Halacha
הלכה א
כֵּיצַד הִיא הַנְּגִיעָה שִׁאוֹסֵר בָּהּ הָעַכּוּ''ם הַיַּיִן. הוּא שֶׁיִּגַּע בַּיַּיִן עַצְמוֹ בֵּין בְּיָדוֹ בֵּין בִּשְׁאָר אֵיבָרָיו שֶׁדַּרְכָּן לְנַסֵּךְ בָּהֶן וִישַׁכְשֵׁךְ. אֲבָל אִם פָּשַׁט יָדוֹ לְחָבִית וְתָפְסוּ אֶת יָדוֹ קֹדֶם שֶׁיּוֹצִיאָהּ וְלֹא יְנִידָהּ וּפָתְחוּ הֶחָבִית מִלְּמַטָּה עַד שֶׁיָּצָא הַיַּיִן וְיָרַד לְמַטָּה מִיָּדוֹ לֹא נֶאֱסַר הַיַּיִן. וְכֵן אִם אָחַז כְּלִי פָּתוּחַ שֶׁל יַיִן וְשִׁכְשְׁכוֹ אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁלֹּא הִגְבִּיהַּ הַכְּלִי וְלֹא נָגַע בַּיַּיִן נֶאֱסַר הַיַּיִן:
כסף משנה
1.
How do we define the term touch when we say that a gentile1As the Rambam stated in Chapter 11, Halachah 8, unless otherwise specified, when he uses the term "gentile," he is referring to an idolater. who touches wine causes it to be forbidden? Touching the wine itself whether with his hands2Or with an article held in his hand [Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 124:11)]. or with any of his other limbs with which it is customary to pour a libation3As evident from Chapter 11, Halachah 11, according to the Rambam, it is not customary to pour a libation with one's feet. Note, however, the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 124:11) which forbids wine that a gentile touched with his feet. The Rama, however, quotes the Rambam's view. and shook the wine.4If, however, he did not cause the wine to move, it is forbidden to drink it, but one is allowed to benefit from it (Radbaz). In his Kessef Mishneh, however, Rav Yosef Caro notes that although there are authorities who agree with the ruling of the Radbaz, from the Rambam's wording, it appears that the wine is permitted entirely. In his Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 124:13), he follows the majority view and rules that it is permitted only to benefit from such wine.If, however, he extended his hand to a barrel, but his hand was grabbed before he could remove [any wine] or shake it, [there is room for leniency]. If the barrel was opened from below and the wine was allowed to flow out to the extent that it reached below his hand, the wine is not forbidden.5The Rambam is citing an incident that transpired as recorded by Avodah Zarah 59b. It is not forbidden to benefit from the wine. The question of whether or not it is forbidden to drink it depends on the difference of opinion mentioned in the previous note.
Similarly, if he held an open container6With regard to a closed container, see Halachah 4. of wine and shaked it, the wine becomes forbidden even though he did not lift up the container or touch the wine.7The Ra'avad objects to this ruling, maintaining that as long as the gentile does not touch the wine itself, lift the container, or cause the wine to spatter, moving an open utensil does not cause it to be forbidden. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 124:17) quotes the Rambam's ruling as a minority opinion and the Rama states that it need not be followed if financial loss is involved.
הלכה ב
נָטַל כְּלִי שֶׁל יַיִן וְהִגְבִּיהוֹ וְיָצַק הַיַּיִן אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁלֹּא שִׁכְשֵׁךְ נֶאֱסַר שֶׁהֲרֵי בָּא הַיַּיִן מִכֹּחוֹ. הִגְבִּיהַּ וְלֹא שִׁכְשֵׁךְ וְלֹא נָגַע מֻתָּר:
כסף משנה
2.
If he took an [open]8This addition is made on the basis of the gloss of the Radbaz. container of wine, lifted it up, and poured it out, the wine becomes forbidden,9There is a difference of opinion among the commentaries if only the wine that is poured out is forbidden or also the wine which remains in the container (Kessef Mishneh). The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 125:1) quotes the more stringent view. The Rama mentions the more lenient opinion, but states that it may be followed only in a case of severe loss. even though he did not shake it. For the wine moved as a result of his power. If he lifted the container up, but did not shake it or touch it, it is permitted.10I.e., even to drink the wine. For merely lifting up the wine is of no consequence.הלכה ג
עַכּוּ''ם שֶׁהָיָה אוֹחֵז הַכְּלִי בַּקַּרְקַע וְיִשְׂרָאֵל יָצַק לְתוֹכוֹ יַיִן הַיַּיִן מֻתָּר. וְאִם נִדְנֵד הָעַכּוּ''ם הַכְּלִי נֶאֱסַר הַיַּיִן:
כסף משנה
3.
When a gentile was holding a container on the ground and a Jew poured wine into it, the wine is permitted.11One may even drink it [Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 125:8)]. If the gentile shakes the container, the wine becomes forbidden.הלכה ד
כְּלִי סָתוּם מֻתָּר לְטַלְטְלוֹ הָעַכּוּ''ם מִמָּקוֹם לְמָקוֹם וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהַיַּיִן מִתְנַדְנֵד שֶׁאֵין זֶה דֶּרֶךְ הַנִּסּוּךְ. הֶעֱבִיר נוֹד שֶׁל יַיִן מִמָּקוֹם לְמָקוֹם וְהוּא אוֹחֵז פִּי הַנּוֹד בְּיָדוֹ. בֵּין שֶׁהָיָה הַנּוֹד מָלֵא אוֹ חָסֵר מֻתָּר. וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהַיַּיִן מִתְנַדְנֵד. הֶעֱבִיר כְּלִי חֶרֶס פָּתוּחַ מָלֵא יַיִן אָסוּר שֶׁמָּא נָגַע בּוֹ. וְאִם הָיָה חָסֵר מֻתָּר אֶלָּא אִם כֵּן שִׁכְשְׁכוֹ:
כסף משנה
4.
It is permitted to have a gentile move a closed [container of wine] from one place to another even though the wine moves. For this is not the manner in which a libation is made.12A libation is made only from an open container (see Avodah Zarah 60a).When [a gentile] moves a wineskin containing wine from one place to another while [a Jew]13This addition was made on the basis of the gloss of the Radbaz. was holding the opening of the wineskin with his hand, it is permitted.14For this is equivalent to closing it. [This applies] whether the wineskin was entirely full or not and [applies] even though the wine moves.
