Kohanim and Four Cups

The Talmud in Masechet Taanit explained that all of the Kohanim were on duty in the Beit Hamikdash during the three pilgrimage festivals.

The question was asked how they were able to fulfill the Mitzva of drinking four cups of wine on Passover. They were not allowed to serve if they were even slightly intoxicated.

There were several possible answers to this question. They might have been exempt from this Mitzva because of their Temple duties. Similarly, they were exempt from prayers if time did not allow. When one is involved with one Mitzva, he is exempt from another Mitzva.

They may have adjusted the scheduling so that they could drink after they completed their duties. They calculated when there would no longer have effects of the wine.

A final answer was that even though the wine poured on the altar needed to be strong, the Kohanim were able to drink the equivalent of our grape juice that is not intoxicating.

Even the Kohanim of today should try to remain sober at all times. For if the Temple is suddenly rebuilt, sober Kohanim needed to be available to perform Temple service.