Concerning grape juice (e.g., Kedem, Nature’s Own, etc…) that is used for Kiddush on Leyl Shabbos and Leyl Yom Tov (& consequently during the daytime meals). If after making Kiddush, I pour an amount (1/3) of grape juice back to the original bottle and add water to my cup (to dilute), would I still fulfill the requirements of Kiddush?
Answer:
After making the Borei Peri HaGafen blessing, you have to drink wine or grape juice.
Some authorities are stringent with regard to grape juice (unlike wine), and maintain that if grape juice is diluted with water it loses the Borei Peri HaGafen blessing. Although other authorities are lenient concerning adding a small amount, this will only be true insofar as the grape juice retains its principle taste and strength.
The concern here is that by adding 1/3 water to the grape juice it will lose its principle taste, and will no longer be suitable for the HaGafen blessing. Therefore, you should refrain from doing this.
Best wishes.
Sources:
See Shut Minchas Shlomo no. 4, who is particularly stringent concerning adding water to grape juice; a similar ruling has been given by Rav Elyashiv z”l.
Rav Elyashiv was extremely stringent regarding grape juice (he was known to refer to grape juice as tea). According to Rav Elyashiv, grape juice (or certainly reconstituted grape juice) is shehakol and one may not use grape juice for arba kosos even if drinking wine gives him a headache. There is a famous halacha that if one drinks wine, it covers all the other beverages on the table; Rav Elyashiv said this does not apply to grape juice, only wine.
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