Does Purim Change the Rules?

I know you've spoken about the dangers of drinking in the past. Whether I agree or not with what you've said is irrelevant but I'm wondering with Purim coming up can we at least agree that for one day in the year when God himself commands us to drink we shouldn't have to deal with the rhetoric and judgments of the anti-alcohol people. My guess is these are the same people that never drink during the year and just don't like it to begin with. But for the rest of us how about we just let this go for the one day. 

You're correct that in the recent years when Purim comes around there are more and more warnings issued to parents and children about the dangers of drinking and alcohol poisoning. Some Yeshivas are addressing it and organizations like AMUDIM and MASK have always tried to better educate us especially around this time of year. It sounds like you feel our community has gone overboard. I'm not so sure. Have you ever spoken to a Hatzolah member who takes calls on Purim? Do you know how many people need to be rushed to the hospital as a result? Are you aware of the number of teens getting completely drunk including those that pass out? Who decides what's overreacting? 

In terms of God commanding us to drink I'm not a halachic authority so I can't give you any definitive answers but from what I've come to understand for many people, not only do they not have an obligation to drink but may actually likely forbidden from doing so. But I guess each person needs to inquire for themselves. As an aside, the zealousness of this mitzvah seems unparalleled to any other. I wonder why.

It's also important to point out that serving alcohol to minors (under 21) is illegal in New York (the law excludes the minor's parent if not given excessive amounts)  and can lead to criminal charges in some cases.  My intent is not to scare you or anyone else but rather to show that this goes beyond Purim and being Jewish. 

There's clearly an increase in addictive behaviors in our communities (including our teens) which has resulted unfortunately in an uptick of overdoses and deaths. While the vast majority of those resulted from opiate use, there were a number that were related to alcohol.  Is it fair for me to wonder about your own drinking habits and why this means so much to you? I don’t know if you have any children and what ages they might be, but I wonder if your opinion might change if your child wanted to get drunk on Purim with his/her friends.  I think if we were to speak to one family  

An important point here (regarding adults) is regarding the amount that's being consumed. While some people seem to be fully capable of having a few shots and then stopping, others seem more prone to getting completely drunk. Once that happens, judgment is completely impaired and it can lead to severe consequences. One mistake in getting behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated (or even after a few shots) can God forbid result in a serious injury or the end of a life. I'm sure nobody wants their Purim to end on a note like that. Am I being morbid? Am I overdoing it? Or am I advocating for a better-safe-than-sorry approach. I'd like to think it's the latter. I'll take my risks in other areas of life. I guess we all get to make that choice for ourselves.

Alexander Rand LCSW-R CASAC