[When a gentile] transfers15The Rambam's source (Avodah Zarah 60a) and also the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 125:10) emphasize that we are referring to a situation where the Jew is following the gentile. Otherwise, the wine is certainly forbidden. an open earthenware16The Radbaz states that the same laws apply regardless of what the container was made of. Therefore he maintains that the word "earthenware" is a printer's error. vessel that is filled with wine, it is prohibited,17Although the Rashba maintains that one may benefit from the wine, most authorities rule that it is prohibited to benefit from it as well as to drink it [Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.)]. for perhaps he touched it.18Since the container is both open and full, it is highly likely that the gentile touched the wine (Avodah Zarah 60a). If it was only partially full, [the wine] is permitted unless he shook it.19For shaking the wine is equivalent to pouring it as a libation, as stated in Halachah 1.
הלכה ה
עַכּוּ''ם שֶׁנָּגַע בְּיַיִן וְלֹא נִתְכַּוֵּן לָזֶה הֲרֵי הַיַּיִן מֻתָּר בַּהֲנָיָה בִּלְבַד. כֵּיצַד. כְּגוֹן שֶׁנָּפַל עַל נוֹד שֶׁל יַיִן אוֹ שֶׁהוֹשִׁיט יָדוֹ לְחָבִית עַל מְנָת שֶׁהִיא שֶׁמֶן וְנִמְצֵאת יַיִן:
כסף משנה
5.
When a gentile touches wine without intending to, it is permitted only to benefit from the wine.20I.e., it is forbidden to drink it, as stated in Chapter 11, Halachah 5.The Rama (Yoreh De'ah 124:24) states that in the present era, most gentiles are not idolaters. Therefore, if they touch wine unintentionally, the wine is not forbidden at all. What is implied? He fell on an [open]21This addition was made on the basis of the gloss of the Kessef Mishneh. wineskin or stretched his hand out to a barrel under the impression that it contained oil and it actually contained wine.
הלכה ו
בָּא הַיַּיִן מִכֹּחוֹ שֶׁל עַכּוּ''ם בְּלֹא כַּוָּנָה הוֹאִיל וְלֹא נָגַע בַּיַּיִן הֲרֵי זֶה מֻתָּר בִּשְׁתִיָּה. כֵּיצַד. כְּגוֹן שֶׁהִגְבִּיהַּ כְּלִי שֶׁל יַיִן וְיָצַק לִכְלִי אַחֵר וְהוּא מְדַמֶּה שֶׁהוּא שֵׁכָר אוֹ שֶׁמֶן הֲרֵי זֶה מֻתָּר:
כסף משנה
6.
If wine moves because of a gentile's power although he did not intend to do so, since he did not touch the wine, it is permitted to drink it.22According to Scriptural Law, as long as the gentile does not touch the wine, it is not forbidden. Although our Sages forbade wine which he shook without touching as a safeguard, that applies only when the gentile intentionally touches the container of the wine (see Avodah Zarah 58a). What is implied? If he lifted up a container of wine and poured it into another container while thinking that it was beer or oil, [the wine] is permitted.הלכה ז
נִכְנַס הָעַכּוּ''ם לְבַיִת אוֹ לַחֲנוּת לְבַקֵּשׁ יַיִן וּפָשַׁט יָדוֹ כְּשֶׁהוּא מְחַפֵּשׂ וְנָגַע בַּיַּיִן אָסוּר שֶׁהֲרֵי לְיַיִן נִתְכַּוֵּן וְאֵין זֶה נוֹגֵעַ בְּלֹא כַּוָּנָה:
כסף משנה
7.
If a gentile entered a house or a store seeking wine and extended his hand to search for it and touched wine,23Shaking it (Kessef Mishneh). According to the Rambam, this applies even though he did not know for certain that the article he touched was wine. The Ra'avad differs and maintains that the gentile must know that the container contains wine when shaking it. Otherwise, it is not forbidden. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 124:12) quotes the Rambam's ruling. [the wine] is forbidden. [The rationale is that] he was intending [to touch] wine. This is not considered as touching without intent.הלכה ח
חָבִית שֶׁנִּסְדְּקָה לְאָרְכָּהּ וְקָדַם הָעַכּוּ''ם וְחִבְּקָה כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא יִתְפָּרְדוּ הַחֲרָסִים הֲרֵי זֶה מֻתָּר בַּהֲנָיָה. אֲבָל אִם נִסְדְּקָה לְרָחְבָּהּ וְתָפַס בַּסֶּדֶק הָעֶלְיוֹן כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא יִפּל הֲרֵי זֶה מֻתָּר בִּשְׁתִיָּה שֶׁהֲרֵי אֵין הַיַּיִן עַל כֹּחוֹ שֶׁל עַכּוּ''ם:
כסף משנה
8.
When a barrel is split lengthwise and a gentile comes and embraces it so that the halves will not separate24And thus the wine will not spill. it is permitted to benefit from [the wine].25See Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 124:22). If, however, it split widthwise and he grabbed the upper half so that it will not fall, it is permitted to drink [the wine]. For the wine is not affected by the gentile's power.הלכה ט
עַכּוּ''ם שֶׁנָּפַל לְבוֹר שֶׁל יַיִן וְהֶעֱלוּהוּ מִשָּׁם מֵת. אוֹ שֶׁמָּדַד הַבּוֹר שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ הַיַּיִן בְּקָנֶה. אוֹ שֶׁהִתִּיז אֶת הַזְּבוּב וְהַצִּרְעָה מֵעָלָיו בְּקָנֶה. אוֹ שֶׁהָיָה מְטַפֵּחַ עַל פִּי הֶחָבִית הָרוֹתַחַת כְּדֵי שֶׁתָּנוּחַ הָרְתִיחָה. אוֹ שֶׁנָּטַל חָבִית וּזְרָקָהּ בַּחֲמָתוֹ לַבּוֹר. הֲרֵי זֶה מֻתָּר בַּהֲנָיָה בִּלְבַד. וְאִם עָלָה הָעַכּוּ''ם חַי הַיַּיִן אָסוּר בַּהֲנָיָה:
כסף משנה
9.
