Message from Rabbi
Abraham J. Twerski, M.D.
To our esteemed rabbis and community leaders:
As you know, I have been alerting the community of the increasing problem of
alcohol abuse and marijuana smoking among Jewish adolescents. It is
unfortunate that many people still do not accept that some of our own
children are involved. This is happening to children from the finest
families.
Given the gravity of the problem and the ineffectiveness of prevention
programs, the very least we can do is to avoid encouraging intoxication.
Purim is soon upon us, and many people drink to excess because of the
mistaken notion that there is a "mitzvah" to get drunk on Purim. Rabbi
Shneur Zalman in his Shulchan Aruch (529) says, "It is impossible to serve
Hashem either in levity or drunkenness." One of the final authorities on
halacha, the Chafetz Chaim in Mishna Berura (695) states clearly that the
proper thing to do is not to drink to intoxication, but rather to drink just
a bit more than is customary (which would be a glass or two of wine), and go
to sleep. This is the proper way to fulfil "not distinguishing between
'cursed be Haman' and 'blessed be Mordechai.' "
There is certainly no justification for drinking anything but wine. Aruch
Hashulchan (695) condemns drinking spirits (liquor) in very sharp terms.
Alcohol intoxication is an abomination, and overriding the rulings of the
Baal Hatanya and the Chafetz Chaim by drinking to intoxication is
inexcusable.
Let us use good judgement on Purim. We should set a model for our children
by not drinking to excess and by supervising adolescents so that they do not
drink. We can all enjoy a safe, respectable Purim.
I invite you to affix your signature below, indicating your agreement and
support, and to distribute this letter throughout the community.
Sincerely,
Abraham J. Twerski, M.D.
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