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Wine (yayin) is widely discussed in Biblical and Rabbinic sources, with the focus being on its enjoyment as well as its potential for abuse. On Shabbat — and Jewish holidays — special prayers are said over wine in order to fulfill the Biblical commandment of sanctifying the day.
Notable Sources
All Sources
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Wine and Wisdom for Rulers
TANAKH
Wine can impair judgment and lead to the neglect of responsibilities, especially for those in positions of power. The Book of Proverbs offers advice to King Lemuel, emphasizing the importance of rulers avoiding alcohol to maintain justice and protect the rights of the poor.
Wine and Idol Worship
HALAKHAH
The Beta Israel community historically avoided wine due to its association with idol worship and evil spirits. Rabbi Sharon Shalom explores the ancient customs of Ethiopian Jewry, including their complete prohibition of wine, in his work on the Beta Israel community.
Heavenly Wine Preserved Within Its Grapes
MUSAR
The concept of heavenly wine existing only in potential, described as 'preserved within its grapes,' is a distinctive idea found uniquely in Rabbi Isaiah HaLevi Horowitz’s 17th-century work, Shenei Luchot HaBerit. In his commentary on Berachot 34, he discusses the heavenly wine that Adam had sieved by the angels in the Garden of Eden, highlighting its exceptional nature as something existing only potentially within the grapes.
The Dual Purpose of Wine
TALMUD
In the Talmudic tractate Sanhedrin, Rav Ḥanan interprets Proverbs 31:6 to elucidate the unique roles of wine. He explains that wine serves a dual purpose: comforting mourners and ensuring that the wicked receive their reward in this world, leaving none for the World-to-Come.
Wine and Jewish Thieves
TALMUD
The permissibility of wine handled by Jewish thieves is based on the principle that if the majority of thieves in a particular area are Jewish, the wine they handle is not rendered forbidden. This principle is discussed in the Talmudic tractate Avodah Zarah, which explores Jewish legal complexities regarding interactions with idolaters and the consumption of their food, including wine.
Intoxication on Purim
TALMUD
On Purim, there is a unique obligation to become so intoxicated that one cannot distinguish between 'cursed is Haman' and 'blessed is Mordecai.' The Talmud in Tractate Megillah discusses this obligation and its implications for the celebration of Purim.
A Refined Banquet
MIDRASH
The opulent banquet of King Ahasuerus, as depicted in the Book of Esther, showcases a refined and considerate approach to drinking, where wine was served according to individual preferences and in luxurious golden vessels. Louis Ginzberg’s early 20th-century work, Legends of the Jews, offers a rich tapestry of Jewish folklore and biblical stories, including the opulent banquet of King Ahasuerus from the Book of Esther.
The Blessings of Havdala Over Wine
TALMUD
Reciting havdala over wine at the conclusion of Shabbat promises spiritual and familial benefits, including male children and sons who are worthy of teaching halakha. The Talmud in Tractate Shevuot discusses the benefits of this practice, supported by verses from Leviticus.
Noah's Drunkenness and Its Consequences
SECOND TEMPLE
The story of Noah's drunkenness serves as a cautionary tale about the moral and familial consequences of wine consumption. Josephus, a 1st-century Jewish historian, provides a detailed account of Jewish history, including the story of Noah, in his work 'The Antiquities of the Jews'.
The Mystical Significance of Wine
CHASIDUT
Wine is not just a drink but a symbol of joy and deep understanding in Jewish mysticism. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, a prominent Hasidic master, explores the spiritual significance of wine in his teachings, Likutei Moharan.
Sanctifying the Sabbath with Wine
REFERENCE
The customs of pronouncing the Kiddush and Havdalah over a glass of wine are essential to safeguarding the sanctity of the Sabbath. Gershom Bader’s early 20th-century work discusses the rabbinic enactments that protect the Sabbath, including these central rituals.
The Sanctity of Ritual Wine
HALAKHAH
For wine to be valid for Jewish rituals, it must have a majority wine content, ensuring its sanctity and compliance with rabbinic standards. Rabbi Eliezer Melamed’s contemporary halakhic work discusses the requirements for wine used in rituals like kiddush, emphasizing the standards upheld by local Israeli rabbinates.
Guidelines for Drinking Wine at the Seder
COMMENTARY
The guidelines for drinking wine during the Passover Seder ensure that participants can fulfill their ritual obligations without becoming too intoxicated. The Mishnah, in tractate Pesachim, outlines specific times when additional wine may be consumed during the Seder.
The Joy of Wine on Festivals
TOSEFTA
Making one's family happy on festivals is a mitzvah, and wine plays a key role in bringing joy to everyone. The Tosefta, a late 2nd-century compilation of Jewish oral law, emphasizes the importance of joy during festivals, highlighting wine's role in enhancing happiness for men, women, and children.
Kiddush text for holidays, from the 'Barcelona Haggadah', Catalonia, 14th century. From the British Library archive
Kiddush text for holidays, from the 'Barcelona Haggadah', Catalonia, 14th century. From the British Library archive
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