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Based on this the wine would be forbidden if it was left unattended and uncovered even for a very short time, whether during the night or day. However the Shulchan Aruch goes on to say that nowadays that snakes are not common in our houses this prohibition does not apply. So, unless the drink was left uncovered in a place where there are snakes, it is permitted to drink it.
Some have a stringer opinion and refrain from drinking drinks that were left uncovered even though they live in locations where there are no snakes. The Vilna Gaon for example believed that it is dangerous for spiritual reasons to drink things left uncovered. Others are strict because they argue that once the Rabbis enacted an edict to forbid uncovered drinks we are not able to rescind the edict, even when it does not seem to apply. If one follows these stricter opinions it is important to know that there are various definitions of exactly what is considered "uncovered" and how long and in what situations it becomes forbidden. For example drinks left in a fridge are not forbidden and so too if someone was guarding the drink (like at the Seder Night).
As we said though, the basic halacha is as the Shulchan Aruch rules – uncovered drinks are permitted.
Uncovered wine for Kiddush
There is a question about using such wine for Kiddush. The Shulchan Aruch (Orech Haim, 272,1) writes that wine that had been left uncovered should not be used for Kiddush. The reason is that Kiddush wine should be of a fine quality for the honour of the mitzvah. Wine left uncovered, which lowers it quality, should, preferably not be used. There is some discussion about the length of time being left uncovered is problematic in this issue – some people learning from Seder night when we pour the second cup a long time before drinking it, and others rejecting that proof (see Shmirat Shabbat KeHilchatah 47,18 and the footnotes). None the less, if it was left out uncovered all night, one should not use it for Kiddush (see the Aruch HaShulchan 272,5).
In summary – wine left uncovered overnight should not be used for Kiddush, but, according to the basic halacha, it may be drunk. There are those who are strict and refrain from drinking wine, water or milk that was left uncovered and unsupervised, and they have halachic opinions upon whom to rely.
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
