Kehillat Ma'arav - Santa Monica, CA | Conservative Synagogue

Voice Articles

Home > Education > Voice Articles > The Cantor's Voice > March 2007

The Cantor's Voice
March 2007

Our tradition forces us to consider an approach to alcohol during this time of the year. Whether we like it or not, wine (specifically wine and not other alcohol) is part of a traditional celebration of both Purim and Pesach.

Regarding Purim, there is overwhelming misunderstanding regarding the consumption of alcohol. Many people are aware of Rava's famous statement in the Talmud, Tractate Megillah 7B, that one should drink on Purim until one can't tell the difference between "Cursed is Haman" and "Blessed is Mordechai."

Fewer people relate the incident that is described immediately thereafter: One year, Rabbah hosted Rav Ziera for the Purim Seudah. They overdid the drinking and got drunk. Rabbah got so drunk that he cut Rav Zeira's throat, mortally wounding him. Rabbah prayed and Rev Zeira recuperated.

The following year, Rabbah asked Rav Zeira if he would like to join him for the Purim Seudah again. Rav Ziera wisely declined. When Rabbah asked why, Rav Zeira responded, "One cannot rely on a miracle happening a second time."

Passover presents another us with another encounter with wine. As most of us know, there are four opportunities to consume wine (and a fifth, separate opportunity to simply pour a cup of wine) during the Passover Seder, as a recollection of the four (five) times that the Torah speaks about redemption from Egypt. There are sources that tell us how much wine must be consumed (3.3 ounces) and even how to drink it (finish it in two gulps).

Shir HaShirim, the Song of Songs, tells us that God's love is more delightful than wine. Why? Because the effects of wine leave our systems, whereas the observance of God's commandments has its effects in this world and in the world to come (Olam Haba).

In our modern times, many of us drive to a Passover Seder, whether it be at a family member's home, friend's home, or the synagogue. Four cups of wine will impair most adults, even if consumed with food.

My strong recommendation is that adults (children should be drinking unfermented wine i.e. grape juice) drink either one or two cups of wine -- maximum -- and then finish the seder with grape juice, or simply reduce the amount of wine as the seder progresses, giving our bodies ample time to absorb the alcohol so that we might not drive home impaired.

Handing the keys to someone who is not drinking is always a wise thing to do. The rabbinic principle of dina d'malchuta dina -- following the laws of our land -- certainly apply here.

Let's celebrate this joy-filled time of the year a) in keeping with our customs and traditions and b) in a safe and legal way.

May God bless you and your family during these wonderful festivals.

Keith Miller
Hazzan
Director of Education