The Jewish Drinking Show

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

IntroductionAs 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 GuestMendy 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 Stamps0:00 Welcome0:35 Introduction to guest2:42 Introduction to topic3:35 The end of Kedem vermouths6:56 The expansion of options in the past 4-5 years in kosher-certified vermouths9:35 Lovatelli vermouths17:30 Considering vermouths for cocktails20:30 Martini & Rossi special runs of kosher-certified vermouths23:36 Hajdu vermouth & Dalton vermouth27:01 Twin Suns vermouths31:12 Yzaguirre vermouth32:53 Further obituary for Kedem vermouths33:27 Q&A47:19 Wrapping-up47:59 Thank you & L'chaim! Support the showThank you for listening!If you have any questions, suggestions, or more, feel free to reach out at Drew@JewishDrinking.coml'chaim!

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

IntroductionPhilo 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 GuestRabbi 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 showThank you for listening!If you have any questions, suggestions, or more, feel free to reach out at Drew@JewishDrinking.coml'chaim!

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

IntroductionHaving 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 GuestRabbi 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.SourcesTextual sources for this episode are available here.Beer RecommendationFor 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 showThank you for listening!If you have any questions, suggestions, or more, feel free to reach out at Drew@JewishDrinking.coml'chaim!

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

IntroductionFollowing 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 GuestRabbi 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 SourcesTextual sources for this episode are available here.Time Stamps0:00 Welcome0:36 Introduction to Rabbi David Fried1:06 Introduction to the Topic2:00 The Talmudic Drinking Story8:10 How the Rishonim Consider the Parameters of Kiddusha Rabbah22:32 How the Rishonim Dealt With the Potential of Non-Wine for Kiddusha Rabbah35:46 Wrapping-up36:41 L'chaim Support the showThank you for listening!If you have any questions, suggestions, or more, feel free to reach out at Drew@JewishDrinking.coml'chaim!

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

IntroductionGrapes 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 GuestProf. 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 showThank you for listening!If you have any questions, suggestions, or more, feel free to reach out at Drew@JewishDrinking.coml'chaim!