Here’s the Scoop: Must Try Ice Cream for Shavuot

May 22, 2024 | Shabbat and Holidays

By Amy Goldberg

The Jewish holiday of Shavuot celebrates Moses receiving the Torah at Mt. Sinai after the Jews were freed  from slavery in Egypt. Traditionally, we eat dairy to symbolize  Israel, the “land flowing of milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8). One way that many Jews celebrate is by enjoying ice cream, the best dairy of them all!

Baltimore  is known for its vast options of ice cream shops, creameries, and dairies.  I was excited to take my family on an outing to visit some of our favorite local ice cream shops to try their seasonal flavors. Here’s the ice cream you should try this Shavuot:

Roasted Strawberry at Taharka Brothers

This local ice cream and social change-based business, is featured as a store front in R. House (Remington)  and in several other locations around the city. Taharka Bros is well known for their honey graham ice cream flavor. It is sweet and smooth with a trail of sandy graham cracker. However, their roasted strawberry flavor is my family’s favorite as its not too sweet with chunks of real roasted strawberries in every bite.  Taharka also offers vegan and dairy free flavors, in addition to delivery options. .

Maryland Mud at The Charmery

Owned by a Jewish family, the Charmery has several locations around Baltimore  including Towson, Hampden and Columbia.  The menu includes many year-round local flavors that are a hit with my family, including Maryland Mud, which is dark chocolate with chocolate cookies and Old Bay Caramel. Its’ a little bit sweet and a little bit savory. Their summer seasonal hit is Lemon Stick, a lemon base with light peppermint throughout.  The Charmery also offers dairy and vegan options.

Black Cherry and Chocolate Peanut Butter at Prigal Family Creamery

Another family favorite is Prigal Family Creamery in Glen Arm, MD  Belevdere Square. Prigal is a traditional creamery that offers handmade ice cream that can be made into delicious shakes, sundaes and ice cream sandwiches. They are known for their heavy-handed scoops that leave you very satisfied.  My family’s favorite flavors are black cherry and chocolate peanut butter.  If you’re up for a windydrive through the countryside where you can watch the cows graze as you eat your ice cream, a trip to Prigal Family Creamery is for you!

Kosher Ice Cream Options

Baltimore has several Kosher ice cream places to try. Head over to Cold Stone Creamery at Woodholme Shopping Center and try one of their signature creations. They also have non-dairy options, created with almond milk. Rita’s at Quarry Lake has Italian ice and frozen custard. Have the best of both worlds and mix them together! Once you pick your favorite flavor,take a walk around Quarry Lake for a perfect summer stroll. Don’t forget to visit Sprinkles Ice Cream, located next to Mama Leah’s Pizza on Reisterstown Rd. Grab some pizza and get a scoop for dessert.

I also asked several of our community connectors around the Greater Baltimore area to share their local favorites with you:

• Jupiter’s Ice Cream in Mt. Washington – Leia Neft, PJ Our Way Parent Connector
• The Cow in Reisterstown – Sam Strakes, Reisterstown & Finksburg & Multifaith Parent Connector
• Hoffman’s in Westminster & Firehouse Creamery in Eldersburg – Briana Arnold, Carroll County Parent Connector
• Ellicott City Diner, Strawberry cheesecake & Oreo Shake – Julie Altman Wolff, 4Front Parent of Teen Partner Connector
• Friendly’s in Perry Hall – Jennifer Wolff, Parkville Connector
• Tropicool Italian Ice in Pikesville/Mt.Washington and Bmore Licks in Patterson Park, Baltimore City – Jacob Wolf, Parent Connector

However near or far you are, Baltimore has some very delicious ice cream options so you can enjoy your Shavuot with a cold, sweet, tasty treat.  Have a happy and sweet Shavuot!