On Wednesday, May 28, JCRC-NY CEO Mark Treyger and Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson conducted a “Cheesecake Crawl” at Jewish bakeries in the Bronx to commemorate Shavuot and National Small Business Month.
Treyger described the custom of eating dairy products on Shavuot due to the new kashrut laws the Jewish nation was just given. He said, “We’re gathered on the eve of Jewish holiday of Shavuot which talks about the Jewish people receiving the Torah.
“One of the best dairy foods you can think of is cheesecake.” Treyger noted, “I have to say I am a foodie. That means I’m a food critic as well, for myself and for others. I like to cook and bake when I have time. What am I looking for in a great cheesecake? Number one, appearance: does it look very appetizing? The second, creaminess, its texture: does it melt in your mouth, not grainy or chewing on it? Number three, I look at the crust. It’s not too soggy, just enough crisp; it meets the moment. I also look for the sweetness, not too sweet, not too tangy, a nice balance. The last is the joy factor. Does it bring about joy, just enjoying each and every single bite, where tradition meets indulgence?”
The first stop of the day was S&S Cheesecake, founded in 1960 by Holocaust survivor Fred Schuster and now run by his son-in-law, Yair, in its original Bronx location. Their cheesecake recipe hasn’t changed in 65 years, which is reflected by their motto, “Doing One Thing Well.”
While touring the kitchen facility in the back, both Gibson and Treyger acknowledged the incredible aromas of cheesecake.
Treyger said, “I can tell you it smells heavenly in this place.” The pair then sat down to taste the strawberry topped cheesecake, the flavor chosen by Gibson. “It melts in your mouth, and it’s not too sweet. I’m tasting joy right now,” stated Treyger. “There is strength and joy in this and there is courage and celebration. This is building community. This is how you bring people together, honoring tradition of course, not just the Jewish faith, but really all people that come together to celebrate community. Build community through delicious cheesecake. ‘Community through cheesecake.’ What a slogan!”
Treyger added, “There’s also an ingredient that we saw in the back; it is called love. The staff really take pride and love in what they do here. There’s a lot of love in this establishment.”
The second stop was the Corner Café and Bakery, opened in 1989 in Riverdale and owned by Cochava and Ken Dubin. For their first 20 years, the Corner Café was located on a “corner” of Johnson Avenue and now on Riverdale Avenue for the last 15 years.
Following a welcome by Cochava herself, Treyger stated, “I’m from Brooklyn, but I am learning that the Bronx has some of the best cheesecake in all of New York City. I never knew about this until today. I thank you very much for opening your doors to the community. We’re here to try some of the delicious cheesecake.”
Gibson and Treyger sampled four slices of cheesecake: White Chocolate Raspberry, Lemon, Chocolate Mousse and Oreo. All cheesecakes at Corner Café are gluten-free except for the Oreo cookie topper. After taking a bite, Treyger expressed, “It just melts in your mouth, no chewing. It’s not too sweet, it’s just perfect. I can tell why you are open for so many years. You can taste the love in your food. You are in the right business.
“Shavuot marks a foundational moment that shaped our Jewish faith, values and way of life,” Treyger said. “Visiting these incredible Jewish-owned Bronx bakeries was a meaningful way to honor that history and celebrate the delicious traditions that bring us together. I’m deeply grateful to Borough President Gibson for her continued commitment to the Jewish community in the Bronx, and to the bakery owners and staff for warmly welcoming us. Shavuot is a time to celebrate community and the shared values that unite us. Today’s event truly embodied that spirit. It served as a powerful reminder that we must come together not only in times of crisis and sorrow, but also in moments of joy. Joy is a form of strength, celebration and an act of courage. Community remains our greatest defense against divisions.”
Gibson added, “Our local kosher bakeries reflect the rich diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Bronx. These are businesses that have weathered pandemics and economic downturns yet continue to thrive in our communities. Now more than ever, it’s important that we come together to uplift and support our small businesses one bite at a time.”