When a gentile fell into a cistern of wine and was hoisted up dead,26In this instance, it is permitted to benefit from the wine, because the gentile is considered to have touched it without intending to. See Halachah 5. According to the Rama's view that the gentiles of the present age are not considered as idolaters, there is no prohibition against using such wine at all. This leniency should be accepted if a significant loss is involved (Siftei Cohen 124:55). This concept also applies to the remainder of the instances mentioned in this halachah. measured a cistern containing wine with a reed, swatted away a fly or a hornet from it with a reed,27In these instances, since the gentile did not touch the wine directly, merely by means of another entity, it is not forbidden to benefit from it. patted a boiling bottle of wine so that the boiling would cease28Rashi, Avodah Zarah 60a, states that it is not forbidden to benefit from this wine, because this is not the ordinary way that one makes a libation. Kin'at Eliyahu asks: Since the wine is boiling, the entire prohibition against gentile wine seemingly should not apply, as stated in Chapter 11, Halachah 9? or took a barrel and threw it into the cistern in anger,29In this instance also, the gentile did not touch the wine directly. Hence it is permitted to benefit from it.The Ra'avad protests to this ruling, stating that if he threw the barrel into the cistern in anger, the wine in the cistern is not forbidden at all. Even if he intentionally threw the barrel into the cistern, it is still permitted to benefit from the wine for the reason mentioned. The Radbaz notes that the wording of Avodah Zarah, loc. cit., appears to support the Ra'avad's perspective, for it states that our Sages hikshiru, "considered acceptable," the wine. He, however, cites a passage from the Jerusalem Talmud (Avodah Zarah 4:11) which appears to fit the Rambam's perspective. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 124:19) quotes the Rambam's view. Nevertheless, the commentaries note that in Yoreh De'ah 125:5, the Shulchan Aruch, appears to support the Ra'avad's view. it is merely permitted to benefit from the wine. If, [in the first instance,] the gentile was raised [from the cistern] alive, it is forbidden to benefit from the wine.30For we assume that in his happiness over being saved, he will offer the wine as a libation to his false deity (Avodah Zarah, loc. cit.). The Turei Zahav 124:19 states that if the gentile was alive when taken from the cistern, the wine is forbidden even if he dies immediately afterwards.
הלכה י
חָבִית שֶׁהָיָה נֶקֶב בְּצִדָּהּ וְנִשְׁמַט הַפְּקָק מִן הַנֶּקֶב וְהִנִּיחַ הָעַכּוּ''ם אֶצְבָּעוֹ בִּמְקוֹם הַנֶּקֶב כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא יֵצֵא הַיַּיִן כָּל הַיַּיִן שֶׁמֵּרֹאשׁ הֶחָבִית עַד הַנֶּקֶב אָסוּר. וְשֶׁתַּחַת הַנֶּקֶב מֻתָּר בִּשְׁתִיָּה:
כסף משנה
10.
When there is a hole on the side of a barrel, the stopper slips away from the hole, and a gentile places his finger over the hole so that the wine will not flow out, all of the wine from the top of the barrel until the hole is forbidden.31One may not even benefit from it. Since the wine would have flowed out had the gentile not place his finger there, our Sages considered it as if he touched all of that wine. It is, however, permitted to drink the wine beneath the hole.32Because this wine was not affected by the gentile's touch at all. Although this wine is touching the wine that is forbidden, it is not forbidden. The Ra'avad objects to such a ruling, maintaining that the entire barrel should be considered as mixed together. The Radbaz and the Kessef Mishneh justify the Rambam's ruling, explaining that had the gentile inserted his finger in the hole and touched the wine, the entire barrel would have been forbidden. Here, however, we are speaking about an instance where the gentile stopped the wine from flowing by placing his finger on the outside. Therefore the wine above the hole is forbidden because it was affected by his power, as stated in the following halachah. This is merely a Rabbinic decree. Hence, the wine below the hole is not forbidden at all. The Tur and the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 124:23) follow the Ra'avad's view. See also Hilchot Tum'at Ochalin 8:6.הלכה יא
מֵינֶקֶת כְּפוּפָה שֶׁעוֹשִׂין אוֹתָהּ מִמַּתֶּכֶת אוֹ מִזְּכוּכִית וְכַיּוֹצֵא בָּהֶם. שֶׁהִנִּיחַ רֹאשָׁהּ לְתוֹךְ הַיַּיִן שֶׁבֶּחָבִית וְהָרֹאשׁ הָאַחֵר חוּץ לֶחָבִית וּמָצַץ הַיַּיִן וְהִתְחִיל הַיַּיִן לֵירֵד כְּדֶרֶךְ שֶׁעוֹשִׂין תָּמִיד. וּבָא הָעַכּוּ''ם וְהִנִּיחַ אֶצְבָּעוֹ עַל פִּי הַמֵּינֶקֶת וּמָנַע הַיַּיִן מִלֵּירֵד נֶאֱסַר כָּל הַיַּיִן שֶׁבֶּחָבִית. שֶׁהַכּל הָיָה יוֹצֵא וְנִגְרָר לוּלֵי יָדוֹ וְנִמְצָא הַכּל כְּבָא מִכֹּחוֹ:
כסף משנה
11.
[The following rules apply when] one end of a bent outflow pipe made from metal, glass, or the like is placed in wine and the other end extends out of the barrel. If one sucked on the wine and the wine began flowing out as is always done, and a gentile came and placed his finger at the end of the outflow pipe and prevented the wine from flowing outward, all of the wine in the barrel is forbidden.33This ruling applies when the opening to the outflow pipe is placed at the bottom of the barrel, so that all the wine would actually have flowed out had the gentile allowed it to. If it was not placed at the bottom of the barrel, the laws mentioned in the previous halachah apply (Radbaz; Siftei Cohen 124:69). [The rationale is that] were it not for his hand, everything [in the barrel] would have flowed out. Thus all the wine is affected by his power.הלכה יב
הַמְעָרֶה יַיִן לְתוֹךְ כְּלִי שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ יֵין עַכּוּ''ם נֶאֱסַר כָּל הַיַּיִן שֶׁבַּכְּלִי הָעֶלְיוֹן. שֶׁהֲרֵי הָעַמּוּד הַנִּצֹּק מְחַבֵּר בֵּין הַיַּיִן שֶׁבַּכְּלִי הָעֶלְיוֹן וּבֵין הַיַּיִן שֶׁבַּכְּלִי הַתַּחְתּוֹן. לְפִיכָךְ הַמּוֹדֵד לְעַכּוּ''ם לְתוֹךְ כְּלִי שֶׁבְּיָדוֹ יְנַפֵּץ נְפִיצָה אוֹ יִזְרֹק זְרִיקָה כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא יִהְיֶה נִצֹּק חִבּוּר וְיֶאֱסֹר עָלָיו מַה שֶּׁיִּשָּׁאֵר בַּכְּלִי הָעֶלְיוֹן:
כסף משנה
12.
