NARR 132-133

CCAR RESPONSA

New American Reform Responsa

84. Red Wine or White Wine

QUESTION:At a recent wedding the groom insisted that red wine be used, while the bride afraid that some of it might spill demanded white wine. Does our tradition have a preference? (Daniel Jacob, Pittsburgh PA)

ANSWER: Discussions of red wine or white wine goes back to the days of the Talmud and the use of wine in the service at the Temple. The debate also dealt with the question whether various kinds of white wine boreq or hivrin were appropriate. Boreq was generally rejected except bediavad. While hivrin was considered acceptable as it was akin to red wine which was considered to be stronger and better (B B 97a ff and commentaries). The Tosfos who lived in the wine producing provinces of France considered hivrin as white and therefore not acceptable. There was, therefore, a general preference for red wine (Tur Orah Hayim 472 and Commentaries). Yet, even Jacob ben Asher felt that if the white wine was superior to the red wine it should be used. Earlier Simon ben Zemah of Duran indicated that both red and white wines were acceptable on the altar at the ancient Temple as well as for qiddush (Tashbetz Responsa #85). Joseph Caro in the Shulhan Arukh provided us with a decision which went in both directions. When discussing the ordinary qiddush, he indicated that white wine was acceptable (Orah Hayim 272.4). On the other hand when he discussed wine for the Seder his preference was for red wine (Orah Hayim 472.11). The commentaries on this passage provide a caution and warn that red wine be avoided in those places where the accusation of blood libel had occurred.

As one can see from these traditional discussions as well as from responsa not cited, either type of wine is appropriate; tradition would simply state that the best wine should be used.

November 1989

If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.