Avodah Zarah, Daf Nun Zayin, Part 4

 

Introduction

The Talmud goes back to discussing the statement attributed in the last section to R. Nachman.

 

גופא אר"נ אמר שמואל הלוקח עבדים מן העובדי כוכבים אע"פ שמלו וטבלו עושין יין נסך עד שתשקע עבודת כוכבים מפיהם וכמה א"ר יהושע בן לוי עד שנים עשר חדש

 

The text states: R. Nahman said in the name of Shmuel: If [an Israelite] bought slaves from an idolater, although they had been both circumcised and immersed, they render wine nesekh until idolatry is entirely banished from their lips.

How long is this? R. Joshua b. Levi said: Up to twelve months.

 

When slaves are bought from idolaters they are expected to adopt Judaism. They are circumcised, immerse in the mikveh, and essentially become Jews. However, we know that this was not a conversion by choice. It is the only type of forced conversion that is possible in Judaism. These slaves, who had previously served in a pagan home, will still be accustomed to blessing their gods every time they drink wine. Therefore, any wine they touch is yayin nesekh unti they forget their idolatrous ways. According to R. Joshua b. Levi, this takes twelve months.