When a person pours wine into a receptacle containing gentile wine, all of the wine in the upper container is forbidden.34From the Rambam's wording, it appears that this ruling applies with regard to all gentile wine, even when it was not known to have been used as a libation for a false deity. The Rambam, moreover, appears to forbid benefit from the wine, not only partaking of it. The Ra'avad rules that it is permitted to benefit from the wine, but not to partake of it. The Tur (Yoreh De'ah 126) mentions the opinion of Rabbenu Tam which is more lenient, ruling that this stringency does not apply to ordinary gentile wine. He rules that it is even permitted to partake of the wine. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 126:1-2) follows the ruling of the Maharam of Rutenburg, who states the Rambam's stringency should be followed only when a small loss is involved. If there is a significant loss involved, we may rely on the perspective of Rabbenu Tam.See also the Tur who mentions a perspective that maintains that the above stringency applies only to wine used as a libation for a false deity, but not to ordinary gentile wine. [The rationale is that] the column of wine being poured connects35Compare to Hilchot Tumat Ochalin 7:1,5 where this principle is not applied. It appears that it is applied in this instance because of the stringency of the prohibition against gentile wine. between the wine in the upper container and the wine in the lower container. Therefore when a person is measuring wine for a gentile into a container in the latter's hands, he should interrupt [the column of wine before it reaches the utensil] or throw the wine so that [the column of wine] being poured will not establish a connection and cause the wine remaining in the upper container to become forbidden.
הלכה יג
מַשְׁפֵּךְ שֶׁמָּדַד בּוֹ לְעַכּוּ''ם אִם יֵשׁ בִּקְצֵה הַמַּשְׁפֵּךְ עֲכָּבַת יַיִן לֹא יִמְדֹּד בּוֹ לְיִשְׂרָאֵל עַד שֶׁיְּדִיחֶנּוּ וִינַגֵּב. וְאִם לֹא הֵדִיחַ הֲרֵי זֶה אָסוּר:
כסף משנה
13.
When a funnel that was used to measure wine for a gentile has an obstruction that prevents wine [from flowing] the funnel should not be used to measure wine for a Jew36Because the wine held back in the funnel is forbidden because of the connection to the column of wine that extends to the gentile's utensil. until it was washed thoroughly and dried.37Drying refers to the process of applying water and ashes mentioned in Chapter 11, Halachah 20. If he did not wash it thoroughly,38The Kessef Mishneh offers the following interpretation of the Rambam's wording: As long as the funnel was washed thoroughly, even if it was not dried out, it does not cause other wine to become forbidden. He also, however, makes a distinction between a funnel that has been used by a gentile frequently and one that was used just once. In the former instance, he states, it is possible that washing it thoroughly alone is not sufficient. [the Jew's wine] is forbidden.39I.e., it is forbidden to benefit from the entire quantity of wine [Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 124:11)]. According to the Rama, one is permitted to benefit from the wine if the loss will be significant (Siftei Cohen 124:23).The rationale for the prohibition is that the wine in the container will mix with the small quantity of gentile wine in the funnel and become forbidden.
הלכה יד
כְּלִי שֶׁיֵּשׁ לוֹ כְּמִין שְׁנֵי חֳטָמִין יוֹצְאִין מִמֶּנּוּ כְּמוֹ הַכֵּלִים שֶׁנּוֹטְלִין בָּהֶם לַיָּדַיִם שֶׁהָיָה מָלֵא יַיִן בְּיַד יִשְׂרָאֵל וְהָיָה יִשְׂרָאֵל מוֹצֵץ וְשׁוֹתֶה מֵחֹטֶם זֶה וְהָעַכּוּ''ם מוֹצֵץ וְשׁוֹתֶה מִן הַחֹטֶם הַשֵּׁנִי הֲרֵי זֶה מֻתָּר. וְהוּא שֶׁיַּקְדִּים הַיִּשְׂרְאֵלִי וְיִפְסֹק וַעֲדַיִן הָעַכּוּ''ם שׁוֹתֶה. שֶׁמִּשֶּׁיִּפְסֹק הָעַכּוּ''ם יַחֲזֹר הַיַּיִן שֶׁיִּשָּׁאֵר בַּחֹטֶם לַכְּלִי וְיֶאֱסֹר כָּל מַה שֶּׁיִּשָּׁאֵר בּוֹ שֶׁהֲרֵי בָּא הַיַּיִן מִכֹּחוֹ:
כסף משנה
14.
[The following rules apply with regard to] a container possessed by a Jew that has two "nostrils,"40I.e., outflow pipes. that emerge from it, like containers that are used to wash hands, and is filled with wine. If a Jew is sucking and drinking from one nostril and a gentile is sucking and drinking from the other nostril, this is permitted,41Since the wine which the Jew is drinking and that which the gentile is drinking are flowing in opposite directions, they are not considered to be connected. provided the Jew begins [drinking] and concludes while the gentile is still drinking. When the gentile stops drinking, all the wine that was in the nostril will return to the container and cause all the wine in it to be forbidden. [The rationale is that] the wine [in the nostril] was moved by [the gentile's] power.42For it was his sucking that drew it into the outflow pipe. When that wine returns to the container and becomes mixed with the wine in the container, all the wine becomes forbidden as indicated by the following halachah.הלכה טו
עַכּוּ''ם שֶׁמָּצַץ הַיַּיִן מִן הֶחָבִית בְּמֵינֶקֶת אָסַר כָּל הַיַּיִן שֶׁבָּהּ. שֶׁכְּשֶׁיִּפָּסֵק יַחֲזֹר הַיַּיִן שֶׁעָלָה בַּמֵּינֶקֶת בִּמְצִיצָתוֹ וְיִפּל לֶחָבִית וְיֶאֱסֹר הַכּל:
כסף משנה
15.
