Thanks to the 1st Amendment, when the United States government restricted intoxicating liquors, religious organizations still had legal access to sacramental wine. Contrary to their Christian neighbors whose access was limited by the Church, Jews needed individual access which led to some wild stories about denominational conflict, cemetery lists, and impromptu ordinations.

Bio: Rabbi Matt Dreffin (he/him) was born and raised on the Gulf Coast of Florida, and he established Southern roots over many summers at URJ Camp Coleman in North Georgia. After receiving a BFA in Studio Art with a concentration in Hot Glass Sculpture at Tulane University, he co-managed a New Orleans glass studio for a few years before matriculating into the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion. Matt spent six years in Los Angeles earning his Masters in Jewish Education and Rabbinical Ordination while working at various synagogues. He was a senior staff member in the Education Division at the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life in Jackson, Mississippi, for nine years before joining T'ruah in 2022 to be their Manager of Rabbinic Education. A recipient of the Covenant Foundation’s Pomegranate Prize, Matt brings an educational lens to everything he leads—be it a lesson, presentation, or worship. His personal pursuits include exploring culinary delights, attempting to be a runner, and singing.