This year, more than other years, it seems that our schools and community leadership have got it together and are trying to educate our youth and parents about the dangers of excessive drinking. I notice that all the Jewish Schools have been getting professionals to talk about this subject to the kids. Whether or not this helps is up for debate.
What seems to be the better message is the one in the video above from Aleinu in Los Angeles. It encourages parents to be aware of what their children are doing this Purim. This would seems to be common sense but it seems to me that some (many?) parents would rather party themselves than have to worry about their kids on Purim.
Rabbi Yossi Braun in Sydney has sent out a message about drinking on Purim which I believe puts this in perspective for everyone and especially for those who call themselves Lubavitch Chassidim. Although what he says is not new it bears repeating. Some of the pertinent paragraphs:
A significant improvement can be achieved if we adopt the takono (decree) of the Rebbe in relation to consumption of alcohol. The Rebbe has issued an edict that any person less than forty years of age should not drink more than four l’chaims, the total amount not exceeding a revi’is.
If the above takono is observed, it is highly unlikely that alcohol consumption will be a problem.
School age children up to and including secondary school students should not be given any vodka or whisky. Parents should join together and carefully monitor their children over Purim. Please talk to your children about the dangers of drinking. The key to all of the above is responsibility.
While some are of the erroneous opinion that this ruling of the Rebbe has no relevance to Purim, the Rebbe has made it clear on countless occasions that one ought to be equally cautious not to deviate from this instruction on Purim as on any other day. Even if there would be a doubt in this matter (which is not the case!), it is clear that safek lechumra – any doubt in this matter should result in acting stringently and abstaining from excessive drinking.
Mendy Pellin has produced this video which can be customised for Chabad Houses (and presumably others who want to publicise their Purim functions).
Maybe this will be more acceptable to those who sent nasty comments about the last video - which you will notice that I didn't allow to be published.
Most of us in Melbourne saw - or at least heard - Alex and Zelig's "Moshiach Mobile" on Purim. Photos of their unique vehicle made it to the Chabad.info website which features anything to do with the Moshiach campaign. I thought that it was a nice "Purimdic" way to get their message across.
Note: Any nasty comments will be deleted.
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Mendy Pellin and COL have released videos for Purim. If you have the time and patience you can watch them here. The COL video is above. To see Mendy Pellin click here.
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Purim is fast approaching and I have included some links to interesting Purim websites:
Another video from JEM taken at the Rebbe's Purim Farbrengen in 5732 (1972).
"Hop Kazak", "Jump, Cossack, Jump". Rabbi Aryeh Leib of Shpoleh, the "Shpoler Zeide", danced to this song in competition against a Cossack to gain the freedom of a poor, Jewish innkeeper.
I think that it is also worth spending 5 minutes listening to this week's Living Torah sicha on Chabad.org. The Rebbe discusses the challenges we face living in countries where we are free to practice yiddishkeit in any way that we choose. What the Rebbe says is even more relevant today than when it was said 27 years ago.
Dear Kehilla & Friends
We are happy to inform you that as of today Thursday 11 Adar - 1 March Rabbi Groner came home from hospital. Although he has regained some of his strength he is still basically in the same medical condition as he was in hospital with minimal movement of his legs and general body weakness. We hope and pray that Hashem sends him a full recovery very soon amongst all other cholei Yisroel.
Unfortunately, yesterday Rabbi Groner received news of his brother's passing in Israel - Reb Yaakov Groner obm. He therefore is now within a shiva period.
In light of all above Rabbi Groner has instructed us to inform the kehilla and friends the following:
Purim
Rabbi Groner wishes to celebrate Purim with his kehilla as much as his strength will allow him. Therefore Rabbi & Rebbetzin Groner's home will be open on Purim for the following times only:
Purim Day - Sunday 12.00 - 7.00pm - for visitors
Please be aware that Rabbi Groner will only be able to personally receive his visitors at irregular periods during the above times depending on his strength. However, a message may be passed on to him. Please also make your visit limited to 2 minutes.
For those who wish, it is Halachically permissible to send Mishloach Manos to a Rov of a kehilla who is an ovel (a mourner).
Purim Night - Sunday 9.30pm onwards - for Purim farbrengen (without music)
It is Halachically permissible for a Rov of a kehilla who is an ovel to hold a Purim farbrengen that is held regularly each year. As of yet we do not know if Rabbi Groner will attend the farbrengen and when. Regardless of this he strongly encourages all to keep up the tradition and participate in the farbrengen with increased simcha.
Nichum Aveilim
Rabbi & Rebbetzin Groner's home will only be open for nichum aveilim on:
Friday 2 March - 12.00 - 2.00pm & 4.00 - 5.30pm
Monday 5 March - 12.00 - 2.00pm & 4.00 - 5.30pm
Please be aware that Rabbi Groner will only be able to personally receive his visitors at irregular periods during the above times depending on his strength. However, a message may be passed on to him. Please also make your visit limited to 2 minutes.
Nichum Aveilim my also be performed on Purim (see times above)
General Visiting
After the above days we will assess Rabbi Groner's strength and ability to receive guests in the future. Therefore on all other times than above we request from all to refrain from visiting Rabbi Groner until furthur notice.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation!
Wishing you and you families a happy Purim and much health and many simchas.
Rabbi Groner's Family
Chaim Herzog's Chabad of Melbourne CBD seemingly had a successful Purim party yesterday. COL reports about it here.
Aish.com has created another of their pre-Yom Tov short movies. I like this one - see it here.
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