When a gentile sucks wine from a container with an outflow pipe, all the wine in the container becomes forbidden.43Even if the wine never touched his mouth (Kessef Mishneh). For when he ceases [sucking], all of the wine that entered the outflow pipe through his sucking will return to the barrel and cause it to become forbidden.הלכה טז
עַכּוּ''ם שֶׁהָיָה מַעֲבִיר עִם יִשְׂרָאֵל כַּדֵּי יַיִן מִמָּקוֹם לְמָקוֹם וְהוּא הוֹלֵךְ אַחֲרֵיהֶן לְשָׁמְרָן אֲפִלּוּ הִפְלִיגוּ מִמֶּנּוּ כְּדֵי מִיל הֲרֵי אֵלּוּ מֻתָּרוֹת. שֶׁאֵימָתוֹ עֲלֵיהֶן וְאוֹמֵר עַתָּה יֵצֵא לְפָנֵינוּ וְיִרְאֶה אוֹתָנוּ. וְאִם אָמַר לָהֶם לְכוּ וַאֲנִי אָבוֹא אַחֲרֵיכֶם אִם נִתְעַלְּמוּ מֵעֵינָיו כְּדֵי שֶׁיִּפְתְּחוּ פִּי הַכַּד וְיַחְזְרוּ וְיָגִיפוּ אוֹתָהּ וְתִיגוֹב הֲרֵי הַיַּיִן כֻּלּוֹ אָסוּר בִּשְׁתִיָּה. אִם פָּחוֹת מִכֵּן מֻתָּר:
כסף משנה
16.
When a gentile is transferring barrels of wine from one place to another together with a Jew and [the Jew] is walking after them to protect them, they are permitted even if he separates from him for a mil.44A Talmudic measure equivalent to approximately a kilometer. The Lechem Mishneh notes that as stated in Hilchot Mitamei Moshav UMerkav 13:5, a mil is not a cut off point. As long as the gentile has reason to fear that the Jew will appear suddenly, the wine is permitted. [The rationale is] that he is afraid of him and will say: "He will suddenly appear before us and observe us."[More stringent rules apply if the Jew] tells [gentile porters]: "Proceed and I will follow after you."45These words will imply to the porters that he will not be coming immediately. Hence there is reason to fear that they will take from the wine. If they pass beyond his sight to the extent that [they have time] to uncover the opening of the barrel, seal it again, and [allow it] to dry out,46I.e., so that it would not be apparent that they touched it. it is forbidden to drink all of the wine.47Implied is that one is permitted to benefit from it. The rationale is that since the barrel is sealed, we follow the principle stated in Chapter 13, Halachah 9. See also the Rama (Yoreh De'ah 129:1) who rules that if the loss is significant, we may rely on the views that one seal is sufficient. If for a lesser [time], [the wine] is permitted.48I.e., one may even partake of it.
הלכה יז
וְכֵן הַמֵּנִיחַ עַכּוּ''ם בַּחֲנוּתוֹ אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהוּא יוֹצֵא וְנִכְנַס כָּל הַיּוֹם כֻּלּוֹ הַיַּיִן מֻתָּר. וְאִם מוֹדִיעוֹ שֶׁהוּא מַפְלִיג וְשָׁהָה כְּדֵי שֶׁיִּפְתַּח וְיִגֹּף וְתִיגוֹב הַיַּיִן אָסוּר בִּשְׁתִיָּה. וְכֵן הַמֵּנִיחַ יֵינוֹ בְּקָרוֹן אוֹ בִּסְפִינָה עִם הָעַכּוּ''ם וְנִכְנַס לָעִיר לַעֲשׂוֹת צְרָכָיו הַיַּיִן מֻתָּר. וְאִם הוֹדִיעָן שֶׁהוּא מַפְלִיג וְשָׁהָה כְּדֵי שֶׁיִּפְתַּח וְיִגֹּף וְתִיגוֹב הַיַּיִן אָסוּר בִּשְׁתִיָּה. וְכָל הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלּוּ בְּחָבִיּוֹת סְתוּמוֹת. אֲבָל בִּפְתוּחוֹת אֲפִלּוּ לֹא שָׁהָה מֵאַחַר שֶׁהוֹדִיעָן שֶׁהוּא מַפְלִיג הַיַּיִן אָסוּר:
כסף משנה
17.
Similarly, if a Jew leaves a gentile in his store, even though he departs and enters, [going back and forth] the entire day, the wine is permitted.49One may drink it. For the gentile will be afraid to touch the wine, for he will never feel that the Jew has left him alone with the opportunity to do whatever he wants. If he informs him that he is departing for a significant period, should he wait long enough [to enable the gentile] to open the barrel, seal it again, and [allow it] to dry out, it is forbidden to drink the wine.50As in the previous halachah, since the gentile knows that the Jew is departing for a significant period, we fear that he will use the opportunity to take the wine.Similarly, if a person left his wine in a wagon or a ship51See the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Avodah Zarah 5:4) which explains why it is necessary to mention all three instances: the store, the wagon, and the ship. with a gentile and enters a city to tend to his needs, the wine is permitted.52The Tur and the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 129:1) state that this applies only when the Jew went on a side path that would enable him to surprise the gentile. If, however, he follows the ordinary path, the wine is forbidden. For the gentile will watch to see whether he is coming. If he informs him that he is departing for a significant period, should he wait long enough [to enable the gentile] to open the barrel, seal it again, and [allow it] to dry out, it is forbidden to drink the wine.
All of the above rulings apply with regard to closed barrels. If they are open,53And thus: a) the wine is easily accessible, and b) the barrel does not have to be sealed close to hide the fact that one took from the wine. even if he did not wait, since he told him that he was departing for a significant period, the wine is forbidden.54It would appear that according to the Rambam, it is even forbidden to benefit from the wine (Kessef Mishneh).
