In our Torah portion, after Noah leaves the Ark into a new and restored world, the Torah tells us about his very first step:

“And Noah, a man of the soil, began, and he planted a vineyard. And he drank of the wine, and became drunk…”

Our rabbis teach us from the grammar interpretation of this sentence, that wine holds a dual power: it can elevate a person to the highest spiritual peaks, but it can also drag them down to the lowest depths.

The Midrash brings fascinating and thought-provoking teaching:

When Noah set out to plant the vineyard, The “Satan” appeared before him and asked: “What are you planting?” Noah replied: “A vineyard.” Satan asked: “What is its nature?”

Noah answered: “Its fruits are sweet, both fresh and dried, and wine is made from them to gladden human hearts.” Satan said: “Let us become partners in this vineyard!” Noah agreed.

What did Satan do? He brought four animals and slaughtered them under the vine to water its roots with their blood:

1. A Lamb: At first, when a person drinks one glass, he is innocent, quiet, and gentle like a lamb.
2. A Lion: When he drinks a second glass, he feels mighty and bold as a lion.
3. A Pig: When he drinks a third glass, he loses his dignity, becomes untidy, and behaves like a pig.
4. An Monkey: When he drinks excessively, he completely loses his senses, jumping around, looking ridiculous, and acting foolishly like a monkey.

This Midrash teaches us a fundamental lesson: Material things are not inherently bad, but without boundaries and proper measure, Satan becomes a “partner” and brings a person down.

The story of wine symbolizes one of the deepest worldviews in Judaism: Judaism does not advocate for isolation or withdrawal from God’s creation.

The Torah does not forbid wine; on the contrary, it uses it for the most sacred commandments — on the Altar in the Temple, during Kiddush, Havdalah, weddings, and brith ceremonies. Everything is allowed and even considered a mitzvah — provided one does not exceed the proper measure.

This very same principle guides us through the cycle of time:

• The Six Workdays: Almighty God wants us to go out, work, create, build, and earn a living. Working in this world is an integral part of our mission, but on the seventh day, we set a boundary. We refrain from work and sanctify time, reminding ourselves that material pursuits and labor are merely the means, not the ultimate goal.

Just as an absence of boundaries in drinking wine degrades a person, an unrestricted plunge into work and materialism without stopping for Shabbat enslaves the soul. Everything is permissible and necessary — when done with balance, boundaries, and holiness.

If wine led to Noah’s downfall, how did this drink become the centerpiece of the holy day of Shabbat?

In Kabbalah and Jewish Law (Halakha), wine is unique as the only beverage that receives its own distinct blessing — “Boreh Peri HaGefen” (Creator of the fruit of the vine) — because it not only nourishes, but also gladdens the heart.

On Friday night, as we stand around the family table and make Kiddush over wine, we take the very same wine that could otherwise degrade a person into drunkenness, and elevate it in exact measure to a tool of sanctification:

• A Remembrance of Creation: The sanctification of Shabbat.
• Shabbat Joy (Oneg Shabbat): The spiritual elevation of the family together.
• Gratitude to Hashem: For setting us apart and granting us the day of rest.

Practical Halakha:

What Should One Do If Wine Is Unavailable on Friday Night?

While it is optimal to make Kiddush over kosher wine (or grape juice), what is the law if someone has no wine available or cannot drink it due to health reasons?

In such case, Kiddush is recited over the bread loaves.

• How is this performed?
  1. Wash hands with the blessing (“Al Netilat Yadayim”) prior to reciting Kiddush.
  2. Stand at the table, placing your hands on the Challah loaves
  3. Recite the standard Friday night Kiddush text (“Yom HaShishi…”), and in place of the blessing “Boreh Peri HaGefen”, recite “HaMotzi Lechem Min HaAretz”.
  4. Continue the second blessing of.the Kidush and eat a portion of the Challah immediately after the blessing.

Summary

The story of Noah and the vineyard reminds us of the power of proper balance. The exact same cup of wine that brought shame and drunkenness upon Noah becomes a vessel of holiness, family unity, and connection to the Creator at the Shabbat Kiddush table.

Shabbat Shalom U’Mevorach!

Rabbi Refael Cohen