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Shavuot is The Holiday of Cheesecake and Blintzes

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There’s a reason you find yourself craving cheesecake the beginning of every summer.

Often referred to as the cheesecake holiday, Shavuot, is the holiday that celebrates the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It falls about 7 weeks after Passover, specifically 50 days after the first day of Passover, it is sometimes known as "Pentecost," a Greek word meaning "the holiday of 50 days." (Shavuot, however, has no connection to the Christian Pentecost holiday.)

Shavuot is probably the least known Jewish holiday, maybe because this holiday has no obvious "symbols" of the day – i.e. no Shofar, no Sukkah, no Seder, no Chanukah Menorah. Instead over the years the symbol of Shavuot has become cheesecake and blintzes.

Why do we eat dairy on Shavuot?

There is a universal Jewish tradition of eating dairy foods on Shavuot. While it is a custom to eat meat on most Jewish holidays and Shabbat, on Shavuot we celebrate with dairy. Various reasons have been suggested to explain why this custom has become so prevalent, among them:

  1. The Biblical book Song of Songs (4:11) refers to the sweet nourishing value of Torah by saying: "It drips from your lips, like honey and milk under your tongue."
  2. The verse in Exodus 23:19 juxtaposes the holiday of Shavuot with the prohibition of mixing milk and meat. On Shavuot, some therefore eat separate meals – one of milk and one of meat.
  3. Upon receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai, the Jews immediately became obligated in the kosher laws relating to slaughter of animals. Since they did not have time to prepare kosher meat, they ate dairy instead.
  4. The description of the land of Israel in the Torah, which was given Shavuot, is "a land that flows with milk and honey." So, dairy foods came not only to remind the Jewish people of the Torah given at Sinai, but also of their beloved homeland, the Land of Israel.

What cheesecake will you be making this year? Check out 7 sweet cheesecake recipes to satisfy your Shavuot craving.

No Bake Cheesecake with Chocolate and Halva

No Bake Cheesecake with Chocolate and Halva
Dress up this easy no bake cheesecake with some favorite new flavors.
Check out this recipe

Light Israeli Cheesecake
At the Immigrant’s Table: Light Israeli cheesecake with crumbs
Israeli cheesecake is light, tangy and airy, like a dip in a cool pool on a hot summer’s day. It requires no baking and only 10 minutes of work.
Check out this recipe
At the Immigrant’s Table: Light Israeli cheesecake with crumbs

Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake

Best Italian Ricotta Cheesecake (5 Ingredients!)
5 ingredients is all you need to make this easy Italian cheesecake recipe with fluffy whipped ricotta and lemon. Grab our expert tips for the best homemade cheesecake every time.
Check out this recipe
Best Italian Ricotta Cheesecake (5 Ingredients!)

Ricotta Cheesecake from Rome’s Jewish Quarter

Ricotta Cheesecake from Rome’s Jewish Quarter
This is prettier and more puddinglike than we’re accustomed to in a cheesecake. But no complaints here. None whatsoever.
Check out this recipe
Ricotta Cheesecake from Rome’s Jewish Quarter

Biscoff Cheesecake with Sumac Strawberries

Biscoff Cheesecake with Sumac Strawberries - Cardamom and Tea
Biscoff cheesecake topped with strawberries and a tangy sumac glaze (feel free to omit the sumac for a more classic strawberry cheesecake).
Check out this recipe
Biscoff Cheesecake with Sumac Strawberries - Cardamom and Tea

Rainbow Cheesecake Babka

Rainbow Cheesecake Babka the happiest babka - My Kitchen Drawer
Rainbow Cheesecake Babka has a soft enriched dough that is coloured with rainbow sprinkles and swirled with cream cheese. Can you find a happier babka loaf?
Check out this recipe
Rainbow Cheesecake Babka the happiest babka - My Kitchen Drawer

Heavenly Cheesecake

Heavenly Cheesecake
This heavenly cheesecake doesn’t call for a complicated preparation, boasting a mild flavor and gentle texture that is perfect even a day or two after coming out of the oven.
Check out this recipe
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