Expert: Ovadiah ben Avraham - 8/9/2009

Question
what is it that a nazirite has to obstain from? does coffee count because it is partly fermented, even though it is not alcoholic? or is it ONLY grapes? since vodka is distilled, is a nazirite allowed vodka? or does it mean all alcohol?  also, i read a v ersion saying a nazirite has to bring, at the end of his time of service, a bunch of sacrifices. but at the end it said "or whatever he can afford." since i am destitute, can i just be a nazirite for free, or is this a bad translation?

Answer
Han,
While I appreciate your zeal, you are putting the cart way before the horse. You are not even Jewish yet and are already wanting to take a Nazarite vow. As the other expert already told you, without a Temple, this vow cannot be undertaken because the offering required at the end of the vow cannot be given in the Temple. Likewise, per their previous answer, coffee is permitted. The rules concerning the Nazarite may be found in Numbers 6 and require only abstinence from grape products and fermented alcoholic drinks made from grapes. Respectfully, you need to put the brakes on here. G-d is a G-d of order and so must His people be. Talk to your potential converting Rabbi and also your mental health provider as often sudden hyper-religiosity, hypomanic thoughts and flight of thought may be signs of worsening illness and may require some medication adjustment as well as additional psychotherapy. Slow down, take a deep breath and do this calmly (it will not happen over night and will undoubtedly take several years to convert and understand even superficially many of the issues you've raised) and in the correct manner. All the best! Shalom