Mitzvah —
222
He must not eat grape seeds
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כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֣י נִזְר֑וֹ מִכֹּל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יֵעָשֶׂ֜ה מִגֶּ֣פֶן הַיַּ֗יִן מֵחַרְצַנִּ֛ים וְעַד־זָ֖ג לֹ֥א יֹאכֵֽל׃ - פָּרָשַׁת נָשׂא
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Numbers 6:4 - "For the entire duration of his abstinence, he shall not eat any product of the grape vine, from seeds to skins."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Holiness – קְדוּשָּׁה
The Nazir is forbidden to eat grape seeds during the time of his vow.
This mitzvah forbids the Nazir from consuming grape seeds, the innermost part of the fruit. By extending the prohibition to even the smallest and least appealing part, the Torah underscores the Nazir’s complete separation from grapes in all forms.
This comprehensive restriction prevents loopholes, ensuring the Nazir remains fully consecrated without exception, guarding his holiness even from the smallest indulgence.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Nezirut 5:2): Notes that both grape seeds and skins are explicitly included in the Torah’s prohibition for the Nazir.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 371): Explains that the purpose is to build a strong protective fence — if the Nazir avoids even grape seeds, he will not come close to eating grapes or drinking wine.
- Talmud (Nazir 34b): Interprets “from the seeds to the skins” as an all-encompassing ban on every part of the grape.
- Rashi (Numbers 6:4): States that the Torah explicitly included seeds to show that no part of the grape is permitted to the Nazir.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Rambam (Hilchot Nezirut 5:2) rules that grape seeds are explicitly forbidden to the Nazir. Faith is expressed by observing Hashem’s command even in small details that seem insignificant to human reasoning.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 371) explains that abstaining from grape seeds builds a protective boundary. Reverence for Hashem’s law motivates avoiding even the smallest element of grapes, reinforcing awe of Heaven.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Talmud (Nazir 34b) includes grape seeds in the Nazir’s prohibitions to highlight his elevated sanctity. Holiness demands not only separation from indulgence but also discipline in even minor matters.
Nazir – נָזִיר
- Rambam identifies grape seeds and grape skins as part of the Nazir’s defining restrictions. This demonstrates the Torah’s intention that the Nazir’s abstinence is all-encompassing.
Kashrut – כַּשְׁרוּת
- Normally grape seeds are permissible, but the Nazir’s vow transforms them into a forbidden food. This illustrates how kedushah can redefine dietary practice under special spiritual conditions.
Speech – דָּבָר
- The Nazir’s abstinence originates in his words of vow. His speech creates binding halachic status, turning something ordinary into an act of obedience or violation.
Vows / Oaths – נְדָרִים / שְׁבוּעוֹת
- Sefer HaChinuch emphasizes that the Nazir’s vow binds him to avoid even grape seeds. This demonstrates the full halachic weight of vows, extending even to trivial items.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- Rashi (Numbers 6:4) points out that the Torah specifically included seeds so that no one could dismiss them as too minor to matter. This reinforces communal awareness that consecration is serious and comprehensive.
Bein Adam L’Makom (between a person and G-d)
- This mitzvah expresses loyalty to Hashem by honoring the sanctity of the vow in every detail. Even the smallest act of consumption matters in one’s relationship with G-d.
