Hassidic Jews And Beer: What's Allowed?

Alcohol is a fascinating subject when viewed from the perspective of the Torah. While wine is used for Kiddush and Havdalah on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, and many mitzvahs are accompanied by a cup of wine, Judaism values sobriety, individual responsibility, and health, and is wary of substances that may cause more damage than the enjoyment they bring.

So, can Hassidic Jews drink beer?

Alcohol is permitted in Judaism, but not obligatory

Wine is considered to be the "king of beverages", and the rabbis coined a special blessing to be recited exclusively on wine: the Hagafen blessing. The Torah also describes wine as "bringing joy to God and man".

However, Judaism also recognises the destructive nature of wine and intoxication. The story of Adam and Eve and the Tree of Knowledge is interpreted by some as an allegory for the dangers of alcohol, with the Tree of Knowledge being a grapevine. The story of Noah, who got drunk and disgraced himself, also serves as a warning against excessive drinking.

The key message is that alcohol should be consumed in moderation. Getting drunk to escape responsibilities is considered highly destructive, and praying while drunk is forbidden. Ultimately, the decision to drink or not is a personal one, and individuals are expected to know their limits and avoid any behaviour that may endanger themselves or others.

Alcohol is not to be consumed on Yom Kippur

The Jewish tradition of fasting on Yom Kippur stems from certain verses in the Torah, or the Jewish bible. The verse in Leviticus 23:27 states that the Day of Atonement should be one of "self-denial". The period of repentance lasts from Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur, where forgiveness is sought from people who have been hurt.

The fast begins at sundown and ends 25 hours later at sunset the following day. While fasting, observers are also instructed to not wear leather or makeup. The elderly, the ill, pregnant women, and those who may be endangered by fasting are instructed not to do so.

While some sects of Judaism, such as Chabad, forbid the consumption of water during the fast, others, such as Reform Judaism, take a more liberal approach, allowing water if one feels dizzy or lightheaded.

Alcohol is used in Jewish rituals, including Kiddush and Havdalah

Alcohol is used in several Jewish rituals, including Kiddush and Havdalah.

Kiddush

Kiddush is a blessing recited over wine or grape juice to sanctify the Shabbat and Jewish holidays. The word also refers to a small repast held on Shabbat or festival mornings after the prayer services and before the meal. The Torah refers to two requirements concerning Shabbat: to "keep it" and to "remember it" (shamor and zakhor). Jewish law therefore requires that Shabbat be observed in two respects. One must keep it by refraining from thirty-nine forbidden activities, and one must remember it by making special arrangements for the day, specifically through the kiddush ceremony.

Havdalah

Havdalah is a Jewish ritual that marks the end of Shabbat and Jewish holidays. It involves pouring wine (or grape juice) and reciting blessings over spices and a flame. The wine is then drunk by the participants.

Other rituals

Alcohol is also used in other Jewish rituals such as the four cups of wine at the Passover Seder, the sheva brachos (blessings) recited over wine at a wedding and for a week after, and the blessing recited over a cup of wine beneath the chupah (wedding canopy).

Kosher wine

Kosher wine is wine that is produced in accordance with halakha, specifically kashrut, which means that Jews are permitted to pronounce blessings over it and drink it. To be considered kosher, Sabbath-observant Jews must supervise the entire winemaking process and handle much of it in person. Any ingredients used, including finings, must also be kosher.

Alcoholism is considered sinful in Judaism

Wine is a significant element of Jewish religious practice, used in the Sabbath and festival meals as part of the Kiddush blessing, which sanctifies the day and acknowledges the sanctity of the occasion. It also plays a prominent role in the Passover Seder, where participants drink four cups of wine to symbolize the four expressions of redemption mentioned in the Torah. Moreover, wine is used in the Jewish wedding ceremony, where the bride and groom share a cup of wine under the chuppah as a symbol of their union and commitment to one another.

However, Jewish tradition also recognises the destructive nature of wine and intoxication, and excessive consumption is discouraged. According to the thirteenth-century Orchot Chaim, "inebriation is entirely prohibited and there is no greater sin than drunkenness", and it is "the cause of many sins". The Torah itself extols the virtue, courage, and holiness of the Nazirite, who voluntarily takes a vow to abstain from wine.

The negative consequences of alcohol consumption are also illustrated through biblical narratives. For example, in Genesis, Noah becomes intoxicated from his wine and lies unclothed in his tent, leading to him cursing his son Canaan. In the same book, Lot becomes inebriated and has sexual intercourse with his two daughters, leading to the birth of Moab and Ben-Ammi, the fathers of the biblical nations of the same names.

The dual nature of wine is further highlighted by the fact that while it is used in various mitzvahs, this is also seen as a way to rectify the original sin, which was perpetrated with wine.

In contemporary Judaism, anecdotal evidence suggests that Jewish communities view alcohol consumption more negatively than Protestant Christian groups. The proliferation of "kiddush clubs" in some synagogues and the institutional backlash to this trend indicate a growing awareness of alcohol use disorder issues within Jewish communities.

Overall, while alcohol is a significant part of Jewish rituals and celebrations, Jewish teachings emphasise the importance of moderation and avoiding excessive drinking, which is considered sinful.

Alcohol is not to be consumed before prayer

Although Judaism does not condemn the use of alcoholic beverages in moderation, there are strict rules about when it is appropriate to drink. One of the most important of these is that Jews are forbidden to pray while drunk. This is because Judaism values clear thinking and responsible conduct, and drunkenness is seen as an evil that separates the drunkard from the community.

The Torah tells the story of Noah, who was a righteous man, but who got drunk and disgraced himself. A midrash on this section describes the effects of wine on a person, using the analogy of different animals. When a person starts drinking wine, they feel as innocent as a lamb. After a few drinks, they feel strong like a lion. When they have had too much, they become like a pig, wallowing in their own filth. Finally, once drunk, they are like a monkey—they think they are witty and clever, but they are actually being laughed at by others for their idiocy.

Another example from the Torah is the story of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's two holy sons, who entered the Tabernacle while drunk and were consumed by a fire that came from the heavens.

The Talmud also tells the story of Rabbah, who hosted Rav Zeira for a Purim meal. They drank too much, and Rabbah got so drunk that he cut Rav Zeira's throat, mortally wounding him. Although Rav Zeira recuperated, the following year he declined Rabbah's invitation, saying, "One cannot rely on a miracle happening a second time." This story is often cited as a warning against drinking to excess on Purim, and as a reminder that it is dangerous to put yourself in a situation where you might be tempted to drink too much.

The Nazirite is a person who takes an oath to refrain from alcohol for a set period of time. Upon completing his term, the Nazirite must bring a number of sacrifices, including a sin offering. This is because, according to the Ramban, the Nazirite's sin is returning to a life of mundanity.

In conclusion, while Judaism permits the consumption of alcohol, it is important to treat it with caution and to strictly control one's consumption. Alcohol should not be consumed before prayer, and it is forbidden to endanger your health or the health of others by drinking too much.

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