Ask the Expert: Alcoholic on Purim – My Jewish Learning

Report on Celebrating Purim in Recovery: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Purim, a Jewish holiday traditionally associated with celebration, has often been linked to the practice of drinking alcohol to excess. This report examines the cultural context of drinking on Purim, the risks involved, and provides guidance for individuals recovering from alcoholism. The discussion integrates the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on health, well-being, and community support.

Background: The Tradition of Drinking on Purim

1. The Talmudic Origin: The Talmud (Megillah 7b) contains a statement by Rava that a person is obligated to drink on Purim until they cannot distinguish between “cursed be Haman” and “blessed be Mordechai.”
2. Warning Against Excess: A subsequent story involving Rabba and Rabbi Zeira illustrates the dangers of excessive drinking, including violence and regret.

Clarification of Religious Obligations

• There is no mitzvah (commandment) to become drunk on Purim.
• Key mitzvot include:
  • Celebrating the Purim meal
  • Reading the Megillah (Scroll of Esther)
  • Giving to the poor (tzedakah)
  • Sending gifts to friends
• The story that is often cited to justify drinking to excess is, in fact, a cautionary tale.

Guidance for Recovering Alcoholics and Community Responsibility

1. Individuals recovering from alcoholism are advised not to consume alcohol during Purim celebrations.
2. Communal and synagogue events should avoid promoting excessive drinking to prevent exacerbating alcoholism issues within the community.
3. Addressing the stereotype that alcoholism does not affect Jewish communities is critical to reducing stigma and encouraging access to help.
4. Organizations such as JACS (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons, and Significant Others) provide essential support services.

Integration with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • Promoting responsible behavior and supporting recovery aligns with ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
  • Preventing alcohol abuse reduces health risks and social harm.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • Combating stigma around alcoholism within minority communities supports social inclusion and equality.
• SDG 1: No Poverty
  • Encouraging generosity towards the poor during Purim reflects efforts to alleviate poverty and support vulnerable populations.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
  • Promoting safe and responsible celebrations fosters peaceful communities and reduces violence.

Conclusion and Recommendations

In conclusion, celebrating Purim responsibly, especially for those recovering from alcoholism, is essential for personal health and community well-being. Emphasizing the mitzvot of charity, celebration without excess, and community support aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Rabbinic guidance encourages prioritizing the happiness of the poor, orphans, widows, and strangers over lavish feasting or excessive drinking.

Summary of Key Actions

1. Recognize that there is no religious obligation to drink alcohol to excess on Purim.
2. Support individuals in recovery by providing alcohol-free celebration options.
3. Promote awareness and reduce stigma related to alcoholism within Jewish communities.
4. Encourage charitable giving and social support as central to Purim observance.
5. Align community practices with SDGs to foster health, equality, and peace.

Author

Rabbi Eric Woodward, Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel, New Haven, Connecticut

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses issues related to alcoholism, recovery, and community health, which directly relate to promoting well-being and reducing harmful substance use.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article addresses stigma within the Jewish community regarding alcoholism, highlighting the need to reduce social inequalities and promote inclusion.
3. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Emphasis on giving to the poor during Purim aligns with efforts to alleviate poverty and support vulnerable populations.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article references the dangers of alcohol-related violence and the importance of community responsibility, which connects to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including the poor and vulnerable.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 3.5 (Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment)
   • Indicators such as the prevalence of harmful alcohol use in the community and access to support services like JACS (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons, and Significant Others) are implied.
2. For SDG 10.2 (Social Inclusion)
   • Indicators related to stigma reduction and increased access to help for marginalized groups within the Jewish community are implied.
3. For SDG 1.3 (Social Protection for the Poor)
   • Indicators measuring charitable giving and support for the poor, orphans, widows, and strangers during Purim as a form of social protection and poverty alleviation.
4. For SDG 16.1 (Reduction of Violence)
   • Indicators such as rates of alcohol-related violence and deaths are implied by the cautionary story about the dangers of excessive drinking.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: myjewishlearning.com