Traditionally dairy:  Creamy Cheese and Fruit

June 4, 2009

During the holiday, bouquets of freshly cut flowers fill Jewish homes and synagogues with color and sweet aromas. Centuries ago in Jewish communities of Italy and Spain, Shavuot was actually called The Feast of Roses, and garlands of the beautiful blooms even adorned the Torah (Gen.–Deut.), which Jewish people believe was given at this time. This custom is based on a rabbinic teaching that Mount Sinai, at the time the Torah was given, was resplendent with grass, flowers, and trees, a verdant paradise that God renewed each year. Likewise, the teaching says, the Jewish people renew themselves every Shavuot by listening afresh to God’s voice and rededicating themselves to a life governed by Torah.

The other tradition that sets Shavuot apart is that of eating only dairy foods during the celebration. No one really knows for sure how the custom became established. Some cite Song of Songs 4:11, “Honey and milk are on your tongue,” which is said to refer to Torah and seems a fitting dietary guideline for celebrating the receiving of God’s Word. Others suggest that the children of Israel returned to their camp after receiving the Torah, and they were too exhausted to prepare a proper meal, so they just ate dairy. Some have suggested that the Israelites had just received God’s instruction regarding a kosher lifestyle, and they hadn’t had time to create kosher campsites, so they had to eat dairy in the meantime. Some even suggest that the whiteness of milk can be seen as a symbol of the purity of the Torah.

Regardless of the reason, since the Shavuot menu is traditionally dairy, it is a great time to try out new vegetarian and cheese-based dishes. The typical Shavuot feast includes cheese blintzes, cheesecake, and even manicotti and crepes. It may well include a fish dish accompanied by luscious salads, vegetable dishes, and even fruit or vegetable soups. And no Shavuot table is complete without a platter of fresh and dried fruits, recalling the holiday’s origins as a harvest festival. For a great finish, try this wonderful dairy dessert—the perfect complement to your holiday meal!

Creamy Cheese and Fruit

1 medium fresh pineapple, very ripe
3 bananas
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1 jar maraschino cherries, drained
1 large gold or red apple, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 package cream cheese (8 oz)
Sugar to taste (about 1/4 cup)
1 container frozen non-dairy whipped topping (12 oz), thawed, or 1 carton whipping cream (6 oz), whipped and sweetened to taste

Peel, core, and dice fresh pineapple. Peel and chop bananas and mix with pineapple, set aside. Beat cream cheese and sugar together with mixer. On high speed, beat in whipped topping or whipped cream until mixture is thick and fluffy. Fold in banana-pineapple mixture, cherries, apple, and coconut. Fill dessert dishes with fruit mixture and top each with chopped pecans. Serve immediately.

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