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Shavuot is fast creeping up on us. It’s the holiday of decadent dairy indulgence, the time when one too many plates of cheesecake can wreak havoc on an unsuspecting Jewish stomach. It’s the celebration of the giving of the Torah, when the Jews became the chosen people, and when the chosen people chosen to declare war on their gastronomic systems with an exorbitant amount of dairy.

Without further ado, here are some of the Forward’s greatest Shavuot holiday hits:

First, your 101 primer on the holiday for those stumped by the who/what/where/when and whys of the day.

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When the doctor talks, we usually listen. But when he tells us dairy is bad for us, we usually don’t. Still, if you feel inclined to act out of a sense of self-preservation, take a gander at this article and eat an orange instead.

What does Shavuot in this modern age? How can we apply ancient practices in 2018?

We all celebrate in different ways. Some of us like to blow up balloons and some of us like to take it down a few notches with a nice long toke. So why not try bring this weed-infused pineapple blintz souffle to your mom’s house this Shavuot?

Jamie Geller remains iconic. She might have once been the ‘bride who knew nothing,’ but I’m pretty confident that now she could teach us all a thing or two. Learn some Shavuot lessons from the master here:

This essay, comparing Mean Girls with the mean girls in the Book of Ruth, remains a timeless lesson for all Shavuot-observers past and present.

If you’re hungry for a well researched hot take:

The Talmudic take on coversion, in honor of Ruth, one of the most famous Jewish converts ever:

Try not to feel too intimidated by this elaborate masterpieces. Relax, it all ends up eaten anyways.

Tips on throwing a vegan Shavuot from an Israeli food pioneer:

“I wanted my blintzes to be as delicious as the traditional Jewish ones that my dad loved—but these ones needed to be a little lighter on calories.” On making low-fat blintzes for dad:

What can we learn from converts about compassion?

Finally, your complete guide to throwing a vegetarian Shavuot feast for some more picky or health-conscious celebrants.

Shira Feder is a writer. You can reach her at feder@forward.com

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