Reply To: To Drink or Not to Drink?

“In our time, when alcohol abuse in our community, especially among our youth, has reached troublesome proportions, and when we hear so many stories of the tragic results of Purim drinking, it is important to reiterate strong words of caution. Although the message is out, there are still many who resist hearing it. Purim is a time for fun and celebration, not for drunkenness and its tragic consequences,” said Rabbi Weinreb.

Breaking the Law

While all members of the Jewish community should beware of the consequences of becoming inebriated, especially the danger of drunk driving, Rabbi Weinreb pointed out that, when teenagers consume alcohol, they are not only disobeying laws concerning underage drinking, they are also risking serious medical consequences.

NCSY Standard

NCSY has been firm and unrelenting in its commitment to end teenage drinking on Purim.

“Teenage drinking inevitably yields tragedy and must, therefore, come to an end,” said Josh Halpern, an NCSY member from Philadelphia who attends the Stern Hebrew High School in Bala Cynwyd, PA.

Zero Tolerance

Rabbi Steven Burg, International Director of NCSY, is aware that “too many youngsters still remain either unaware or unconvinced of the great risk alcohol intake on Purim poses.”

Nevertheless, he said he was thankful that so many NCSY members, as well as other teenagers, have heeded the warnings against the dangers of drinking alcohol.

“They agree with us that zero tolerance will still permit an enjoyable Purim,” he said.