Judaism [407] [408]

The Hebrews abandoned all crude and idolatrous debaucheries and wine was never consumed in the Temple as part of the service, but was poured on the sacrificial altar. In ancient Israel wine was drunk at meals although ascetics such as the Nazirites and Rechabites abstained. The drinking of wine as a religious duty or rite came about under the influence of Hellenism, and since the destruction of the great temple of Jerusalem by the Roman Legions in AD 70 it has become a feature of many Jewish ceremonies and rituals such as the Sabbath, Kiddush, Havdalah and the Passover, with a special benediction being recited before and after drinking the wine. Indeed, the goblet of wine and the benediction recited over it symbolize the festivity of the occasion.

From left to right: (Click on a thumbnail to enlarge)
1. Shabat table covered by a white cloth showing the Sabboth candles, wine and cups for kiddush and round challah breads beside an embroidered challah cloth [45]
2. Seder table [39]
3. First cup of wine for Passover [43]

Of the various agricultural products mentioned in the Bible [65] and in the talmudic literature, the vine and its related products - yahin (wine), tirosh (new wine), and hemer (sweet red wine) - occupy a central place. The earliest mention in the Bible or Torah of wine as a ceremonial item occurs in Genesis (14:18-19) when King Menchizedek, in greeting the victorious Abraham, offered him bread and wine and blessed him.

Note the grape decoration on the cover of this beautiful edition of the Talmud published in Jerusalem by El -'Am [51]

The first mention in the Talmud of the wine benediction occurs during a protracted discussion between Hillel and Shammai, president and vice-president of the Sanhedrin respectively, concerning the order of benedictions. Since then the most often repeated ritual in Jewish life is the wine-tasting after a benediction. [44] [41]

Examples ofthe prevalence of wine symbols in The Jewish World edited by Elie Kedourie [38]

The symbolism of vine, vineyard and grapes has been part of Jewish iconography since the days of Moses. Vine leaves and grapes were used on Jewish coins during the second temple period (515BC – 70AD) and in synagogue art during the Talmudic period (135AD – 550AD).