הלכה יח
יִשְׂרָאֵל שֶׁהָיָה אוֹכֵל עִם הָעַכּוּ''ם וְהִנִּיחַ יַיִן פָּתוּחַ עַל הַשֻּׁלְחָן וְיַיִן פָּתוּחַ עַל הַדֻּלְפְּקִי וְיָצָא. שֶׁעַל הַשֻּׁלְחָן אָסוּר וְשֶׁעַל הַדֻּלְפְּקִי מֻתָּר. וְאִם אָמַר לוֹ מְזֹג וּשְׁתֵה כָּל הַיַּיִן הַפָּתוּחַ שֶׁבַּבַּיִת אָסוּר:
כסף משנה
18.
When a Jew was eating together with a gentile, left wine open on the table and on the counter, and departed, the wine on the table is forbidden, while that on the counter is permitted.55We assume that he will touch the wine on the table, because it is open before him. But we don't think that he will take the risk of appearing as a thief by touching the wine on the counter. For it is not proper for a guest to take food left on the counter until the host has it brought to the table [the Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah (Avodah Zarah 5:5)].The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 129:7) rules slightly more stringently, stating that any wine which is in the gentile's reach is forbidden. If [the Jew] told him: "Mix [the wine] and drink," all the open wine in the house is forbidden.56Since the Jew gave him license, we have no reason to think that he will restrain himself. Here, too, the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.) rules more stringently, stating that if the Jew remains outside for a prolonged period (as mentioned in the previous halachah), even the closed barrels are forbidden.
הלכה יט
הָיָה שׁוֹתֶה עִם הָעַכּוּ''ם וְשָׁמַע קוֹל תְּפִלָּה בְּבֵית הַכְּנֶסֶת וְיָצָא אַף הַיַּיִן הַפָּתוּחַ מֻתָּר. שֶׁהַנָּכְרִי אוֹמֵר עַתָּה יִזְכֹּר הַיַּיִן וְיָבוֹא בִּמְהֵרָה וְיִמְצָא אוֹתִי נוֹגֵעַ בְּיֵינוֹ וּלְפִי זֶה אֵינוֹ זָז מִמְּקוֹמוֹ וְאֵין נֶאֱסַר אֶלָּא מַה שֶּׁלְּפָנָיו בִּלְבַד:
כסף משנה
19.
When [a Jew] was drinking together with a gentile and he heard the sound of prayer in the synagogue and departed, even the open wine is permitted. For the gentile will say: "Soon he will remember the wine, come hurriedly and see me touching his wine." Therefore [we do not suspect that] the gentile will move from his place. Hence only the wine that is before him57I.e., the wine on the table, as in the previous halachah (Kessef Mishneh). becomes forbidden.58As above, when quoting this law, the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 129:7) mentions the possibility of the Jew coming from a side path and surprising the gentile. If this is not possible, that source does not accept this leniency.הלכה כ
עַכּוּ''ם וְיִשְׂרָאֵל שֶׁהָיוּ דָּרִין בֶּחָצֵר אַחַת וְיָצְאוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם בְּבֶהָלָה לִרְאוֹת חָתָן אוֹ הֶסְפֵּד. וְחָזַר הָעַכּוּ''ם וְסָגַר הַפֶּתַח וְאַחַר כָּךְ יִשְׂרָאֵל הֲרֵי הַיַּיִן הַפָּתוּחַ שֶׁבְּבֵית יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּהֶתֵּרוֹ. שֶׁלֹּא סָגַר הָעַכּוּ''ם אֶלָּא עַל דַּעַת שֶׁכְּבָר נִכְנַס הַיִּשְׂרְאֵלִי לְבֵיתוֹ וְלֹא נִשְׁאַר אָדָם בַּחוּץ וְכִמְדֻמֶּה לוֹ שֶׁהוּא קְדָמוֹ:
כסף משנה
20.
[The following rules apply when] a gentile and a Jew are living together in one courtyard59Avodah Zarah 70a (the Rambam's source) and the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 129:9) state that this leniency applies when the Jew and the gentile live in a two-storey home, with the Jew living in the upper storey. The Rambam does not appear to think that is necessary (Kessef Mishneh). and they both left in agitation60The Kessef Mishneh states that the Rambam chose his words carefully. This leniency is granted because they left in agitation. Hence, it was probable that they would not notice each other outside. If, however, they left with calm reserve, it is possible that the gentile would have looked to see that the Jew was not returning and then entered his home and touched his wine.The Rama (Yoreh De'ah 129:9) quotes this understanding as halachah. The Turei Zahav 129:19, however, differs, explaining that even when a person leaves his home in an agitated state, he will not necessarily return in an agitated state. to see a bridegroom or a funeral. If the gentile returns and closes the entrance and the Jew comes later, the open wine in the Jew's home remains permitted. [We assume that] the gentile closed [the entrance] with the assumption that the Jew had already entered his home and no one remained outside; [i.e.,] he thought that the Jew came before him.
הלכה כא
יַיִן שֶׁל יִשְׂרָאֵל וְשֶׁל עַכּוּ''ם בְּבַיִת אֶחָד וְהָיוּ חָבִיּוֹת פְּתוּחוֹת וְנִכְנַס הָעַכּוּ''ם לַבַּיִת וְנָעַל הַדֶּלֶת בַּעֲדוֹ נֶאֱסַר כָּל הַיַּיִן. וְאִם יֵשׁ חַלּוֹן בַּדֶּלֶת שֶׁמִּסְתַּכֵּל מִמֶּנּוּ הָעוֹמֵד אֲחוֹרֵי הַפֶּתַח וְרוֹאֶה כְּנֶגְדּוֹ כָּל הֶחָבִיּוֹת שֶׁכְּנֶגֶד הַחַלּוֹן מֻתָּרוֹת. וְשֶׁמִּן הַצְּדָדִין אֲסוּרוֹת שֶׁהֲרֵי מְפַחֵד מִן הָרוֹאֶה אוֹתוֹ:
כסף משנה
21.
