Drunkenness in Early Rabbinic Literature: What the Mishnah and Tosefta Have to Say

What do our earliest Jewish texts say about alcohol and intoxication? In this session, Rabbi Drew Kaplan of Jewish Drinking will guide us through rabbinic sources from the Mishnah and Tosefta that explore drunkenness—its dangers, its permissibility, and its role in Jewish life. Together, we’ll examine how the rabbis navigated questions of self-control, joy, and communal norms—and consider how these ancient perspectives might speak to our own relationships with drinking today.

No prior experience with Mishnah, Tosefta, or drinking required!

Known for his personability, outstanding listening skills, and warm charisma, Rabbi Drew Kaplan brings to the rabbinate a sharply attentive eye to the texts of our tradition along with carefully considering intellectual history, as well as enjoying teaching them. In addition to writing and speaking about Jewish texts, he is also passionate about sharing them far and widely on the Internet.

In addition to his trailblazing Jewish Drinking initiative, showcasing the wisdom tradition, history, and more on drinking in Jewish life, which includes publishing The Jewish Drinking Show podcast, he currently serves as the Campus Rabbi for Cincinnati Hillel.

Drew received his BA in Jewish Studies from Indiana University in December 2003 and was ordained by Yeshivat Chovevei Torah in 2009. He lives in Cincinnati with his wife and children.

Who are these classes for?

Our classes are for everyone—whether you’re brand new to the topic or have been engaging with it for years, we encourage participation from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels. Unless otherwise noted, no prior knowledge or experience is needed. Not sure if a class is for you? Email us at Learning@Lehr.haus!

Why are there tickets at different prices?

Our tickets utilize a Pay-What-You-Can model so attendees can pay a range of prices based on what they are able to pay to allow for greater accessibility. Please select the price point that feels right for you.

Can I eat during class?

While we do not serve food in the study, you are welcome to order and enjoy drinks during class and join us for a meal before or after class. We highly recommend making a reservation if you know you'll be dining with us. Visit www.lehr.haus/reservation to check availability and book a table.