Drinking on Purim

Drinking alcohol has been part of Purim observance for thousands of years. The source of the custom is from the Talmud in the tractate known as Megillah: “Rava said: A man is obligated to drink on Purim until he does not know the difference between ‘Cursed Haman’ and ‘Blessed Mordechai.’”

This passage has been widely misinterpreted. Few would advocate taking it literally. Why? See last post – Is Pasht Nisht – it’s beneath your honor.

Unlike Islam Judaism thinks a little alcohol isn't a bad thing. They just want us to know what we are doing. The Talmud had no breathalyzer, but they did have a system to measure levels of impairment: First is “Sheetooee”. I would translate this as “slightly buzzed.” How buzzed? He/she shouldn’t really be davening, but if he does, it’s OK. Why? Because the sages say he’d be O.K. to approach a King. Likewise the King of Kings.

Second is “Sheekur” (like the Yiddish “Shikker”). Here a person is too drunk to daven, but is still held responsible for his actions. His business deals stick. He is still bound by halacha (Jewish Law).

The 3rd level is “Shikrootoe Shel Lot” – as drunk as Lot, Abraham’s nephew (see Genesis 19:31-39). Lot was clearly drunk out of his mind. A person this smashed is not held reliable for halacha, business dealings, or just about anything else. He’s out of control.

Is this the kind of drinking Rava was talking about? Hardly! Judaism is all about self control! So what’s it all about?

It’s not talking about drinking at home or in a bar. It’s talking about celebrating Purim with your family and friends in a Jewish communal setting. Letting loose (within moderation) is good for you if it allows you to see past initial impressions. Letting your guard down within the community setting is healthy, from time to time. It’s hard to hold a grudge on Purim – and maybe that’s the whole idea.