The Jewish Drinking Show

Drew Kaplan
  • 5.0 (4)
  • JUDAISM
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Judaism has a lot to say about drinking - so...what does it say? This podcast focuses on Biblical, Rabbinic, and Halakhic texts dealing with alcohol-consumption.

  1. The Fifth Cup of the Passover Seder in the Talmud, featuring Dr. Leor Jacobi [The Jewish Drinking Show, episode #190]

    4D AGO

    The Fifth Cup of the Passover Seder in the Talmud, featuring Dr. Leor Jacobi [The Jewish Drinking Show, episode #190]

    Introduction Having previously explored the four cups of wine minimum at the Passover Seder in Rabbinic literature on episode #62 of The Jewish Drinking Show, there also exists in the Babylonian Talmud a text relating to the fifth cup of wine at the Passover Seder. This 190th episode of The Jewish Drinking Show explores this text with first-time guest, Dr. Leor Jacobi. A couple of further episodes that we reference within this episode are episode #25 (Demons and the Four Cups of Wine at the Passover Seder with Rabbi Alana Suskin) & episode #99 (Demons and the Four Cups of Wine at the Passover Seder [Redux] with Prof. Sara Ronis). Brief Biography of the Guest Dr. Leor Jacobi is a scholar of medieval Jewish art and visual culture affiliated with the Department of Jewish Art in the Faculty of Jewish Studies at Bar-Ilan University. He pursued early studies in cognitive science at the University of California, Berkeley before dedicating years to advanced Talmudic learning in Jerusalem and later returning to academia. He completed his MA and PhD at Bar-Ilan University, where his doctoral research explored the intersection of art and rabbinic literature in medieval culture. Jacobi has held prestigious fellowships, including a Humboldt Foundation postdoctoral fellowship at Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, and has served in various academic roles, including lecturer and research fellow, while contributing to major scholarly projects and journals in Jewish studies and art history, one of which is his "The Fifth Passover Cup and Magical Pairs: Isaac Baer Levinsohn and the Babylonian Talmud", European Journal of Jewish Studies, vol. 15 (2021): 84-103.  Support the show Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, suggestions, or more, feel free to reach out at Drew@JewishDrinking.com l'chaim!

    38 min
  2. Plague-Themed Cocktails, featuring David Kedson [The Jewish Drinking Show, episode #189]

    MAR 19

    Plague-Themed Cocktails, featuring David Kedson [The Jewish Drinking Show, episode #189]

    Introduction Looking to make plague-themed cocktails for your Passover seder, or even pre-seder enjoyment? A new book out by David Kedson provides not only recipes for making plague-themed cocktails for your Passover seder, but also tips, tricks, and advice for making them happen, he shares some of this with us on the 189th episode of The Jewish Drinking Show. Brief Biography of the Guest David Kedson graduated from Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, after which he bounced around the usual hodgepodge of dead-end occupations— litigation attorney, entrepreneur, CEO, computer programmer, independent stock trader, and stay-at-home parent (which was, by far, the most challenging and most rewarding), before he settled on being a writer. David has written six published mysteries and thrillers (mostly under the name "DK Kedson"), along with his cocktail recipe book, The Ten Plagues of Cocktails. In the cocktail world, David is currently vying to be a contestant (having submitted both a cocktail and a mocktail) on a new TV reality show called "Recipe Philly".  Support the show Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, suggestions, or more, feel free to reach out at Drew@JewishDrinking.com l'chaim!

    44 min
  3. Weldon Mills Distillery, featuring Bruce Tyler and Ari Cohen [The Jewish Drinking Show, Episode #188]

    MAR 11

    Weldon Mills Distillery, featuring Bruce Tyler and Ari Cohen [The Jewish Drinking Show, Episode #188]

    Introduction How does a distillery in North Carolina begun by an Army veteran have most of their products become kosher-certified and go on to win many medals at spirits competitions? That's something we're going to explore on this 188th episode of The Jewish Drinking Show, featuring Bruce Tyler, Weldon Mills Distillery's co-owner and manager, along with Ari Cohen, Weldon Mills Distillery's operations and brand ambassador. Biography of Guest Along with his business partner, Michael Hinderliter, Bruce Tyler established Weldon Mills Distillery in January of 2019. Through their hard work and perseverance, they pushed through the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly turned the company into the most awarded distillery in North Carolina. Weldon Mills Distillery is rapidly growing, and currently has over 36 product lines including Bourbon, Whiskey, Vodka, Gin, and Tequila. Weldon Mills has added a second location in downtown Durham, NC, and is in the process of restoring a historic mansion as a Bed and Breakfast. Bruce has moved to distillery operations full-time and reluctantly practices law on limited occasions. Prior to engaging in establishing the distillery, he is a retired 27-year U.S. Army Veteran who served as a Combat Arms Soldier, Military Police Officer, and a Judge Advocate General Officer. Bruce served a total of 27 Months in Afghanistan helping build a robust Rule of Law program and advising Commanders on all legal aspects of International Armed Conflict. He earned his undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in business administration at Campbell University. Bruce then earned his law degree at North Carolina Central University. After completing his law degree in 2005, Bruce was commissioned as a U. S. Army Judge Advocate General Officer and returned to active duty where he served in several positions until he left active duty in 2014. After leaving active duty, Bruce served as Senior Trial Defense Counsel in the NC National Guard and opened his law firm, the Center for Military Law, servicing military clients in all areas of law. Disclosure Review samples of Weldon Mills' products were provided to Jewish Drinking for review purposes.  Support the show Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, suggestions, or more, feel free to reach out at Drew@JewishDrinking.com l'chaim!

