Photographic essay by Liliane Aberman depicting the making of 'Shmura Matzo' at a Montreal factory. Three flyers advertising 'Shmura Matzos.'

Of her work, the artist states, "In March 1995, a few days before Passover, I was introduced to the matza factory. The factory, prepares Shmura matza and was at this time in the accelerated tempo of full production. I was fascinated by the sights and sounds of this industrious place especially because it seemed to emerge out of a bygone era. Everything here is done by hand, untouched by the mechanization of the western world.

As I observed the work in progress, it seemed to me that I was a spectator at a ballet of sorts where each individual fit into a perfectly orchestrated series of steps. There are no extraneous movements and no wasted time, as each batch of matza must be prepared within 14 min.

These photographs are a selection of the images taken at the matza factory and record the process of preparing the matza." - Liliane Aberman

Names and date taken from back of photograph: "Taken Passover April 18/38 on Hutchison. In the back - Edith, Ruth, Margret / Middle - Minnie, Freda, Celia, Sarah / Front - Lilly."