In Vayikra (10:9) we learn that we cannot perform Temple services while inebriated. Yesterday's Mishna spoke of one who drank a revi'it, a quarter of a log, of wine and the entered the Temple and stayed there for long enough that keday achilat peras, enough time/consumption has happened and the accused will be liable for punishment. Rabbi Elazar argues that if he does not drink all of the wine or if the wine was mixed with water, he is not liable.
A barita is quoted by the Gemara regarding Viyikra's quotation. We learn that Rabbi Elazar's teaching is grounded on his interpretation of the pasuk where drinking wine is forbidden if it is drunk in a manner that will lead to drunkenness. If it is diluted or if the drink is consumed slowly, he will not be liable. Rabbi Yehuda has a different interpretation: a person who drinks wine and entree the Temple will be liable to receive a death penalty. Drinking other intoxicating beverages is not permitted, either, but there is no death penalty associated with the transgression.
The Gemara teaches another of Rabbi Yehuda's baraita: someone who eats a de'veila ke'ilit and drinks honey or milk before entering the Temple to perform the service will be liable to receive lashes.
The Gemara identifies another baraita with Rabbi Yehuda’s teaching. According to the baraita, someone who eats a deveila ke’ilit, a dried fig from Judea, and drinks honey or milk before entering the Temple to perform the service will be liable to receive lashes. This is because the sugar in these figs would ferment quickly and turn to alcohol. If the liver could not process these sugars quickly enough, the user might experience nausea and dizziness like what some experience after drinking alcohol.
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