Shalom, my dear friends. Today I want to talk to you about a topic on many people’s minds lately: Bud Light. You may have heard that this famous beer brand owned by Anheuser-Busch has been involved in some controversy, as reported by News agencies such as NBC News, because of its partnership with a transgender influencer named Dylan Mulvaney. Some people have called for a boycott of Bud Light, accusing it of promoting an agenda that goes against our values and beliefs. Others have defended Bud Light, saying it signifies inclusivity and diversity. What should we, as Orthodox Jews, think about this issue? Is Bud Light still a kosher product, even though it is associated with a lifestyle we do not endorse?
First, let me clarify that Bud Light is approved kosher by Star K as a well-respected and trusted rabbinic authority on kosher food and beverages. The ingredients and production process of Bud Light have not changed, and they comply with the strict standards of kosher law. Therefore, from a purely technical point of view, there is nothing wrong with drinking Bud Light, as long as you do so in moderation and responsibility.
However, as Orthodox Jews, we must also consider our choices’ ethical and moral implications. We must ask ourselves: what message are we sending by consuming a product supporting a cause that contradicts our Torah values? How does it affect our relationship with Hashem, our fellow Jews, and our non-Jewish neighbors? How does it influence our children and future generations?
The Torah teaches us that we are not only what we eat but also what we drink. Drinking can have a powerful impact on our behavior and judgment, as we learn from the stories of Noah, Lot, and others in the Tanakh. Drinking can also affect our identity and sense of belonging, as we see from the example of Esther, who refused to drink wine at the king’s banquet to preserve her Jewishness.
Therefore, I urge you to think carefully before you buy or drink Bud Light. I am not telling you to boycott or judge those who drink it. That is not my place or yours. But I ask you to be mindful of your actions’ consequences and weigh them against your values and principles. Remember that you are not only a consumer but also a Jew, a member of a holy nation with a covenant with Hashem.
Perhaps you can find another beer brand that is also kosher and does not involve itself in controversial issues, i.e., Coors Light, Or maybe you can drink something else altogether, like water or juice. Or perhaps you can abstain from drinking alcohol altogether, as some of our sages did. The choice is yours but make it wisely.
As for me, I will tell you what I do. I drink only kosher beer made by Jewish companies or companies that respect our traditions and beliefs. One such beer is He’Brew: The Chosen Beer, brewed by Shmaltz Brewing Company in New York. This delicious and refreshing beer celebrates our Jewish culture and history with humor and creativity. Each bottle has a unique label with a Jewish-themed name and slogan, such as Genesis Ale: In The Beginning, There Was Beer; Messiah Nut Brown Ale: The Beer You’ve Been Waiting For; or Funky Jewbelation: A Blend Of 8 Ales And Lagers Aged In Bourbon Barrels And Rye Whiskey Barrels.
By drinking He’Brew beer, I support a Jewish business that shares my values and vision. I also feel that I am honoring Hashem by enjoying one of His creations in a way consistent with His will. And I also think that I am having fun and being part of a community that loves beer and Judaism.
So next time you are thirsty for a cold beer, think about what you are drinking and why you are drinking it. And if you want to try something different and meaningful, give He’Brew beer a chance. You might be surprised by how good it tastes and makes you feel.
Thank you for listening to my sermon today. May Hashem bless you and keep you always.
But is it Kosher?
Oh, you’re still reading this. In that case, Bud Light was once one of the most popular beers in the United States. However, whether Bud Light is still kosher remains a concern for those who observe Jewish dietary laws. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question.
To determine if Bud Light is kosher, we must first understand what makes a food or beverage kosher. In Jewish law, dietary laws known as kashrut dictate what foods and drinks are permissible to consume. To be considered kosher, a food or beverage must meet specific criteria, including the source of the ingredients, the way the food is prepared, and the equipment used in the preparation process.
The main concern with beer is using non-kosher ingredients or un kosher equipment. In the case of Bud Light, the ingredients used in the brewing process, such as hops, barley, and yeast, are all considered kosher. However, non-kosher additives, such as flavorings or stabilizers, could render the beer non-kosher.
To address this concern, Bud Light has obtained kosher approval from Star K (view list of beers), one of the largest kosher certification agencies in the world. This means that Bud Light has undergone a rigorous inspection process to ensure that all of its ingredients and production processes meet the strict standards of kashrut.
In addition to obtaining kosher approval, Bud Light also ensures that its production equipment is properly cleaned and sanitized to prevent contamination with non-kosher substances. This helps ensure the beer remains kosher throughout the production process.
So, to answer the question of whether or not Bud Light is still kosher, the answer is yes. Bud Light has obtained kosher approval from a reputable agency and takes steps to ensure that its production processes meet the standards of kashrut. As such, those who observe Jewish dietary laws can confidently enjoy a cold Bud Light.
In conclusion, whether or not a food or beverage is kosher is essential for those who observe Jewish dietary laws. In the case of Bud Light, the beer has obtained kosher approval and takes steps to ensure that its production processes meet the standards of kashrut. As such, those who observe Jewish dietary laws can enjoy Bud Light without concerns unless one takes issue with their policies.
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Long Beach Beer Lab! Great brews. Great breads too!