Hello Rabbi
My question concerns Deuteronomy 14:16
Is the “wine and strong drink” referred to alcoholic? I have heard from some sources that wine is unfermented grape juice, and that ‘strong drink’ is a fruit juice concentrate, this is confusing to me as although I can find prohibitory warnings against drunkenness, I can find no such prohibition against the general use of alcohol upon the Israelite’s. Are the Hebrew words translated as wine and strong drink specifically referring to alcohol. I hope you can shed light on this subject.
Many thanks
Answer:
I presume you mean 14:26. The wine and strong drink in the verse is certainly a reference to alcoholic beverages. As you note, there is in fact no prohibition against the use of alcoholic beverages for Jews. In fact wine is used in many religious ceremonies, such as Sabbath and the Festivals. You are correct in noting that drunkenness is in fact frowned upon and strongly discouraged in Jewish practice. Wine is used to enhance joyous and festive occasions,as a means to increase our praise and thanks to G-d on that occasion.