[The following rules apply when] wine belonging to both a Jew and a gentile [is being stored] in one building and [the Jew's] barrels were open. If the gentile entered the building and locked the door behind him,61If, however, we do not know that the door was locked - even though it was closed and it has a lock - the wine is permitted (Turei Zahav 128:5). all the wine is forbidden.62If, however, the Jew's barrels were closed, the wine in the closed barrels is permitted unless the gentile remained in the closed building alone for the time it would take to open a barrel, seal it closed again, and for its lid to dry, as stated in Halachah 16 [Kessef Mishneh; Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 128:3)]. If there is a window in the door that enables a person standing behind the door to see in front of him, all of the barrels that are opposite the window are permitted. Those on the sides are forbidden. [The leniency is granted,] because the gentile will fear from those who can see him.הלכה כב
וְכֵן אִם שָׁאַג אֲרִי וְכַיּוֹצֵא בּוֹ וּבָרַח הָעַכּוּ''ם וְנֶחְבָּא בֵּין הֶחָבִיּוֹת הַפְּתוּחוֹת הַיַּיִן מֻתָּר שֶׁהוּא אוֹמֵר שֶׁמָּא יִשְׂרָאֵל אַחֵר נֶחְבָּא כָּאן וְהוּא רוֹאֶה אוֹתִי כְּשֶׁאֶגַּע:
כסף משנה
22.
Similarly, if a lion roared or the like and the gentile fled and hid among the open barrels, the wine is permitted. For he will say, "Perhaps another Jew also hid here and will see me if I touch [the wine]."הלכה כג
אוֹצָר שֶׁל יַיִן שֶׁהָיוּ חָבִיּוֹתָיו פְּתוּחוֹת וְיֵשׁ לְעַכּוּ''ם חָבִיּוֹת אֲחֵרוֹת בְּאוֹתוֹ הַפֻּנְדָּק. וְנִמְצָא הָעַכּוּ''ם עוֹמֵד בֵּין חָבִיּוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל הַפְּתוּחוֹת. אִם נִבְהַל כְּשֶׁנִּמְצָא וְנִתְפַּשׂ עָלָיו כְּגַנָּב הַיַּיִן מֻתָּר בִּשְׁתִיָּה שֶׁמִּפַּחְדּוֹ וְיִרְאָתוֹ אֵין לוֹ פְּנַאי לְנַסֵּךְ. וְאִם לֹא נִתְפַּשׂ כְּגַנָּב אֶלָּא הֲרֵי הוּא בּוֹטֵחַ שָׁם הַיַּיִן אָסוּר. וְתִינוֹק הַנִּמְצָא בֵּין הֶחָבִיּוֹת בֵּין כָּךְ וּבֵין כָּךְ כָּל הַיַּיִן מֻתָּר:
כסף משנה
23.
[The following laws apply with regard to] a wine cellar whose barrels were open, a gentile also stored wine in that inn,63I.e., in an inn, there were several wine cellars, one in which a Jew stored wine and one in which a gentile stored wine (Kessef Mishneh). and the gentile was discovered standing among the open barrels belonging to the Jew. If he was frightened when discovered and it would be considered as if he was a thief,64I.e., if he was brought before the judges of a city on the complaint that he touched the wine, the judges would consider him a thief [Rashi (Avodah Zarah 61b)]. The Kessef Mishneh states that it is possible that the Rambam interprets the term differently, understanding it as meaning "if he would think he would be considered a thief." According to this interpretation, it could refer not only to the gentile's touching the wine, but also entering the wine cellar.To explain: Since the gentile also stores wine in that inn, he has permission to be in the inn, but he does not necessarily have permission to be in the Jew's wine cellar. This is precisely the question the Rambam is focusing on. Would the gentile be considered as a thief for being found in the Jew's wine cellar or not? it is permitted to drink the wine. For because of his fear and dread, he will not have the opportunity to pour a libation. If he would not be considered as a thief, but instead, he feels secure there, the wine is forbidden.65Since he feels unthreatened, there is a high likelihood that he touched the Jews' wine.
When a [gentile] young child is discovered among the barrels, regardless of whether he would be considered like a thief or not, all of the wine is permitted.66For a young child never pours wine as a libation. In Chapter 11, Halachah 5, the Rambam states that it is forbidden to drink wine touched by a gentile young child. Here, he permits the wine entirely, because we are not certain that the young child in fact touched the wine. The Radbaz explains the rationale for the Rambam's ruling.: Since the young child does not think of using the wine as a libation, there is no reason for it to trouble itself and touch it.
הלכה כד
גְּדוּד שֶׁנִּכְנַס לַמְּדִינָה דֶּרֶךְ שָׁלוֹם כָּל הֶחָבִיּוֹת הַפְּתוּחוֹת שֶׁבַּחֲנוּיוֹת אֲסוּרוֹת וּסְתוּמוֹת מֻתָּרוֹת. וּבִשְׁעַת מִלְחָמָה אִם פָּשַׁט הַגְּדוּד בַּמְּדִינָה וְעָבַר אֵלּוּ וְאֵלּוּ מֻתָּרוֹת שֶׁאֵין פְּנַאי לְנַסֵּךְ:
כסף משנה
24.
When a battalion [of soldiers] enter a country with an approach of peace, all of the open barrels [of wine] in the stores are forbidden.67The Rambam's wording appears to imply that the open barrels in the homes are permitted. The soldiers would take the liberty of entering stores and making themselves free with their contents. They would not, however, feel that confident to enter homes. The Radbaz objects to this interpretation, noting that we see that soldiers often enter homes to loot. Indeed, when mentioning this law, the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 129:12) speaks of homes and not stores.Compare also to Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 18:26 which discusses a similar situation with regard to the question whether the women of the town have been raped. The closed ones, by contrast, are permitted.68We can be certain that had the soldiers open the wine for use as a libation, they would not have taken the trouble of closing them again [Kessef Mishneh, Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.)]. At a time of war, however, if a battalion spread through a city and moved on, both are permitted,69The Kessef Mishneh states that if a barrel was closed and it is discovered open, it is forbidden. For we see that the soldiers did have time to touch the wine. because they do not have time to make libations.
הלכה כה
עַכּוּ''ם שֶׁנִּמְצָא עוֹמֵד בְּצַד הַבּוֹר שֶׁל יַיִן אִם יֵשׁ לוֹ מִלְוֶה עַל אוֹתוֹ הַיַּיִן הֲרֵי זֶה אָסוּר מִפְּנֵי שֶׁלִּבּוֹ גַּס בּוֹ שׁוֹלֵחַ יָדוֹ וּמְנַסֵּךְ. וְאִם אֵין לוֹ עָלָיו מִלְוֶה הַיַּיִן מֻתָּר בִּשְׁתִיָּה:
כסף משנה
25.
