Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Alcohol at the Purim Seudah

Hi,

One more note related to the Purim meal:

In today's earlier email I discussed the use of alcohol to enhance one's joy at the Purim feast.

I must stress something obvious: People should not give alcohol to minors to drink on Purim. It is not necessary for their fulfillment of any Mitzvah, and it is a foolish and dangerous practice.
I would also add that it would be better for adults not to drink on Purim with young children present, as even that may be misunderstood by those children.

The finest joy is joy which centers around a Mitzvah, and this is the essence of Purim - 4 Mitzvot (Megilah, Sending Gifts of Food, Giving to the Poor and having a Feast) which are about experiencing joy and spreading joy.

For more on this theme see Shaarei Teshuvah of Rav Chaim Margaliyot, Orach Chaim 697:2.

Have a great day,
Mordechai

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