Shabbat Forshpeis
A Taste of Torah in Honor of Shabbat
PARSHAT SHEMINI
THE WONDERFUL AND DESTRUCTIVE
NATURE OF WINE
MARCH 28-29, 2003 / 25 ADAR II 5763
Among the directions given in this weeks portion
is a command to Aaron the High Priest by God not to drink wine before officiating in the Tabernacle. (Leviticus 10:9)
Rashi explains the prohibition to mean that the priest "[may not drink] wine to such an extent that it has an intoxicating effect." Indeed, an opinion in the Talmud maintains that one has violated this prohibition only if an intoxicating wine of at least a reviit approximately 4-6 fluid ounces has been consumed. (Keritut 13b) In such a state, Rambam adds that the priests could go astray by entertaining some improper thoughts or by becoming unclear and erring in a matter of law, thus violating the spirit of the Tabernacle rite.
In moderation, however, drinking is permissible. In fact, wine plays a crucial role in virtually every rite of passage i.e. circumcision, marriage ceremony. And, wine is used to usher in most important days of our calendar year i.e. Shabbat, Yom Tov, etc. Why is this so?
It can be suggested that wine is the symbol of joy. Therefore, in proper measure, it is drunk on the happiest of occasions and on the happiest of days.
Also, using wine on holy occasions teaches that while wine can intoxicate, when imbibed in moderate amounts and for lofty purposes, it can sanctify. Hence, we drink wine during kiddush and kiddushin (the marriage ceremony). Not coincidentally, both of these terms come from the word kadosh, holy. What this teaches is that everything in the world, even that which has the potential to be destructive, can be used for the good and even for the holy.
There is another explanation that is mystical in nature. Adam and Eve disobeyed God when they drank wine squeezed from grapes. Every Shabbat, and, for that matter, at other religious ceremonies, we drink wine as a way of fixing that mistake. In Eden, Adam and Eve drank wine improperly. On Shabbat we "return" to Eden, but in Eden where we celebrate and drink wine in accordance with the will of God.
Finally, wine can alter the senses; it has the capacity to change our mood and demeanor. It is, therefore, transformative in nature. Thus, wine is drunk when we go through important spiritual moments of transition, like when moving from the weekdays to Shabbat, or when experiencing a rites de passage.
Still, even as the Torah speaks openly about the holy potential of wine, it warns us of its deleterious effects. The fact that the Torah warns us about intoxication means that substance abuse, including alcoholism, is a human reality. As a religion that advocates the use of wine in moderation, we must realize that alcohol abuse is also a very real Jewish problem. We must never overlook this reality and make religious excuses for it. We have the responsibility to address it head-on while reaching out to embrace and show endless care and love for those afflicted with this terrible disease.
In this way we will show a true and real relationship with the wonderful and, at the same time, destructive nature of wine.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Avi Weiss
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