Q. It is common amongst men drinking together, whether Jewish or not today, to clink glasses. The origin to this may have been a superstition (keeping away evil spirits). Can this be done by Yidden?
A. There are a number of reasons for the origin of the custom of clinking glasses as a toast that are mentioned in the media. Some claim that the ritual evolved from efforts to prove that the drinks contained in the cups were not poisoned by mutually spilling the beverage into each other glass.
Others assert that by adding the "clink," a pleasant sound was made part of the experience, and wine glasses have come to be prized not only for their appearance but also for the tones they produce when struck. While some claim that indeed it was for driving away evil spirits.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that if this is done with the intention of following the traditions of other nations, on a custom that only they do for no practical benefit, it would be prohibited by dint of “you shall not follow their statutes.” (Vayikra 18: 3, and Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 178:1.) However, if it has already also become a tradition amongst Jewish people on that locality, it would be permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a.
Important Numbers
