CHEESECAKE ANYONE? IT'S THE SHAVUOT SUNDAE PARTY!

CHEESECAKE ANYONE? IT'S THE HOLIDAY OF SHAVUOT
Jewish Holiday of Shavuot to be Celebrated with Dairy Flair

At a unique crossroads between religion and cuisine, the Holiday of Shavuot, celebrating the Giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai some 3,300 years ago, has become a celebration of fine dairy cuisine as well. Shavuot is celebrated for two days beginning at sundown on Saturday, June 11, 2016.

As the Torah was given, and the laws of kosher dining were first received, the Jewish People were not yet capable of properly preparing beef and poultry and as such ate dairy. The rest is history.

Exquisite cheesecakes, lasagna, souffles, ice cream and of course, cheese blintzes all take center stage during this ancient celebration. Some suggest that this has contributed to the renewed popularity this holiday has seen.

When thinking Jewish Holidays, Passover, Chanukah and Yom Kippur come to mind. Nevertheless, Shavuot is considered one of Judaism's major holidays and was in fact a “pilgrimage” when all of Israel would travel to Jerusalem to celebrate in the Temple.

“No, it isn't all about the food,” said Rabbi Shalom Prus of Beth Menachem Chabad. “What is important is that the community is joining together, hearing the Ten Commandments and celebrating the Torah. But the good food certainly helps!”

Beth Menachem Chabad welcomes the community to the Shavuot Sundae Party on Sunday, June 12th, 10:45AM at Beth Menachem Chabad, 349 Dedham Street, Newton. Hear the Ten Commandments being read from the Torah, followed by a delicious dairy lunch and ice cream party including a fabulous assortment of cheesecakes, blintzes, lasagna, salads and more! Full ice cream bar featuring Dippin' Dots Ice Cream! Gluten and lactose-free options available as well. There will also be a special children's program!

The Shavuot celebrations are free of charge and all are welcome to join, regardless of Jewish affiliation or background. RSVP is not necessary but appreciated at www.JewishNewton.com/IceCream

What is the holiday of Shavuot?
More than 3,000 years ago, the Jewish people received the Torah from G-d at Mount Sinai. Shavuot literally means “weeks” and marks the completion of the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot. Shavuot customs include all-night Torah study, listening to the recitation of the Ten Commandments, the reading of the Book of Ruth, eating dairy products and adorning the synagogue and home with flowers.

About the Sponsoring Organization
Beth Menachem Chabad offers Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations. For more information, contact Beth Menachem Chabad at 617-244-1200 or visit online at www.JewishNewton.com