[The following laws apply when] a gentile is discovered standing next to a cistern of wine [belonging to a Jew]. If [the Jew] owes him a debt for which this wine serves is collateral, [the wine] is forbidden.70The Kessef Mishneh explains the Rambam's ruling as follows: If the wine is security for a debt owed the gentile, the gentile will certainly not be considered a thief for touching the wine. Therefore it is forbidden. If the wine is not considered as security for a loan, when the gentile would be considered as a thief, the wine is permitted. When he would not be considered as a thief, it is forbidden. Since he feels privileged, he will extend his hand and make a libation. If it is not collateral for a debt, it is permitted to drink the wine.71This applies even if the Jew owes him money, and the loan is due, but he has not designated the wine as security for the debt [Rashi (Avodah Zarah 60a); Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 128:2)].הלכה כו
זוֹנָה עַכּוּ''ם בִּמְסִבָּה שֶׁל יִשְׂרָאֵל הַיַּיִן מֻתָּר שֶׁאֵימָתָן עָלֶיהָ וְלֹא תִּגַּע. אֲבָל זוֹנָה יִשְׂרְאֵלִית בִּמְסִבַּת עַכּוּ''ם יֵינָהּ שֶׁלְּפָנֶיהָ בְּכֵלֶיהָ אָסוּר מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהֵן נוֹגְעִין בּוֹ שֶׁלֹּא מִדַּעְתָּהּ:
כסף משנה
26.
When a gentile harlot is present at a Jewish feast, the wine is permitted. For she is in dread of them and will not touch [the wine].72Although the Jews are willing to give in to their lust for forbidden relations, they are not suspect to drink gentile wine (Avodah Zarah 69b). Even the gentile harlot realizes this. When, however, a Jewish harlot is present at a gentile feast, her wine73I.e., wine that she herself brought. that is before her in her utensils is forbidden, for [the gentiles] will touch it without her consent.74Since they are employing her as a harlot, they look down upon her and show no consideration for her religious obligations.הלכה כז
עַכּוּ''ם הַנִּמְצָא בְּבֵית הַגַּת אִם יֵשׁ שָׁם לַחְלוּחִית יַיִן כְּדֵי לִבְלל הַכַּף עַד שֶׁתִּבְלל הַכַּף לְכַף שְׁנִיָּה צָרִיךְ לְהָדִיחַ כָּל בֵּית הַגַּת וִינַגֵּב. וְאִם לָאו מֵדִיחַ בִּלְבַד וְזוֹ הַרְחָקָה יְתֵרָה:
כסף משנה
27.
[The following laws apply when] a gentile is discovered in a winepress:75I.e., a winepress that does not contain any wine, except for some remnants on the floor. If there is enough moisture from wine that when one places his hand in it, [the hand] will become moist to the extent that if it touches his other hand, that hand will become moist,76This is the meaning of the Hebrew phrase tofach al minat litfiach. it is necessary to wash out the winepress thoroughly and dry it out.77Applying water and ashes, as stated in Chapter 11, Halachah 20. If this amount is not present, all that is necessary is to wash it out thoroughly. This is an extra measure of stringency.78We are not certain that the gentile try to touch the wine. Even if he did try to touch the wine, there is no reason for a prohibition, for we are speaking of a dry winepress. Hence washing it out is certainly sufficient (Radbaz).הלכה כח
חָבִית שֶׁצָּפָה בַּנָּהָר אִם נִמְצֵאת כְּנֶגֶד עִיר שֶׁרֻבָּהּ יִשְׂרָאֵל מֻתֶּרֶת בַּהֲנָיָה. כְּנֶגֶד עִיר שֶׁרֻבָּהּ עַכּוּ''ם אֲסוּרָה:
כסף משנה
28.
[The following rules apply with regard to] a barrel floating in the river. If it was found near a city populated primarily by Jews, we are permitted to benefit from it.79The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 129:17) quotes this law as applying only in situations when there are obstructions in the river that prevent wine from being carried down the river from other places. In such a situation, we follow the principle of rov, i.e., since the majority of the city's inhabitants are Jewish, we assume that the barrel came from one of them. We are, nevertheless, forbidden to drink the wine. See the notes to the following halachah. Near a city populated primarily by gentiles, it is forbidden.הלכה כט
מָקוֹם שֶׁהָיוּ רֹב מוֹכְרֵי הַיַּיִן בּוֹ יִשְׂרְאֵלִים וְנִמְצְאוּ בּוֹ כֵּלִים גְּדוֹלִים מְלֵאִים יַיִן וְהֵם כֵּלִים שֶׁדֶּרֶךְ הַמּוֹכְרִין לְבַדָּם לִכְנֹס בָּהֶם הַיַּיִן הֲרֵי אֵלּוּ מֻתָּרִין בַּהֲנָיָה. חָבִית שֶׁפְּתָחוּהָ גַּנָּבִים אִם רֹב גַּנָּבֵי הָעִיר יִשְׂרָאֵל הַיַּיִן מֻתָּר בִּשְׁתִיָּה וְאִם לָאו אָסוּר:
כסף משנה
29.
In a place where most of the wine merchants are Jewish, if one discovers large containers that are generally used only by wine merchants to store wine and which are filled with wine, it is permitted to benefit from [the wine].80In his Kessef Mishneh, Rav Yosef Caro questions the Rambam's ruling. The Rambam's logic appears to be that since it is obvious that the wine came from a wine merchant and most of the wine merchants are Jewish, we follow the majority and rule that the wine is permitted. Nevertheless, since the majority of the inhabitants of the town are gentile, we forbid drinking the wine. The Kessef Mishneh asks: "If we fear that the gentile touched the wine, it should be forbidden to benefit from it as well. And if not, it should be permitted to drink it." Indeed, he proposes that perhaps the Rambam's intent is that it is permitted to benefit only from the barrels. In his Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 129:19), he follows the Rambam's ruling. Based on his Beis Yosef, it is possible to explain that we are speaking about closed barrels. We assume that had a gentile opened them and touched the wine, he would not have closed them again. Alternatively, since we do not know for certain that the gentile touched the wine, we do not forbid benefiting from it.When a barrel has been opened by thieves, if most of the local thieves are Jewish, it is permitted to drink the wine. If not, it is forbidden.