Why does the Torah insert here the Parshah of Avodah after drinking wine?
Seforno: Refer to 10:1:1:2*.
Hadar Zekenim: To teach us that, although one gives wine to other Avelim, 1 Kohanim are forbidden to drink it before entering the Ohel Mo'ed. 2
As the Pasuk writes in Mishlei 31:16 "T'nu Sheichar le'Oveid ve'Yayin le'Marei Nafesh".
Da'as Zekenim: Wine brought death and curses to the world, exile to the ten tribes, and leads to awesome Aveiros - as the Torah write in Ha'azinu Devarim, 32:32 "Anavemu Invei Rosh Ashkelos. Ashk'los Meroros Lamo." It is therefore appropriate for Kohanim not to drink wine before serving in the Ohel Mo'ed. Moshav Zekenim: This is the only Pasuk in T'nach that begins with the wor "Yayin" - because it brought lamenting to the world -. Nadav and Avihu had drnk wine, and the Pri Etz ha'Da'as was grapes..
What are the implications of "Yayin ve'Sheichar Al Teisht"?
Rashi and Ramban #1 (both citing Kerisos, 13b): It implies that a Kohen may not drink wine in a manner that intoxicates 1 before performing the Avodah. It does not include other intoxicants. 2
Targum Yonasan, Ramban #2 (citing the Rambam) and Moshav Zekenim: "Sheichar" incorporates all intoxicating beverages.
Ramban and Moshav Zekenim citing the Sifra: This precludes wine that has been diluted, or if one pauses whilst drinking a Revi'is.See also Torah Temimah, note 15, who elaborates.
Which we learn from a Gezeirah Shavah "Sheichar-Sheichar" from Nazir, in Naso, Bamidbar, 6:3.
The Torah only prohibits drinking wine before entering the Heichal. What if a Kohen drinks wine before approaching the Mizbe'ach in the Azarah?
Rashi and Ramban (citing the Sifra): We learn from washing one's hands and feet, 1 for which the Torah equates approaching the Mizbe'ach to entering the Heichal, that the same applies to drinking wine.
Via a Gezeirah Shavah 'Bi'as Ohel Mo'ed' from 'Bi'as Ohel Mo'ed' (Rashi).
What does the Isur of entering the Ohel Mo'ed or approaching the Mizbe'ach after drinking wine entail?
Ramban and Moshav Zekenim, (citing the Sifra): It entails actually performing the Avodah in the Heichal 1 or on the Mizbe'ach after having drunk wine. 2 Entering the Heichal S'tam is only Asur mi'de'Rabbanan. 3
Though according to the Rambam, it is only the Chiyuv Misah that requires performing the Avodah; the La'av applies even the moment the Kohen enters the Mikdash (Ramban).
Which Avodos are invalidated through the Kohen drinking wine?
Why does the Torah insert "Atah u'Vanecha Itach" before "be'Vo'achem el Ohel Mo'ed"?
Sifra: To teach us a. that the Kohen is Chayav even if he drinks wine bfore exiting the Ohel Mo'ed and b. that the same Din applies to a Kohen who drinks wine before approaching or leaving the Mizbe'ach. 1
Sifra: Though he is only Chayav Misah if he drinks wine and performs the Avodah. See ha'Torah ve'ha'Mitzvah, 37. Refer to 10:9:4:1***.
Why does the Torah add the (otherwise superfluous) word "Atah u'Vanecha Itach"?
Sifra: "Itach", 'be'Domin lach'. It is only a Kohen who is KAsher like Aharon, who invalidates the Avodah if he enters the Ohel Mo'ed or who approaches the Mizbe'ach, but not if he is a Chalal (Pasul li'Kehunah) or a Ba'al-Mum. 1
It is not however, clear, why this D'rashah is necessary, since the Torah explicitly writes "be'Vo'achem el Ohel Mo'ed".
What are the ramifications of "Chukas Olam le'Doroseichem"?
Zevachim, 17b: It teaches us that the Chiyuv Misah for performing the Avodah after drinking wine applies to all generations. 1
And the same sapplies to performing the Avodah without washing hands and feet and without wearing the four Bigdei Kehunah ? in connection with which the Torah also writes "Chukas Olam".
QUESTIONS ON RASHI
Rashi writes that only wine is forbidden. What is the difference between wine and other intoxicants?
The Moshav Zekenim leaves this question unanswered.
