Project Genesis




The Calendar and Holidays (incl. Sabbath)

Passover

When the 4 cups on Passover make you very ill

Question: I have stomach problems which prevent me of drinking any grape products, either wine or juice even if diluted. This is especially true when it comes to such quantities as required on Pesach – 4 glasses and on 2 following days. Last year, after drinking required 4 glasses of (diluted) wine, it took me several months to restore the normal stomach functions. Drinking diluted grape juice has the same poor effect on me. I cannot drink any alcohol either, unless in very small quantities and on rare occasions. What could I possibly use, to fulfill the mitzvah of drinking 4 glasses of wine on Passover?

Answer: Thank you for your question. I’m sorry to hear of your difficulties with wine and grape juice. In the event that the grape products cause you to be ill, you may fulfill the obligation by drinking 4 cups of tea or coffee, or any other beverage that you would offer to a guest to drink, even when the guest is not thirsty. This is called “Chamar Medinah”, the “Beverage of the Country”. However, water, milk, or soda would not qualify.

Take care,
Rabbi Aaron Tendler

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