The Rama (Orach Chaim 183:2) ruled that there is no strict requirement to add water to our wine, as the wines produced today are not strong enough to require dilution. However, the Beit Yosef cited the Midrash HaNe’elam (Ruth), stating that there is a “great secret” (mystical significance) in adding water to the wine of the blessing; this was also brought down by the Mishnah Berurah (sub-section 6).

Consequently, the Arizal (Sha’ar HaMitzvot, Ekev), the Ben Ish Chai, and the Kaf HaChaim elaborated that this act performs a powerful “sweetening of the judgments” (Hamtakat HaDinim), as mentioned in the Zohar (Parashat Balak).

When to add the three drops of water:

There is a difference of opinion regarding the exact moment to add the three drops of water to the wine:

• According to the Mishnah Berurah (sub-section 5): Based on the Beit Yosef, the drops should be added at the beginning of the second blessing, “Nodeh Lecha” (“We thank You”).

• According to the Arizal: The drops are added while reciting the words “V’achalta v’savata u’verachta et…” (“And you shall eat and be satisfied and bless…”). This is because the word “Et” (את) corresponds to the spiritual attribute of Malkhut (Kingship/Sovereignty).