    50 min
  4. Kosher Vermouths on the Market Going Into 2026, featuring Mendy Mark [The Jewish Drinking Show, episode #187]

    12/17/2025

    Kosher Vermouths on the Market Going Into 2026, featuring Mendy Mark [The Jewish Drinking Show, episode #187]

    Introduction As we prepare to enter 2026, what are the kosher-certified vermouth products currently on the market? While I had previously published a list of kosher-certified vermouths, that was nearly four years ago, which has brought some changes in the market. Having spoken with the producers of Hajdu vermouth and Lovatelli vermouths at the past two Kosher Food and Wine Experiences, as well as the producer of Promised Land Beverage's vermouths for episode #96, what is currently available? To help guide us through the current offerings is Mendy Mark, who previously appeared on episode #74 and episode #78. Biography of Guest Mendy Mark is a New Jersey–based professional who has served as the manager for FillerUp Kosher Wines, one of the region’s leading kosher wine and spirits retailers, for the past 8 years. With years of experience in the beverage industry, he has developed a deep expertise in kosher wines, boutique producers, and the growing market for premium Israeli vintages. His work combines operational leadership with a passion for customer education, often guiding consumers toward thoughtful and halakhically sound selections. Mendy has played an instrumental role in helping FillerUp become a destination for both casual buyers and connoisseurs seeking quality kosher wines. He is recognized for his personable approach and commitment to building relationships within New Jersey’s Jewish and culinary communities. Beyond his professional work, he actively supports events and tastings that celebrate Jewish culture and fine beverages. His leadership reflects a balance of tradition and innovation, blending respect for halakhic standards with contemporary tastes and trends. Through his efforts, Mendy Mark continues to elevate the profile of kosher wine appreciation across the tri-state area. Time Stamps 0:00 Welcome 0:35 Introduction to guest 2:42 Introduction to topic 3:35 The end of Kedem vermouths 6:56 The expansion of options in the past 4-5 years in kosher-certified vermouths 9:35 Lovatelli vermouths 17:30 Considering vermouths for cocktails 20:30 Martini & Rossi special runs of kosher-certified vermouths 23:36 Hajdu vermouth & Dalton vermouth 27:01 Twin Suns vermouths 31:12 Yzaguirre vermouth 32:53 Further obituary for Kedem vermouths 33:27 Q&A 47:19 Wrapping-up 47:59 Thank you & L'chaim!  Support the show Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, suggestions, or more, feel free to reach out at Drew@JewishDrinking.com l'chaim!

    48 min
  5. Philo on Drinking & Drunkenness, featuring Rabbi Dovid Campbell [The Jewish Drinking Show, Episode #186]

    12/02/2025

    Philo on Drinking & Drunkenness, featuring Rabbi Dovid Campbell [The Jewish Drinking Show, Episode #186]

    Introduction Philo of Alexandria, an early first-century Jewish philosopher who blended Greek thought with Jewish tradition, offers a fascinating window into how Jews of the Second Temple period understood the moral and spiritual dimensions of everyday life. By exploring his interpretations of biblical narratives, we will gain insights into a Hellenistic-Jewish perspective on the role of drinking. Joining us for this journey on the 186th episode of The Jewish Drinking Show to discuss Philo on drinking is Rabbi Dovid Campbell. Biography of Guest Rabbi Dovid Campbell is an independent researcher and writer whose work explores the history and future of Jewish philosophy, with a particular focus on the importance of a non-dogmatic and creative approach to Jewish thought. His articles have appeared in Tradition and Ḥakirah, as well as numerous Jewish content platforms, including his "Philo of Alexandria and the Soul of the Torah" at The Lehrhaus. He holds a degree in microbiology from the University of Arizona and resides in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel, with his wife and children. Support the show Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, suggestions, or more, feel free to reach out at Drew@JewishDrinking.com l'chaim!

