By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Sefas Tamim Foundation For those who drink, it is a sad reality that the price of both whiskeys and bourbons have shot up significantly – supposedly as a repercussion of the pandemic.  The price of grape tomatoes has also doubled, along with rising prices for meat and chicken. THE PRODUCT Its origin is in Kilmarnock Ayrshire Scotland, but is the most widely distributed brand of blended Scotch whiskey in the history of mankind.  Indeed, it is sold in almost every country in the world, with sales approaching some 150 million bottles each year. It is known as Johnnie Walker Scotch whiskey, and it comes in many versions. Red Label is 80 proof and is a blend of 35 grain and malt whiskies. It is intended for making mixed drinks. Black Label is 80 proof, is a blend of about 40 whiskies, each one of which is aged for at least 12 years. Blue Label is Johnnie Walker’s premium brand 80–86 proof blend with no age statement. Bottles are numbered serially and sold in a stunning silk-lined box accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. It is one of the most expensive blended Scotch whiskeys on the market, with prices of about $200 to $300 per bottle. THE PROBLEM Alas, it seems that some people may have the practice of putting the Red Label in the Blue Label bottle. Even if there is no monetary gain made here whatsoever, from a halachic view, this practice could possibly be as treif as the worm in a margarita. Why not subscribe to a weekly parsha sheethat deals with Emes – written by Rabbi Yair Hoffman?  Send an email with the word “Subscribe” in it to yairhoffman2@gmail.com THE PROHIBITION The prohibition is known as Gneivas Daas, fooling or deceiving others in physical practice. The Gemorah in Chullin (94a) cites Shmuel as saying that the prohibition applies to everyone. The Gemorah in Chulin 94a cites a Braisah which discusses four examples given by Rabbi Meir of things that are forbidden on account of the issue of Gneivas Daas. 1] It is forbidden to repeatedly invite someone to a meal when you know that he will refuse 2] It is forbidden to repeatedly offer gifts when you know that he will refuse 3] It is forbidden to appear to up a new barrel of wine (when one is actually opening it for a previous sale) unless one informs him of the real reason he has opened it [the underlying issue is that the wine will not last as long now that the barrel is open and it is a big favor to the guest, much like opening a brand new bottle of Blue Label would be nowadays] 4] It is forbidden to offer someone oil from an empty flask to anoint oneself when one knows full well that the person will refuse it. If, however, he is offering the oil to show (others – Rashi) his fondness for the person it is permitted. We see, therefore, that Gneivas Daas is violated even if there is a non-financial deception. This is true in the case of dressing up Red Label in Blue Label packaging at a Kiddush or simcha. WORSE THAN LYING In regard to the verse of midvar sheker tirchak stay […]

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