I'm going to a Seder which is on my college campus. It's not actually "on campus" but at the Hillel house. Alcohol is not allowed on the campus, but I'm not sure if that includes the Hillel House, especially for Passover. Will they have grape juice available?
What if there is wine, should I drink it? I am a Hindu and I don't believe in drinking alcohol. Also, I'm on anti-depressants, and you're not supposed to drink alcohol with those.
Should I say the reason is because I'm Hindu? Or should I just say it's because of the medication I'm on? I don't want to come across as "holier than thou" because I totally respect that Jewish people drink some wine (because I know they use it wisely). I don't think it's wrong for them, but I just don't think that I should do it, because of my particular commitments.
2007-04-01 15:53:56 · 19 answers · asked by Heron By The Sea 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It will absolutely NOT be insulting. In fact, it would actually be against Jewish law for you to drink if it harmed your health. Grape juice fulfills the commandment since it's a fruit of the vine, like wine. And as you're not Jewish, you're not bound to the laws anyway. So you are well and thoroughly covered on this.
Don't worry about explaining it (unless you really want to). Just ask for grape juice. It's not a big deal. And in a mixed setting like this, it's expected that some won't drink. Your participation is what counts.
As far as Jewish law goes, if you say A-meyn at the end of a blessing (it'll be obvious when), it's as if you said the entire blessing. So don't worry about trying to say the whole Hebrew. Just say A-meyn.
Hag sameach!
2007-04-01 16:15:22 · answer #1 · answered by The angels have the phone box. 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've never been to a Seder that DIDN'T have grape juice available. Remember, there are children there, and there are people who can't drink alcohol for other reasons as well. No one will think twice about it if you don't drink the wine.
I would certainly never encourage a person to do something that is against his or her beliefs simply in order to conform to MINE, and I would certainly not expect a Hillel House to do so either. In addition, the whole point of a Hillel House is to bring a bit of Judaism to Jewish students, and most students aren't of a legal age to drink.
2007-04-01 15:58:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you ask your hosts what they expect of you?
If you don't drink wine because of religious beliefs, that's one thing.
As far as antidepressants, a sip or so wouldn't be an issue. The big problem there is when you drink larger amounts it may counteract the meds. A single glass of wine isn't much of an issue (presuming that it's not some of the earlier meds, like MAOI's and such).
I don't think your hosts will have a problem. You might ask if they can provide grape juice, or you might bring your own. If you do, you may try to find kosher juice too.
2007-04-01 16:01:43 · answer #3 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is better you tell your host in the college campus that you do not drink and would not like to take it. You need not tell any other reason. You need not also tell them that your a Hindu and all. Just say it is against my principle to take drinks and I do not like. Since you would have already told the host about this I do not think there will be any embarrassment. Best of Luck. -
2007-04-01 17:34:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I may be overruled, but I believe I remember that a watered wine is acceptable. Most wines were watered during the first Seder. A teaspoon of wine in a full water glass should fulfill the laws while keeping you healthy.
2007-04-01 16:01:39 · answer #5 · answered by Terry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) they will likely have an exception allowing them to have wine for it. the wine used generally is very low alcohol anyway.
2) its also 100% permissable to drink grape juice instead, and there is absolutely no doubt they will have grape juice avaliable.
for what its worth, its even the same blessing for wine and grapejuice, as the describing part of it is "fruit of the vine" which applies to both, and does not take into account the alcohol content or lack thereof.
2007-04-01 16:00:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
The are many reasons not to drink alcohol, and no one should have to make an excuse , Simply say, "No, thank you."
If you must make an excuse, use the medication, only an idiot could find fault with that
2007-04-01 16:01:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer to your question is that you are actually an observer rather than a participant, and as such have no positive requirements.
That is, there is nothing that you MUST do, although of course there are many things that you should not do.
2007-04-02 03:44:17 · answer #8 · answered by Ivri_Anokhi 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you don't drink wine, there is no need to gulp the one served at a Seder, just take a sip and be considerate. Hag Sameah!
2007-04-01 15:57:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
You should just let them know that you are a guest who is interested in learning about their religious practices and for personal reasons you can't join them in drinking wine.
2007-04-01 16:35:55 · answer #10 · answered by Martin S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