Matzah’s Daily Affirmations

I am proud of how far I’ve come. I started as a Passover food, but now grocery stores display me for all Jewish holidays, even the ones where people fast all day.

I am allowed to feel salty. I am allowed to feel bitter, especially when I’m dipped in horseradish. I am allowed to feel gluten-free, though that is less about feelings and more about allergens.

I am enough just as I am. I have to be—for eight days and nights, I’m the only option.

I attract good things in life, like butter, peanut butter, and cream cheese. Yes, I also attract bitter herbs and salt water, but I choose to focus on the butter and schmear.

I am important both in the Passover story and as one of the top three ingredients in chocolate caramel matzah.

I am beautiful just as I am. “What’s with that giant cracker?” some shoppers ask as they pass over me at the store. “Is it some kind of modern art project? Is it cardboard in disguise? Is it even edible?” In the spirit of the holiday, I welcome these four questions.

I am loved, in the same way bagels are loved. I embrace this as my truth.

I have the potential for greatness and yumminess, just like bagels. Besides, bagels and I come in many of the same flavors: plain, whole wheat, egg, salted. Therefore, I am basically a bagel.

I am focused on my own growth, and if my own growth involves one day overtaking bagels as the Jewish people’s most beloved carbohydrate, then I will accept this humble journey.

I can manifest change. I may be called “The Bread of Affliction,” but with enough typos, I can be rebranded as “The Bread of Affection.”

I possess inner strength. Even when the Seder leader cracks me in two, my inner confidence does not crumble.

I remain strong when a piece of me is then hidden away. I know that hunting for the afikomen is just a game. I withstand the pain of being broken and hidden because soon I will be found.

I feel happy for my friends. When people say they can’t wait to go back to Bread after eight days with me, I cheer for my friend Bread. Though I cannot rise on account of being unleavened, I can lift up others.

I am grateful for my life—specifically for my long shelf life. When I am unopened, I dream of future Passovers and say my mantra: Next year on the Seder table. Or at the very least: Next Yom Kippur in Safeway.