Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, a psychologist and executive director of the Orthodox Union, emails:
Dear Friends: We hope this letter finds you eagerly anticipating the wonderful holiday of Purim. Celebrating the miracle of Purim is a most enjoyable time for our community. It is a time to celebrate our deliverance from the danger of extinction as a people. Unfortunately, however, the Orthodox community has experienced tragedy as a result of accidents related to excessive drinking. Excessive drinking poses serious health risks for the inebriated as well as those around them. Purim simcha is appropriate but the kind of reckless drinking that takes place in many circles is not in the spirit of Yahadut. In today’s climate, where youngsters have increased access to all types of excesses, having too many drinks on Purim leads to future problems. Many teens who have fallen away from a stable life situation point to a drink at a “Kiddush Club,” a drink on Purim, or a smoke at a Purim party as the starting point for their addiction. We are therefore asking parents to join together and carefully monitor their children over Purim. It is important to know where and with whom your teens will be throughout the holiday. Please talk to your children about the dangers of drinking. In this way, we can ensure that we all experience a Purim only filled with Orah, Simcha, Sasson, V’ykar.
