Here’s to drinking on Purim — but not to excess
A person is obligated to drink on Purim until one no longer knows the difference between “cursed be Haman” and “blessed be Mordechai.”
One of the traditions of Purim is to drink alcohol, often to excess, as a way to celebrate the holiday.
But the Sages never recommended that we drink ourselves senseless. Apart from the damage done to our liver, brain, pancreas, etc., getting ourselves smashed is no religious experience. A person is obligated to drink on Purim until one no longer knows the difference between “cursed be Haman” and “blessed be Mordechai.” (Talmud, Megillah 7b)
If all drinking does is make you sick or do stupid things, then it goes against everything that Purim is about. If you are planning to drive, or you know that drinking can otherwise get you in trouble, then alcohol might as well not be a part of your celebration.
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The phrase “until one cannot distinguish between ‘cursed be Haman’ and ‘blessed be Mordechai’” suggests reaching a state of inebriation where the boundary between the villain, Haman, and the hero, Mordechai, becomes blurred. This is interpreted not only as a physical blur but also as a spiritual or mental one, symbolizing the idea that in the story of Purim, good and evil may sometimes be difficult to discern.
It’s important to recognize that while alcohol consumption is a customary aspect of Purim for numerous people, it should be approached with responsibility. The focal point of the holiday lies in fostering joy, celebrating and strengthening communal bonds, rather than solely indulging in excessive drinking.
Wines I recommend to drink for Purim (all under $20):
Capcanes Peraj Petita (Mevushal), Spain: A wine that is a blend, with Garnacha (Grenache) being the primary grape. This wine is bright, lively and easy to drink. It is a wine I drink year-round.
Dalton Canaan Red (Mevushal), Israel: A funky blend; this one has Syrah, Cabernet, Merlot and Petite Sirah. It is a medium-bodied wine that would go well with a piece of meat or a slice of pizza.
Sforno Malbec/Syrah (Mevushal), Argentina: A great value wine. This wine offers balance, has good structure and reasonable elegance for being such an inexpensive wine.
Ben Ami Zmora White (Mevushal), Israel: A mildly sweet white, with the lead grape being Riesling. It has tropical and fruity notes with very nice structure for such a reasonably priced wine.
I hope everyone has a fabulous Purim. PJC
Uriel Marcovitz is a former restaurateur in Pittsburgh. He studies wine with the Court of Master Sommelier and holds advanced-level sommelier status.
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