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Some grains fall and they are called gleanings. These are supposed to be left for the poor (see The Book of Ruth). The cut stalks keep drying and are tied (called a sheaf).The students bring the gleanings to feed goats at a petting zoo.

Then, the week before Shavuot, when the wheat is totally dry, they beat the stalks as grains fall to the ground (threshing). Wind blows away any straw, chaff, dirt (winnowing) and just the grains remain. Those grains are put through a flour grinder so the children have flour for the cheesecake crust. The class bakes a cake using the wheat flour, the goat cheese they helped facilitate through feeding the goats, and berries that grow during this season. Attractive, bold photographs show the children every step of the way. A recipe is provided.

Cheesecake for Shavuot brings to life the agricultural foundation of Shavuot and complements the religious aspects. It is one of the many “gems” for you to borrow from your temple Library.

Jewish Book Club

Tuesday, May 9 at 12:00pm. The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron

Tuesday, June 13 at 12:00pm, A Half-Built Garden by Ruthanna Emrys