Beer And The Nine Days: What's Allowed?

The Nine Days is a period of time established by the Rabbis to mourn the destruction of the two Batei ha-Mikdash. During this time, there are certain activities that are prohibited, including eating meat and drinking wine. However, it is important to note that the prohibition is specifically against wine and drinks that include wine, such as grape juice. Other alcoholic beverages, like beer, whisky, and bourbon, are permitted. This is because the Talmud tells us that only those who have properly mourned the destruction of the Temple will merit seeing its rebuilding.

Beer is allowed, wine is prohibited

The Nine Days is a period of time established by the Rabbis to mourn the destruction of the two Batei ha-Mikdash. During this time, there are certain activities that are prohibited. One of these prohibitions is the custom to refrain from eating meat and drinking wine, which is reviewed here.

Although this prohibition is not clearly mentioned in the Talmud as binding halachah, it is an age-old custom that has become universally accepted. The restriction against eating meat and drinking wine begins at sunset on Rosh Chodesh Av and ends at midday on the tenth of Av.

All meat and poultry and their derivatives are included in this prohibition, even if no meat or poultry is actually visible, e.g. chicken soup. However, pareve dishes cooked in a utensil used for meat are permitted. All wines and grape juices are also prohibited.

That being said, beer, whisky, and wine vinegar are permitted. The restriction applies to men, women, and children, even those who are under the age of chinuch and do not understand the concept of mourning for the destruction of the Beis ha-Mikdash.

On Shabbat, there is no restriction against eating meat or drinking wine, even if one begins Shabbat early. It is forbidden, however, to eat food left over from Shabbat, even for melaveh malkah. If, by mistake, one recited a blessing over meat or wine, he should taste a bit so that his blessing will not have been in vain.

During the Nine Days, it is customary to refrain from pleasurable activities and reduce one's joy. This includes the reduction of business, the prohibition of pleasurable building, and other similar things. One should not play musical instruments or sing, and there are appropriate songs to sing during this time.

In terms of conduct, giving gifts should be avoided if possible, and if unavoidable, the gift should not be used until after Tish'a B'Av. One should not buy new clothes during the Nine Days, even if they will not be worn until after Tish'a B'Av. Regular bathing is also prohibited, and one should use cooler water than usual, bathe less frequently, and take less time.

In summary, while beer is allowed during the Nine Days, wine and grape juice are prohibited. This prohibition extends to all forms of meat and poultry as well.

Drinking alcohol is not prohibited

The Nine Days, which begin on Rosh Chodesh Av, are a time of mourning for the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash. While there is a dispute among authorities as to whether one should cease or simply diminish joy during this time, there are certain activities that are prohibited. These include pleasurable building, purchasing objects of joy, and playing musical instruments.

In terms of food and drink, meat and poultry are also avoided during the Nine Days, except on Shabbat. This prohibition includes foods cooked with meat or meat fat. However, alcoholic beverages that do not contain wine, such as beer and whiskey, are allowed.

It is worth noting that there are exceptions to these restrictions. For example, a person who requires meat or wine for health reasons is permitted to consume them. Additionally, the restrictions may be lifted for a seudas mitzvah, such as a siyum or a bar mitzvah dinner.

Overall, while drinking alcohol is not prohibited during the Nine Days, it is important to be mindful of the customs and restrictions associated with this period of mourning.

Wine and grape juice are prohibited

The prohibition of wine and grape juice is based on the idea of diminishing joy during the Nine Days. Wine and grape juice are associated with both joy and Temple service, and their consumption is restricted to help mourn the destruction of the Temple. The prohibition applies to men, women, and children, although there are some exceptions for those with specific needs. For example, a child, a pregnant or nursing woman, or an elderly or sick person who cannot eat dairy foods or who requires meat for health reasons may consume meat.

The restriction on wine and grape juice begins at sunset on Rosh Chodesh Av and ends at midday on the tenth of Av. During this time, it is customary to refrain from consuming wine and grape juice, although other alcoholic beverages such as beer, whiskey, and wine vinegar are permitted. The prohibition also includes foods cooked with wine or grape juice, although there are some exceptions for dishes where the flavour of wine or grape juice is not discernible.

It is important to note that the laws and customs of mourning during the Nine Days are not meant to overburden individuals. They are intended to keep thoughts and feelings focused on the destruction of the Temple and its causes, and to encourage resolutions towards improvement. It is recommended to consult a rabbi or other religious authority for specific guidance on the restrictions during the Nine Days.

Beer is allowed for Havdalah

The Nine Days, which begin on Rosh Chodesh Av, are a period of mourning for the destruction of the two Batei ha-Mikdash. During this time, there are certain activities that are prohibited, such as eating meat and drinking wine. However, it is important to note that the prohibition is specifically against wine and grape juice, and does not include other alcoholic beverages like beer.

According to some customs, it is permissible to drink beer during the Nine Days for Havdalah. Havdalah is a Jewish ritual that marks the end of Shabbat and ushers in the new week. It involves lighting a special Havdalah candle with several wicks, blessing a cup of wine or grape juice, and reciting blessings over spices and the light of the candle. While wine is traditionally used for Havdalah, some people choose to use other beverages, such as beer or grape juice, during the Nine Days as a substitute.

The reason for using beer instead of wine during Havdalah is to reduce joy and pleasure during this period of mourning. Wine is associated with joy and celebration, while beer is considered a more mundane beverage. By using beer for Havdalah, one can still perform the ritual while adhering to the customs of the Nine Days.

It is worth noting that there are different opinions and customs regarding the use of beer for Havdalah during the Nine Days. Some people prefer to use grape juice instead of beer, as it is included in the prohibition against wine but does not bring the same level of joy. Others may choose to give the wine to a child who is old enough to understand blessings but not yet old enough to grasp the concept of mourning for Jerusalem. Ultimately, it is advisable to consult with a rabbi or halachic source for specific guidance on this matter.

Children can drink wine

The Nine Days, which are the first nine days of the month of Av, are a period of time established by rabbis to mourn the destruction of the two Batei ha-Mikdash. During this time, there are certain activities that are prohibited, including the consumption of meat and wine.

However, it is important to note that this restriction does not apply to children in the same way as it does to adults. According to some sources, children who have not reached the age of chinuch (approximately six to nine years old) are allowed to drink wine during the Nine Days. This is because they do not yet understand the concept of mourning for the destruction of the Beis ha-Mikdash. In these cases, the person reciting the Havdalah may have the child in mind when reciting the blessing of Ha-Gafen, and the child can then drink the wine.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the restriction on drinking wine does not apply to grape juice or other alcoholic beverages like beer, whiskey, and wine vinegar. These drinks are permitted during the Nine Days, even for children.

While the exact age at which a child is expected to follow the restrictions of the Nine Days may vary, it is generally agreed that children under the age of chinuch are exempt from the prohibition of drinking wine.

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