Author: John Carter

Yale Scientist Explains Why Alcoholism is Rare Among Jews Jewish Telegraphic Agency

In the United States, different religious traditions have different views on alcohol, ranging from full abstinence in certain faiths to the promotion of responsible and moderate usage in others. This variety reflects the varied society of the nation, where followers of many faiths deal with alcohol in various ways. Anecdotal evidence supports that Jewish communities, on the whole, view alcoholic consumption more negatively than Protestant Christian groups. The non-profit Jewish institutions are supplemented by for-profit rehab centers with a Jewish focus.

The complex interplay between Islam, alcohol, and identity has been a subject of exploration in academic discourse. This prohibition is often a foundational aspect of Muslim identity, reflecting a commitment to faith and adherence to religious principles. However, the relationship between Islam, and alcohol is multifaceted and influenced by factors such as cultural context, personal beliefs, and degrees of religiosity. In this chapter, it is apparent that the wine Noah drank had an intoxicating effect on him since he became drunk. Scholars and theologians have used this incident to argue that alcoholic wine existed in biblical times.[14] The allusion to Noah’s intoxication emphasizes the presence of fermented and alcoholic drinks, opposing theories that biblical wine could have been substituted with non-alcoholic beverages. The interaction of these stories in the Bible continues to be a source of controversy and discussion over the nature and significance of alcoholic beverages in biblical theology and history.

Are Jews Allowed to Drink Wine and Other Alcohols?

In the Shinto religion of Japan, sake, a rice wine, plays a significant role in religious ceremonies and rituals. Sake is often used as an offering to the kami (gods) during Shinto rituals, symbolizing purification and the establishment of a sacred space. Additionally, the sharing of sake between participants in a Shinto ceremony is seen as a means of fostering friendship and strengthening the bonds within the community. For New York City bartender Paula Lukas, Tel Aviv distillery M & H is a go-to for a variety of spirits, specifically its Levantine Gin and Classic single malt whisky.

1. Several interviewees spoke as though the two were “inseparable.” More importantly, alcohol accompanied food — not the other way around.
2. Hence, a wide range of factors, such as religious affiliation, levels of religiosity, cultural traditions, family influences, and peer networks, collectively influence the dynamics of this relationship.
3. This ritual involves the consumption of alcohol in a controlled manner, symbolizing the transformation of negative emotions and attachments into wisdom and compassion.
4. As such Dorff’s teshuvah states that synagogues should hold themselves to a stricter standard so that all in the Jewish community will view the synagogue’s kitchen as fully kosher.
5. A later responsum on this subject was written by Rabbi Elliot N. Dorff and also accepted by the CJLS.[10] Dorff noted that not all wines are made by automated processes, and thus the reasoning behind Silverman’s responsum was not conclusively reliable in all cases.

Dorff then critiqued the traditional halakhic argument that avoiding such wine would prevent intermarriage. Dorff asserted, however, that those who were strict about the laws of kashrut were not likely to intermarry, and those that did not follow the laws would not care if a wine has a heksher or not. He also noted that a number of non-kosher ingredients may be used in the manufacturing process, including animal blood. Almost all Jewish holidays, especially the Passover Seder where all present drink four cups of wine, on Purim for the festive meal, and on the Shabbat require obligatory blessings (Kiddush) over filled cups of kosher wine that are then drunk.

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From major players like Absolut and Stolichnaya to boutique brands like Square One, Lucid Absinthe and Koval, there is now quite a wide range of spirits, beers, wines, liqueurs, mixers and more that have been officially inspected and endorsed. As such Dorff’s teshuvah states that synagogues should hold themselves to a stricter standard so that all in the Jewish community will view the synagogue’s kitchen as fully kosher. As such, Conservative synagogues are encouraged to use only wines with a hekhsher, and preferably wines from Israel.

’ are essential because they encourage conversations that can inform people of the right course of action to decide what’s suitable for their particular situations. Jews are allowed to drink alcohol and, more specifically, wine on many occasions such as Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and Pidyon Haben. While it is considered harmful and addictive, it is allowed for celebrations and other significant events like a Jewish child’s circumcision. At Jewish marriages, circumcisions, and at redemptions of first-born ceremonies, the obligatory blessing of Borei Pri HaGafen (“Blessed are you O Lord, Who created the fruit of the vine”) is almost always recited over kosher wine (or grape juice).

In Taoist rituals and practices, alcohol also plays a role as an offering and a means of connecting with the divine. An alcoholic beverage is often used in religious ceremonies and as an offering to the ancestors. The use of alcohol in Taoist rituals can symbolize purification, blessings, and the establishment of a sacred space. In these instances, the consumption of alcohol is done in a controlled and mindful manner, reflecting the Taoist emphasis on balance and harmony. Dorff concluded a number of points including that there is no reason to believe that the production of such wines is conducted as part of pagan (or indeed, any) religious practice. Some wines use a non-kosher ingredient as part of a fining process, but not as an ingredient in the wine as such.

