2,405. Hiding Among the Barrels

Maachalos Assuros 12:22

Similar to the previous halacha, if a lion roared or something similarly scary occurred, causing the non-Jew to flee and hide among open barrels, the wine remains permitted because he will consider the possibility that a Jew is also hiding there and will see if he touches the wine.

Maachalos Assuros 12:23

Let’s say there was a wine cellar with open barrels. A non-Jew stored wine in that inn and he was found standing among the Jew’s open barrels. If he was scared when he was found and he could be considered a thief, the wine remains permitted because his fear deprived him of the opportunity to pour a libation. If he wouldn’t be considered a thief and he feels secure there, then the wine is rendered prohibited. If a young child is found among the barrels, the wine remains permitted regardless of whether he could be considered a thief.