Facts in Judaism
Forbidden Wine (Yayin Nesech)
Wine used for idol worship is forbidden for drinking or any benefit, and drinking it is considered denying a basic principle of faith.
- Rabbi Pinchas Doron
- |עודכן
Understanding Yayin Nesech (Forbidden Wine)
In Jewish tradition, Yayin Nesech means wine that was used for idol worship. The Talmud explains two types:
Real Yayin Nesech: wine actually poured out as part of idol worship — forbidden by Torah law.
Stam Yeinam: wine handled by non-Jews, where we don’t know if it was used for idol worship — forbidden by rabbinic law.
The Torah strictly forbids any use of wine connected to idol worship. This is counted among the serious prohibitions in the Torah.
When Does Wine Become Forbidden?
If a non-Jew pours wine before an idol, that wine becomes forbidden.
If a non-Jew stirs the wine for idol worship, many rabbis say it’s also forbidden, though some say only actual pouring counts.
Just touching the wine (without stirring it) is a debate — some say it becomes forbidden, and others say it doesn’t.
Even wine that wouldn't be accepted on the Temple altar — like diluted wine or wine mixed with honey — still becomes forbidden if it’s used for idol worship.
How Serious Is It?
Drinking even a tiny amount of Yayin Nesech or getting any benefit from it is a serious sin according to the Torah.
Even if the wine changes taste or color, it’s still forbidden.
A Jew may not do any work with Yayin Nesech — even just moving it around for a non-Jew.
If a Jew sells Yayin Nesech, the money he gets is forbidden to use.
If someone tries to get married (betroth) a woman using Yayin Nesech or money from it, the marriage doesn’t count.
Yayin Nesech can’t even be used for healing, not even to save a life.
If just a tiny drop of Yayin Nesech falls into a large pit of wine, the entire batch becomes forbidden.
Because idol worship is so against our belief in God, the Sages taught that drinking Yayin Nesech is like turning away from the very foundations of our faith.
