The following is slated to appear in this coming week's Torah Tidbits (a weekly published by the OU Israel Center, Jerusalem). It was suggested that it be posted to fellow educators as well.
While acknowledging and appreciating the fact that there are many yeshivot who discourage inappropriate "celebration" of Purim and excessive drinking by their Talmidim - unfortunately, this is addressed to the others...
SHAME (very large and bold) on the Yeshivot and/or the Roshei Yeshiva and/or the Rabei'im who host and/or encourage and/or allow their talmidim to drink in excess on Purim, resulting in improper, inappropriate behavior that is completely removed from any mitzva or proper observance of Purim.
DOUBLE SHAME (large and bold) on the Yeshivot and/or the Roshei Yeshiva and/or the Rabei'im who host and/or encourage and/or allow their talmidim to attend Seudat Purim on Friday Purim late in the afternoon, when the drunken behavior is compounded by a serious disrespect to Shabbat, inappropriate or non-existent davening of Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv, and probably multiple halachic violations, as well. Talmidei Yeshiva should not have been roaming the streets on Leil Shabbat in their Purim costumes yelling and throwing up all over the street. Morning Seuda or early afternoon following Mincha, seems to work for most Jews, without need to dishonor the Shabbat.
[Side point: When the Purim Seuda is on TET-VAV (15th of Adar, Shushan Purim), it is questionable whether the Seuda should run into the night or not. - Friday or any other day of the week. Extension of a Seuda from YUD-DALET into the evening of TET-VAV is a common practice because of the Megila's reference to Y'MEI HAPURIM HA'EILEH. In Yerushalayim, the follow- ing day is after the Days of Purim". Especially, when Shabbat suffers.]
Added to the excessive drinking and the unacceptable behavior that usually accompanies drunkenness, and to the disrespect for Shabbat in the specific case of this year's Purim is the issue of CHILUL HASHEM.
One of the definitions of CHILUL HASHEM is for religious people - including TALMIDEI YESHIVA behaving in such a way that lowers the respect for Torah in the eyes of the beholder.
Dear Roshei Yeshiva and Rabei'im, ask around. Take a survey. Find out how upset and disgusted many, many good Jews are with the behavior of Talmidei Yeshiva on Purim. We are dealing with CHILUL HASHEM
I invite any Rosh Yeshiva or Rebbe to address these charges of abuse of drinking, disrespect to Shabbat, and Chilul HaShem.
Again, Kol HaKavod to yeshivot which see the problem and take steps to prevent it.
The above was written by me as a Jew, not as editor of Torah Tidbits nor as a veteran staff member of the OU Israel Center. - PC
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/28/2016 08:01PM by mlb.
