Rabbis warn about Purim drinking
The Rabbinical Council of Victoria has added its voice in pleading to the community to control the intake of alcohol during Purim which starts this evening.
Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant
The RCV has issued the following statement: “It’s no Mitzvah to get drunk on Purim” With the approach of Purim, a festival which celebrates the victory of the Jewish nation over our adversaries, the RCV wishes to remind the community of its obligations in relation to the Mitzvot of Purim, specifically:
• Hearing the Megilla (Scroll of Esther);
• Sending Mishloach Manot (gifts of food); • Giving Matanot Laevyonim (charity to the poor); and
• Having a Seudah (Purim meal)
The RCV is also mindful that there are those in the community who, in the name of Jewish Law encourage people to become intoxicated on this day. RCV President, Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant said, “Jewish law makes it abundantly clear that drinking alcohol in a manner that threatens one’s health and well-being, or the health and well-being of other members of the community, or makes one prone to behaviour which brings embarrassment and disrepute to individuals or the community in general, is completely and utterly forbidden”. “In addition, the providing of alcohol to those underage is not only inappropriate, it is illegal”, said Rabbi Kluwgant. The RCV wishes the entire community a happy and safe Purim.