    33 min
  6. Drinking Imagery as Sexual Metaphor in the Talmud, featuring Rabbi Dr. Gail Labovitz [The Jewish Drinking Show, episode #185]

    11/19/2025

    Drinking Imagery as Sexual Metaphor in the Talmud, featuring Rabbi Dr. Gail Labovitz [The Jewish Drinking Show, episode #185]

    Introduction Having previously discussed Talmudic Parables of Wine with Looks with Dr. Elana Stein Hain on episode 133 of The Jewish Drinking Show, there are certainly Talmudic parables involving wine. However, there are also Talmudic parables that use wine and drinking for sexual references, too! Joining the 185th episode of The Jewish Drinking Show to explore these parables is Rabbi Dr. Gail Labovitz. Biography of Guest Rabbi Dr. Gail Labovitz is Professor of Rabbinic Literature and former Chair of the Department of Rabbinics for the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. She is the author of two books of rabbinic scholarship and of numerous articles in the areas of rabbinic literature, Jewish law, and feminist studies, including "Is Rav’s Wife 'a Dish'? Food and Eating Metaphors in Rabbinic Discourse of Sexuality and Gender Relations", which serves as the catalyst for this episode. Dr. Labovitz has also taught at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (JTS) and the Academy for Jewish Religion in New York. Prior to joining the faculty at AJU, Dr. Labovitz worked as the Senior Research Analyst in Judaism for the Feminist Sexual Ethics Project at Brandeis University, and as the Coordinator for the Jewish Women’s Research Group, a project of the Women’s Studies Program at JTS. Rabbi Labovitz served for ten years on the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly, and authored two responsa, as well as participating in a number of other rabbinic and academic committees and activities. Most recently, she has become a member of the first cohort of the new Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Sources Textual sources for this episode are available here. Beer Recommendation For the third episode, we welcome Noah Schmutter from New Jersey on for a beer recommendation, having previously appeared on episode 133 and episode 136.  Support the show Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, suggestions, or more, feel free to reach out at Drew@JewishDrinking.com l'chaim!

    48 min
  7. Medieval Jewish Legal Authorities (Rishonim) on Kiddusha Rabbah, featuring Rabbi David Fried [The Jewish Drinking Show, episode #184]

    11/11/2025

    Medieval Jewish Legal Authorities (Rishonim) on Kiddusha Rabbah, featuring Rabbi David Fried [The Jewish Drinking Show, episode #184]

    Introduction Following the mention of kiddusha rabbah (קידושא רבה) in the Talmud, how did the Rishonim, the medieval normative legal authorities, discuss it? That is exactly the topic of the 184th episode of The Jewish Drinking Show, featuring sixth time guest, Rabbi David Fried. Biography of Guest Rabbi Fried teaches Judaic Studies at the Upper School of The Ramaz School. He is also an editor and frequent contributor at The Lehrhaus. He lives in New Jersey with his wife Molly and their three sons, Elchanan, Saadia, and Aharon. He earned his rabbinic ordination from YCT Rabbinical School. Amongst his five other appearances on The Jewish Drinking Show, one of them was also on the Rishonim, Rishonim on Purim-Drunkenness. Textual Sources Textual sources for this episode are available here. Time Stamps 0:00 Welcome 0:36 Introduction to Rabbi David Fried 1:06 Introduction to the Topic 2:00 The Talmudic Drinking Story 8:10 How the Rishonim Consider the Parameters of Kiddusha Rabbah 22:32 How the Rishonim Dealt With the Potential of Non-Wine for Kiddusha Rabbah 35:46 Wrapping-up 36:41 L'chaim  Support the show Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, suggestions, or more, feel free to reach out at Drew@JewishDrinking.com l'chaim!

    37 min
  8. Indigenous Wine Grape Varieties to Israel, featuring Professor Shivi Drori [The Jewish Drinking Show episode #183]

    11/04/2025

    Indigenous Wine Grape Varieties to Israel, featuring Professor Shivi Drori [The Jewish Drinking Show episode #183]

    Introduction Grapes in Israel for the use of wine are nothing new. While it had been known that they were certainly ancient, especially as we read of the delegation of scouts in the 13th chapter in the book of Numbers finding massive bunches of grapes, recent work by Professor Elyashiv "Shivi" Drori has uncovered dozens of previously undocumented indigenous varieties of wine grapes in Israel, about which he shares on the 183rd episode of The Jewish Drinking Show. Biography of Guest Prof. Drori, a professor of chemical engineering and biotechnology at Ariel University, heads the university’s Samson Family Wine Research Center, Israel’s premier academic institute dedicated to grapevine and wine research. In addition to his research credentials as an agronomist, plant geneticist and oenologist, Drori is also the chief winemaker at Gva’ot Winery, a boutique producer whose wines have earned global acclaim.  Support the show Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, suggestions, or more, feel free to reach out at Drew@JewishDrinking.com l'chaim!

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Judaism has a lot to say about drinking - so...what does it say? This podcast focuses on Biblical, Rabbinic, and Halakhic texts dealing with alcohol-consumption.

Information

  • Creator
    Drew Kaplan
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    190
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Jewish Drinking Show
  • Show Website
    The Jewish Drinking Show

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