AboutRabbi Barry Dov Lerner Expertise Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history,
philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.
Experience I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)
I'm a Christian, and there is a controversy in some parts of the Church about the concept of “new wine.” Without dragging you through the controversy, some of it touches upon Passover:
Some hold that since yeast is prohibited in the households of Passover observants, wine served at the Passover supper during biblical times was “new wine,” or grape juice containing no alcohol.
Since today’s Jews don’t serve grape juice at Passover (at least not that I know about) does kosher wine served at Passover contain yeast? And if it does contain yeast, why is there an exception for wine as opposed to say, bread?
Thanks for your time in reading this, and in responding if you kindly choose to.
Regards,
David Rodgers
ANSWER: Dear David,
Thanks for writing and it is an excellent question.
1. The wine which is "kosher for Passover" indeed does contain alcohol, but it is from the grapes themselves. The prohibition on Passover regarding alcohol is that alcohol derived from any of the forbidden grains - wheat, barley, rye, spelt and oats. Later European opinion added addition "grain" sources because of the possibility of confusion and mixing at any stage of production, including rice and corn.
There is for Passover plum brandy - high octane, tequila and rum made under supervision.
2. The blessings for the Seder and the holiday of Passover can indeed be made over grape juice, even as the juice can substitute for wine year-round.
3. Yeast is in the air and is virtually impossible to eliminate from anything. Thus, if it sits for any amount of time, dough from any material starts to ferment and "rise," which is why the Passover matzah is made from dry special flour and cold water and the baking completed within 18 minutes.
Other materials for Passover including preparation are posted on-line at my website and are free for the taking, www.jewishfreeware.org.
Best wishes and happy crumbs and cups.
Rabbi Dov
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Dear Rabbi Dov,
Thanks so much for answering my question. Just to clarify, is kosher wine made with or without yeast?
Thanks again,
David
Answer Dear David,
To the best of my research, it can be made with the addition of yeast rather than rely on free-floating yeast, but such use does not violate the laws of Passover or Jewish dietary laws.
