Mitzvah —
223
He must not eat grape skins
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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 skins during the time of his vow.
This mitzvah prohibits the Nazir from eating grape skins, along with seeds, raisins, fresh grapes, and wine products. By including even the outermost part of the grape, the Torah stresses the Nazir’s complete abstention from anything connected with grapes.
The ban on grape skins, though seemingly small, reinforces the Torah’s intention that the Nazir’s holiness is comprehensive. It prevents rationalizations or partial observance, ensuring his vow remains whole.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Nezirut 5:2): Explicitly lists grape skins as part of the Nazir’s prohibitions.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 371): Notes that avoiding both seeds and skins shows the Torah’s concern for complete abstinence.
- Talmud (Nazir 34b): Teaches that “from seeds even to skins” was written to encompass every possible grape derivative.
- Rashi (Numbers 6:4): Explains that even grape skins were included so that no part of the fruit would be 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 skins, like seeds, are explicitly prohibited. Faith is shown by observing even the smallest details of Hashem’s command, trusting Divine wisdom over personal reasoning.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 371) explains that abstaining from both grape seeds and skins builds a strong protective fence. Reverence for Heaven means avoiding not only what is clearly indulgent but even what seems trivial.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Talmud (Nazir 34b) teaches that “from the seeds to the skins” covers the Nazir’s total abstinence, reflecting complete kedushah. Holiness here is comprehensive, sanctifying every aspect of his diet.
Nazir – נָזִיר
- Rambam includes grape skins in the Nazir’s defining restrictions. By prohibiting both the inner and outer parts of the grape, the Torah shows the Nazir’s abstinence is absolute.
Kashrut – כַּשְׁרוּת
- Although grape skins are naturally kosher, the Nazir’s vow makes them forbidden. This illustrates how holiness reshapes dietary law in the framework of vows and consecration.
Speech – דָּבָר
- The Nazir’s vow creates a binding halachic reality where even grape skins are forbidden. This reflects the Torah’s principle that words of commitment can transform ordinary food into a sacred boundary.
Vows / Oaths – נְדָרִים / שְׁבוּעוֹת
- Sefer HaChinuch notes that this mitzvah highlights the seriousness of vows. By binding himself, the Nazir brings the Torah’s prohibition down to the smallest details, such as grape skins.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- Rashi (Numbers 6:4) stresses that even grape skins were written in the Torah to prevent dismissing them as unimportant. This reinforces a communal awareness of the Nazir’s unique status and visible restraint.
Bein Adam L’Makom (between a person and G-d)
- This mitzvah is directly between the Nazir and Hashem. By avoiding grape skins, the Nazir honors his consecration with full loyalty, showing that no detail of Divine service is too small.