For Jewish drinkers, there’s never been a better selection of kosher spirits than there is right now. Whether you’re shopping for Hanukkah or any other celebratory occasion, or just like to keep a well-stocked home bar all year long, you’ve got plenty of options. This is what you need to know about kosher spirits, plus a list of our all-time favorites.

From the Archive: Jews immigrating to Spain

The Manu Smriti, a key text outlining the norms and codes of conduct for various social classes, prescribes different regulations for alcohol consumption among castes. For the Vaishya caste, which includes merchants and traders, and the Shudra caste, comprising laborers and service providers, the Manu Smriti lays down specific rules and restrictions regarding alcohol consumption. It is important to note that the caste-based rules on alcohol consumption, like many other aspects of the caste system, have been subject to criticism and reinterpretation in modern times. Contemporary Hinduism has seen a shift towards a more egalitarian perspective, emphasizing individual choice and responsibility in matters such as alcohol consumption, rather than strict adherence to caste-based rules. Religion and Alcohol share a long history as two fundamental components of human culture and experiences.

Some religions emphasize moderation and responsible use as a means of honoring the divine gift of life, while others impose outright bans on alcohol as a means of honoring the divine gift of life. Moreover, within the same religious tradition, there are many adherents that may interpret and practice their faith’s teachings on alcohol in diverse ways. Hence, a wide range of factors, such as religious affiliation, levels of religiosity, cultural traditions, family influences, and peer networks, collectively influence the dynamics of this relationship. In addition, Gayle M. Wells’ study titled “The effect of religiosity and campus alcohol culture on collegiate alcohol consumption,”[63] the complex relationship between religiosity, campus culture, and alcohol consumption among college students is meticulously examined. By employing reference group theory as a theoretical framework, Wells explores the ways in which the behavior and attitudes of peers and the broader campus environment impact the alcohol consumption patterns of college students who may hold varying levels of religiosity. The research reveal that students who identify as highly religious (e.g., attending religious services regularly, engaging in religious practices) are less likely to consume alcohol and engage in binge drinking compared to their less religious peers.

“They use botanicals from a local market in Tel Aviv for their gin—it’s got a terrific mix of citrus and spice,” she says. “The Classic is aged in ex-bourbon and STR red wine casks, [so] it’s got a bit of spice and smoke, but not overly so.” Ethan Kahn, another New York City drinks expert, tends to go for a bit more old-school product. “Although it has a fuddy-duddy reputation, especially among my parents’ generation, I’ve always enjoyed slivovitz, [which is] essentially a plum eau de vie,” he shares. Kahn recommends trying Croatian brand Maraska’s kosher expression, which is made using ripe blue plums harvested from the Adriatic hinterlands. Two of the world’s largest producers and importers of kosher wines—Kedem and Manischewitz—are both based in the American Northeast.

Many people form lifelong friendships using alcohol as a tool to improve their social lives. Jews are prohibited from praying or fasting under the influence and must sober up entirely before they are ‘clean’ enough for religious practices. To summarize, alcohol and wine are allowed in moderation and by exercising self-control. A drunkard is commonly called a shikur and is usually kept away from the community and prohibited from religious functions. So, it is acceptable in moderation and small doses for rituals and other events, but drunkenness is regarded as evil.

Kosher wine

In order to bear the official symbol (a tiny “U” inside of an “O”), a spirit must be made from grain or sugar. It can’t be produced from grapes and can’t be aged in a non-kosher wine barrel (there are separate rules for making kosher wine and grape-based brandy). That means Scotch whisky—or anything else, for that matter—that has been aged or finished in a sherry, port or wine cask generally is not allowed. And, of course, any other ingredients used—and the distillery itself—also have to pass muster. In the 1960s, the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards approved a responsum (“legal ruling”) by Rabbi Israel Silverman on this subject.

There is no sin in the eating of meat, nor in wine, nor in sexual intercourse, Such is the natural way of living beings; but abstention is conducive to great rewards. But O non-violent mind, you focus your mind towards the world in same manner as a mother cares for her child. Dumb arrogance against inner voice, however, is source of frustration and miseries in same manner as intoxication and gambling destroy us. Ishwar inspires those with noble elevated thoughts towards progress and propels down those who decide to think lowly. Today, these positions exist in Christianity, but the position of moderationism remains the most common worldwide, due to the adherence by the largest bodies of Christians, namely Lutheranism, Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Anglicanism.