What is Shavuot?

Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Weeks, is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Traditionally, it’s celebrated with dairy foods, but with a few thoughtful adjustments, you can enjoy a fully vegan Shavuot feast. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan a delicious and meaningful vegan Shavuot celebration.

When is Shavuot?

Shavuot falls on the Hebrew calendar dates of Sivan 6–7. Shavuot 2024 begins at sundown on Tuesday June 11, 2024, and concludes at nightfall on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

What are some Shavuot Traditions?

Shavuot customs include:

• Dairy foods: Symbolizing the “land flowing with milk and honey.”
• Decorating with greenery: Representing the harvest season and Mount Sinai.
• Studying Torah: Engaging in religious texts and discussions.

What are some Shavuot foods?

Replace traditional dairy dishes with plant-based alternatives that capture the spirit and flavors of Shavuot.

Vegan Cheesecake

• https://minimalistbaker.com/easy-baked-cheesecake-vegan-gf/
• https://www.abcvegan.com/lucys-grandmothers-cheesecake/
• (WFPB) https://plantbasedcookingshow.com/2017/07/04/classic-vegan-cheesecake/

Blintzes

• https://veganstart.com/cheese-blintzes/
• https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/cream-cheese-blintzes/
• https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/blueberry-blintzes/
• https://www.powerhungry.com/2015/01/31/chickpea-flour-quiches-vegan-grain-free-gluten-free/

Entrees

• https://www.bosh.tv/recipes/creamy-mac-and-greens
• https://tasty.co/recipe/cashew-mac-and-peas
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/chloes-sweet-potato-mac-n-cheese/
• (WFPB) https://faithfulplateful.com/slow-cooker-vegan-lasagna/

Decorating for Shavuot

• Greenery: Decorate your home with plants, flowers, and green branches to symbolize the harvest.
• Harvest Baskets: Create decorative baskets filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Studying and Community

• Torah Study: Organize or join a study session focusing on themes of Shavuot. Tip: check out shamayim.us/resources for free, printable text study sheets!
• Community Involvement: Participate in or host virtual events if you cannot gather in person.

More Tips for a Successful Vegan Shavuot

• Ben and Jerry’s, SO Delicious, and even Haagen Dazs have delicious non-dairy ice cream flavors you can also have for dessert.
• Daiya has vegan cheesecakes if you don’t want to make your own from scratch! 
• Daiya also makes some great non-dairy cheese. Other amazing brands are Miyoko’s Creamery or Chao Creamery by Field Roast, though these are not certified kosher.
• Some “soy cheeses” still contain casein, whey, or lactose, making them not vegan, so be sure to make sure the label says it’s vegan or check the ingredients label.

By embracing these vegan alternatives, you can honor the traditions of Shavuot while enjoying delicious and compassionate meals. Chag Sameach!