Aaron the High Priest is told by God in this week's portion 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 by drinking intoxicating wine of at least a re'vi'it - approximately 4-6 fluid ounces. (Keritut 13b)

In such a state Rambam adds the priests could go astray by entertaining some improper thoughts or by becoming unclear and erring in a matter of law.

In moderation, however, drinking is permissible. In fact, wine plays a crucial role in virtually every rites de 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). No coincidentally, both 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.

The mystics add: 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 - simulating Eden, but an Eden without disobeying God.

Finally, wine can alter the senses. Thus, it is drunk when we go through important 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 very real Jewish problem. We have the responsibility to address it and reach out to embrace and show endless care and love for those afflicted with this terrible disease.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Avi Weiss