It’s just about that time of year again: the cream cheese is starting to thaw, the cheesecake recipes are dusted off, and the dairy, it is a’flowin. Welcome to Shavuout preparation!

Shavuot is technically the end of the counting of the Omer, and is the traditional high holiday which celebrates G-d’s gift of the Ten Commandments. Shavuot is derived from the word for week and has a number of other intrinsic meanings as well. It is a very happy and joyous celebration, as it marks the most sacred gift to the Jewish people, that which continues to affect the daily lives of so many, that which is the basis of basically all Western civilization codes of morality. As we are educated by the Torah, so we educate ourselves for Shavuot. One tradition is to stay up all night long and learn the night of Shavuot… some mark the break of daylight by reading the 10 Commandments and then running into the ocean for an early morning dip for fun (well, at least in beautiful Santa Barbara!).

Vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike can also enjoy this holiday together, as the star of the table is the sweet and the dairy-filled.

There are various reasons as to exactly why we eat dairy on Shavuot (perhaps because of the symbolic milk of knowledge, perhaps because the 10 Commandments were given on Shabbat, when work and slaughter of animals would have been prohibited), and Aish has seven fascinating reasons as to why we follow this fascinating and fun tradition.

Cheese blintzes (a form of light crepe filled with sweet or savory cream cheese filling), ice cream, cheesecake and other delightful treats are eaten as we listen to the reading of the 10 Commandments. Depending on your location, Shavuot may be celebrated one day or two; in Israel, it is a festival celebrated for one day, while in other lands (aka for those in the Diaspora), it is a festive holiday celebrated over two days (some also celebrate it for one day). Shavuot falls this year on Thursday,  May 28.

This year, if you are trying to eat healthier, you are in luck, as there are plenty of lower-fat and healthier versions of these traditional foods. Or if you don’t have the time or inclination, lower-fat, lower calorie versions can also be purchased at many markets and bakeries… in addition to classic and beloved brands of special goodies, including Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes (so delicious!).

When making cheesecake, consider using cream cheese of a lower fat content, and substituting vegetable oil or canola oil or lighter butter substitutes, in place of heavier oils and spreads such as full-fat butter and margarine. Rather than heavier cream toppings, add on fresh fruit or make a fruit spread to complement your cheesecake.

Shavuot is a beautiful time to reflect on the awesome gift of the 10 Commandments, and how they have positively affected and bettered civilization.

Happy Shavuot to all!