The Torah in Parashat Shemini (Vayikra 10:9) commands the Kohanim not to enter the Bet Ha’mikdash after drinking wine. This command includes also a prohibition forbidding issuing a Halachic ruling after drinking wine. The Sefer Hahinuch explains that this is forbidden because one’s mind should be clear and settled when he engages in the most important matters – serving G-d in the Bet Ha’mikdash, and learning Torah. These sublime activities require a proper state of mind and the ability to focus, and so the Torah forbade serving in the Mikdash and reaching Halachic decisions after drinking wine, which of course has a detrimental effect on a person’s mental faculties. A Kohen who performed Aboda (service) in the Bet Ha’mikdas after drinking wine is liable to Mita Bi’ydeh Shamayim (death at the hand of G-d, as opposed to execution by the court). The Aboda he performed is invalid, and must be repeated. Entering the Bet Ha’mikdash after drinking wine, without performing the Aboda, is forbidden by the Torah, but is punishable by Malkut, as opposed to Mita Bi’ydeh Shamayim. This is the view of the Rambam, which is the generally accepted position. The Ramban disagreed, and maintained that simply entering the Mikdash after drinking wine, without performing Aboda, is forbidden only Mi’de’rabbanan (by force of Rabbinic enactment). This prohibition applies to one who had drunk at least a Rebi’it (slightly more than 3 ounces) of wine which is at least forty days old. If a Kohen did not drink wine, but drank a different intoxicating beverage, he is forbidden from entering the Bet Ha’mikdash, but if he performs the Aboda, he is liable to Malkut, not Mita Bi’ydeh Shamayim, and the service he performed is valid. There is a separate obligation of “Mora Mikdash” which requires entering the grounds of the Bet Ha’mikdash in a state of awe and reverence. Thus, even a Yisrael who visits the Bet Ha’mikdash may not enter the site after he drank wine, when wearing torn clothing, or with long hair. (Kohanim may not enter the Bet Ha’mikdash if they haven’t taken a haircut in thirty days; for a Yisrael, it is permissible to enter the area of the Bet Ha’mikdash unless his hair is overgrown and he looks disrespectfully unkempt.) Learning Torah is permissible after drinking wine; this prohibition applies specifically to giving Halachic rulings. One who serves as the Posek (Halachic authority) for his community may not teach Halacha after drinking wine, because for such a person, teaching Halacha is no different from issuing Halachic rulings. The prohibition against entering the Bet Ha’mikdash after drinking wine of course applies only in the times of the Bet Ha’mikdash. However, the prohibition against issuing Halachic rulings after drinking wine applies at all times, even nowadays. It applies in all places, and to both men and women. A learned woman who is asked Halachic questions may not issue a ruling after drinking wine, just as this is forbidden for a male scholar.