Chabad Mercer Island is hosting an Experience Shavuot Celebration at 6:30 p.m. on May 31 at the Shorewood Heights Club House, according to a press release.

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 May 30.

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, pesto pastas, lasagna, souffles 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 Nissan Kornfeld of Chabad Mercer Island. “What is important is that the community is joining together, hearing the Ten Commandments and celebrating the Torah. But the good food certainly helps.”

Chabad Mercer Island welcomes the community to the annual Experience Shavuot Celebration, “during which we will read the 10 commandments and enjoy an assortment of fine wines and cheeses together with desserts and ice cream for the children,” Kornfeld said.

The Shavuot celebration is free of charge and all are welcome to join, regardless of Jewish affiliation or background.

For more, contact Chabad Mercer Island at 206-851-2324 or visit www.ChabadMercerIsland.org.