Mitzvah —
220
He must not eat fresh grapes
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מִיַּ֤יִן וְשֵׁכָר֙ יַזִּ֔יר חֹ֥מֶץ יַ֛יִן וְחֹ֥מֶץ שֵׁכָ֖ר לֹ֣א יִשְׁתֶּ֑ה וְכׇל־מִשְׁרַ֤ת עֲנָבִים֙ לֹ֣א יִשְׁתֶּ֔ה וַעֲנָבִ֛ים לַחִ֥ים וִיבֵשִׁ֖ים לֹ֥א יֹאכֵֽל׃ - פָּרָשַׁת נָשׂא
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Numbers 6:3 - "He shall abstain from new wine and aged wine; he shall not drink [even] vinegar made from new wine or aged wine, nor shall he drink anything in which grapes have been steeped, and he shall eat neither fresh grapes nor dried ones."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Holiness – קְדוּשָּׁה
The Nazir is forbidden from eating fresh grapes during the time of his vow.
This mitzvah extends the Nazir’s restrictions beyond wine to include fresh grapes themselves. By avoiding even the raw fruit, the Nazir demonstrates complete separation from grape products, distancing himself entirely from the source of indulgence.
The Torah broadens the prohibition to ensure the Nazir remains wholly distinct, emphasizing the seriousness of his consecration and the importance of guarding against temptation.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Nezirut 5:1): Lists fresh grapes as part of the Nazir’s prohibitions, along with wine, vinegar, and dried grapes.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 369): The purpose is to build extra safeguards, so that the Nazir distances himself even from the raw materials that produce wine.
- Talmud (Nazir 34b): Clarifies that the Torah forbids not only wine but all grape derivatives, including fresh grapes, to strengthen the Nazir’s boundary of holiness.
- Rashi (Numbers 6:4): Explains that the inclusion of grapes shows the Torah’s intent to distance the Nazir from anything leading to indulgence.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Rambam (Hilchot Nezirut 5:1) notes that the Nazir’s abstention from fresh grapes is part of his consecration to Hashem. Faith is shown by accepting even restrictions that extend beyond wine itself.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 369) explains that this prohibition builds a fence of reverence: if the Nazir avoids even grapes, he will not come close to drinking wine and breaking his vow.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Talmud (Nazir 34b) teaches that the Nazir’s abstention from grapes reflects a higher standard of kedushah. Holiness is expressed by distancing from the very source of potential indulgence.
Nazir – נָזִיר
- Rambam lists fresh grapes as part of the Nazir’s specific prohibitions, making them one of the visible markers of his separation and consecrated status.
Kashrut – כַּשְׁרוּת
- Normally grapes are kosher and permitted, but for the Nazir they are forbidden. This demonstrates how kedushah can transform even permitted foods into restrictions under special vows.
Speech – דָּבָר
- The Nazir’s restrictions begin with his spoken vow. His words generate a sanctified status that makes even ordinary food forbidden, highlighting the Torah’s principle that speech creates reality.
Vows / Oaths – נְדָרִים / שְׁבוּעוֹת
- Sefer HaChinuch emphasizes that the Nazir’s vow extends prohibition to grapes as part of the Torah’s system of nedarim. It shows the binding power of oaths to elevate ordinary life.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- By refraining from grapes — a staple fruit in the ancient diet — the Nazir publicly signals his consecration. This serves as a communal reminder of holiness and restraint.
Bein Adam L’Makom (between a person and G-d)
- This mitzvah is fundamentally about separation unto Hashem. Avoiding grapes reinforces that the Nazir’s dedication is to G-d alone, removing even the possibility of indulgence.
