Shavuot or the Feast of Weeks is the last spring high holiday and is the celebration of the giving of the Law and the Holy Spirit (Leviticus 23: 15 – 22).
The name Shavuot/ the Feast of Weeks particularly refers to the giving of the law on Mount Sinai (Deuteronomy 16: 9-12; Exodus 34). This is an important time in the history of the Hebrews and the world. The giving of the law shows us the guidelines and commands of the Lord.
I love the time of anticipation that leads up to Shavuot, through the daily counting of the omer. This is also a time of feasting and rejoicing that the law was given to us.
It is traditional to eat milk and honey dishes on Shavuot because King David referred to the Law as honey (Psalms 19: 9 – 10; 119:103) and because the Promised Land is referred to as the “Land of Milk and Honey” (Exodus 3:17). You don’t have to do this, but I think it’s a fun idea. I have created a Shavuot menu ideas list that is inspired by this idea.
Breakfast ideas
Depending on how you start counting the omer, Shavuot is always the day after the weekly Sabbath, which means you will need two days’ worth of no-cook breakfasts. One of my family’s favorite Shabbat breakfasts is homemade granola cereal. I make this recipe almost every week and there’s hardly any leftovers every time!
Yogurt bowls are quick, easy, and delicious to make or you could have smoked salmon and bagels if you are feeling fancy!
How to make the best Granola by Cookies and Kate
Red Berry Greek Yogurt Bowls by Garnish and Glaze
Smoked Salmon and Bagels platter by Sea Salt Savorings
Bread
In Biblical times we were to bring two loaves of bread made with the first fruits of the wheat harvest to the priest as an offering (Leviticus 23: 17 – 20). Since Shavuot doesn’t have commanded ways of observance outside this offering and the High Holiday sacrifices, this is one thing we can do in remembrance of this day.
A braided challah loaf, honey whole wheat bread, and focaccia are some of my favorites to make. For Shavuot, I love to make compound butter to spread on the loaves as well.
Honey Whole Wheat Bread by Kristine ’s Kitchen
Heirloom Tomato Pesto Focaccia by Britney Breaks Bread
Tomato Olive Focaccia by 177 Milk Street
Roasted Garlic and Herb butter by The Toasty Kitchen
Creamy Honey Butter by Julie Blanner
Soup ideas
Hearty and delicious soups are good to have with those loaves of bread! I’m planning on making the beef and barley soup this year!
Easy Beef Barley Soup by Mom’s Dish
Hearty Red Lentil Soup by A Beautiful Plate
Vegetable Beef Soup by Tornadough Alli
Dinner ideas
For dinner, we usually like to have roasted lamb, mac and cheese, and a side. However, I might make one of these recipes as well!
Easy Lasagna by Tastes of Lizzy T
Rich and Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo by Julie Blanner
Crazy Good Beef and Broccoli by Savory Tooth
Desserts and Candy
You can’t go wrong with a delicious cheesecake! When I think of the perfect Shavuot/ milk and honey dessert cheesecake comes to mind! The raspberry cake looks very yummy as well!
You could make this honeycomb candy or eat real honey comb!
Classic Cheesecake by Live Well Bake Often
Carrot Cake Cheesecake by The Girl Who Ate Everything
Raspberry Lemon Cake by The View From Great Island
Honey Comb Candy by House of Nash Eats
Refreshing and warm drinks
Lastly, refreshing and warm drinks. Chai tea and an iced matcha latte both perfectly encompass the milk and honey theme! However, a ginger mint lemonade is an excellent refreshing drink!
Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea by Foodess
Ginger Mint Lemonade by Randi Alese
Iced Matcha Latte by A Cozy Kitchen
I hope you gained some Shavuot menu ideas to make for your family. Shavuot ends the Spring High Holidays, and I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. By the grace of God, we will see you in the fall for the fall High Holidays! Until then, Shavuot Sameach and Shalom!
